disegno Karina Gentinetta opens at 1stdibs@NYDC

Everything was very hushed-hushed for the last couple of weeks as there was a lot of exclusive press involved, but when the doors opened for Elle Decor's grand opening party at the 10th floor of the New York Design Center on February 16, 2011, everything was anything but hushed-hushed. That is where I flew off to on Wednesday as my store, disegno Karina Gentinetta, is one of the 53 shops at the newly launched 1stdibs floor at the NYDC (at 200 Lexington Avenue).

As the New York Times wrote on Wednesday, "The online marketplace 1stdibs, which functions as a portal to more than 1,000 art and antiques dealers in the United States and Canada as well as Paris and London, is opening a physical showroom Friday. The new space, 1stdibs@NYDC, will display the wares of 53 dealers and occupy all 33,000 square feet of the 10th floor of the New York Design Center in Midtown.

'We felt that if we could create what 1stdibs is about in real life — a gathering of really good product in one place — that people would be interested,' said Michael Bruno, the company’s founder."

And I am simply honored and totally amazed that I am one of those 53 dealers. In all honesty, it has been a dream come true. I still pinch myself when I think that all of this was simply a distant dream -- an impossible venture sitting atop a pile of magazines on my bedroom floor -- just over a little year ago. In fact, just a year and a half ago, I was still practicing law, day in and day out, dreaming of doing what I truly wanted to do -- designing rooms and restoring beautiful vintage and antique furnishings. And, no, it wasn't that "I knew someone" or that I was connected with the powers that be in some way. I was/am a woman, a dreamer, a believer that all things can happen if you want them bad enough. No, I do not have a second income on which to fall back on (in fact, my husband is working with me right now). I just believe that wonderful things can and will happen. I have an enormous faith in the impossible. I wasn't always like that, trust me. But when events happen, like Hurricane Katrina, or the death of a parent, or the loss of everything (which is really something that happens to many of us in life), you begin to believe that if you can make it through those moments, then everything else in life is easy. As long as my children are safe, happy and healthy.... well, life is good and life is a wonderful gift regardless of all the challenges that come my way.

So I'm here to tell all of you out there who tell me how lucky I am or how much they wish they could do what I am doing, "You can do it too!!!! You are so lucky too!!!!" All you need (and I don't say this lightly because I know it is difficult to believe) is faith in yourself and faith that you can achieve anything you want to achieve in life. The road is not easy and it is scary at times when the bills come your way and you wonder "what the hell did I do??????" But there is always a window, a door to a life that you truly enjoy.

Okay, enough of me, let's show you pics of the 1stdibs floor at the New York Design Center. Previously open to the trade only, the NYDC has unlocked its doors to the public, allowing anyone to visit the 10th floor showroom (just take the dedicated express elevator). Whether you're a designer or a retail shopper, you can tour the fifty-three dealer booths in person.

Here is a sneak peek:

And then, there's my space which kind of looks like a fish out of water amidst all of the mid-century modern and industrial decor. But isn't that the story of my life?????

And as for the party -- well, you can see all the party pics at Patrick McMullan.com . Needless to say, it was a huge event with a huge turnout. Over 2,100 guests were in attendance and the champagne flowed from 5 pm until 9 pm. I was a bit overwhelmed by the crowd but everyone was extremely wonderful, kind and when they saw a piece of New Orleans in the Big Apple, they were taken back. My handcrafted Italian chandelier in the middle of the space captivated everyone's attention.

For me, it was truly an amazing experience and truly wonderful to be able to share a little of my world with the rest of the world.

The showroom will be open to the public and reachable by a dedicated express elevator. Information: (646) 293-6633, 1stdibs.com/nydc or email me directly at kgentinetta@gmail.com

Have a wonderful weekend!