click to enlarge R presents the second annual Collectors Series exhibition featuring the collection of Julio Espada. Espada’s apartment, referred to by friends as a "curio cabinet," holds innumerable examples of outstanding ceramics, furniture, glassware, textiles and objects made between 1880 and today. The objects on display at R represent Espada’s enormous passion for 20th Century design. Although there is an emphasis on mid-century designs, Espada displays them alongside found objects, unique turn-of the century French furniture, folk art and the sculptures of contemporary artist Alma Allen. click to enlarge Like the well-known home of design icons Charles and Ray Eames, Espada’s home is awash with colors, textures and forms that inspire him and designs that span an impressive breadth of eras, countries and styles. R’s unique hands-on installation offers an unparalleled opportunity to become part of Espada’s environment and experience the details that make these pieces extraordinary accents for a home. click to enlarge click to enlarge Designers of the 1950’s and 1960’s, particularly in America, Italy and the Scandinavian countries, produced some of the most useful and innovative glass, textiles and ceramics to date. Artists such as Kaj Franck and Timo Sarpaneva at the Nuutajarvi and Iittala Glassworks in Finland and the glassblowers at the Venini Glassworks in Italy transformed tabletops into settings of beauty and utility with their bold colors and animated handblown glass shapes. Textile artists like Finnish master Dora Jung and Marimekko’s Maija Isola took domestic and fashion textiles in new directions with striking craftsmanship, patterns and color combinations. Ceramicists, particularly in Denmark and Sweden, experimented with shapes and glazes to produce timeless, and peerless vessels. Used alongside iconic furniture by designers like Charlotte Perriand, Finn Juhl and Charles Eames who excelled in their craftsmanship, use of materials and innovative processes—these artifacts of Espada’s collection make up a fascinating landscape of great design. click to enlarge Since 1975 Espada’s career in the fashion industry has taken him around the world and fueled his passion for good design. A self-proclaimed "fanatic for beautiful shapes, forms and colors," Espada’s accomplishments include his own Julio line of clothing, as well as collections designed for Perry Ellis, Marc Jacobs, Esprit International and Emilio Pucci. Espada’s most recent work for the house of Pucci helped turn this small family business into an internationally recognized luxury brand. click to enlarge Visit the Alma Allen section of the website for more sculptures from the Julio Espada exhibition.