apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I have to check out this store. This is what I'd love to do for a living, since my father was born in Africa and my husband spent his childhood in Africa and Asia. But now I have to find either totally different merchandise or move to another city to not compete with Andrianna! ;)

Chucky, no report on Andrianna's marital status here, but she is pretty (and let's hope she is flattered and not scared by the posts)!

Wow - there are some beautiful objects in there.

Some of her primitive stuff reminds me of a friend's dad's furniture business; he builds furniture out of aged juniper wood. Most of his stuff is way too rustic for my taste, but he makes these bowls with turquoise or amber or other stones worked in so they look like part of the wood grain. They're so beautiful - www.andysanchez.com/gallery_bowls3.htm

This is a really interresting place. I'll stop by to check out the products and see if Adrianna sport a ring on her annular (is that the correct english word?).

Max did not look out for his homeboy.

Fiona, if you manage to get there before I do, I'm sure you'll give me the info.

Googling her name shows she has a child in a school in CT.

WHAT?

$900 for a wood plank?!?!?!?! I've lived in Africa and you can get enormous wooden sculptures with days of work put into it for <$10. You can get wooden coffee tables, drums, copper wall hangings. Nothing ever costs more than $20, and that's if you don't know how to haggle. I hope she rots in fashion hell for ripping off the makers of her goods and the idiots who pay for it. The worst part is this whole hippie chic thing she's got going on. Gross.

Mmmmmm... Love it, love it, love it. Personally, I can't jet off to Africa or Asia on a whim for buying trips. So import stores that are as well-edited as this satisfy the thirsts of my inner-nomad. (There are about a dozen shops here in L.A. that do the same thing for me.) My fave thing ever is to mix modern with primitive (an after-effect of repeated viewings of the movie Barbarella, I guess). And this store nails it! Just the right primitive pieces to mix up with the modern. So, she has a store in Malibu, huh? Guess I'll need to trek out to the colony this weekend. Not so much hippie chic for me as modern-boho. So "not-gross."

I tend to agree with Aaron G to some degree- overpriced goods from developing countries is pretty obscene, not to mention somewhat immoral. Do you think she gave her suppliers a fair price? I doubt it. Welcome to the post-colonial era of rape and pillage.

Furthermore, that picture of the owner freaked me out- she looks seriously anorexic!

I can't believe the direction this thread has gone in. I hope I didn't start it with my little joke to Chucky. And honestly, you can't assume anything about someone's business practices, because I have a friend who does something along these lines (but with jewelry) and she DOES make sure that everyone is fairly compensated. In fact, that's one of the major reasons she started the business. As for what people will pay, that's capitalism in action, my friends. It's what the market will bear.

I also hate the fact that anyone thin can be called anorexic. That's a serious illness and is trivialized by its use in that way.

I am not defending Adrianna’s business practices. But anyone with a sense of business and logistic, must know how difficult it must be to
1) Find reliable artisans to produce these pieces on a regular basis with a sense of deadline.
2) Deal with a third world country bureaucracy.
3) Find a reliable carrier to bring them to the US.
4) Clear US Customs.

One thing is to pay $ 25.00 for a piece of knick knack but another is to try to get a certain number of that same kind of piece produced regularly. Last time I checked rent in Soho was given.

In other words it’s easy to think she is ripping people off but there are a number of issues to consider if one has to be fair. Again, I don’t know Adrianna and her business ethics but I am not willing to throw the first, the second nor the third stone.

And J., don’t forget beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I said I found her attractive never implied you should too.

I lived in Kenya for a while, and though I sure didn't find a <$20 rule (even with for-resident prices), I sure didn't find items in this price range either. My expectations for African export-merchants are dead low. But on the other hand, I'm glad to see African goods that aren't how-fast-can-you-carve junk ($25 in the US, $1 there). I'd rather see works that show some of the actual craftsmanship they possess. Yes that's hard to maintain, especially if you want cookie-cutter goods. And no, you won't see me in the store. But I'm not willing to entirely condemn the idea...you know, yet..

Anorexic?! Her bicep is bigger than mine!

The store is ok. I didn't find it exceptional or particularly unique on any level and felt like I've seen things in her store, or like them, several times over. It's a little too ethnic for my taste, but that's me. If anyone is looking for truly exceptional design with an ethnic and contemporary mix, objects as well as furniture, check out Aline Matsika (sp?) on Greene Street next door to Jonathan Adler. Now that store has beautiful and special pieces. There's no comparison in my opinion between what Aline is doing and this new store. But I wish her luck nevertheless.

I had the pleasure of meeting Andrianna Sharmaris out here in her Malibu store, which is truly remarkable for its eclectic collection from around the world. When I visted her SoHo store last month, it was an entirely new and different expression of her unique and artistic gifts. Part of her talent is finding native artisans and giving them a market halfway around the world without exploiting them. Many of the goods that she sells cannot be sold locally or are otherwise salvaged from refuse. She also employs local artisans to craft her own designs, supporting them in their traditional vocations, so that they are not relegated to the factories that feed our Wal-Marts and Home Depots. Andrianna serves as an entreprenurial ambassador who facilitates a cross-cultural exchange that respects both cultures.

i love what direction this thread has gone in, maybe one of the best ever...the posts about nonexploitive compensation, import, etc.
thanks for the edu.

This is a very interesting thread. That such strong opinions are being formed only goes to show the work is worth talking about. I have recently moved from LA to New York and have had the pleasure of visiting both stores. On both occasions, Andrianna was happy to sit down and talk about her designs. All of the wood pieces are carved out of fallen trees--she doesn't believe in chopping them down--that she has personally chosen. An imperialist colonizer she is not.

I'm not happy about dignifying the anorexia comment with a response, but you must be fat.

Andrianna hasw amazing taste and whoever is fortunate enough to stumble on to her store and grab something for a mere fraction of what other designers over charge they are luck and luckier still if they can get a slice of style in the meantime. There are very few people as chic as andriana and she looks fabulous. The person who made the anoexic comment I am sure must be completely unsatisfied with their own bodies to make such an out of context remark. So sad to be so jealous. Max

The store is amazing. I think Andriana is HOT!!! unless your into ugly fat chicks with no style.

Andriana Shamaris opened the best new store in SoHo. I found myself drooling simultaneously over the furniture and her...she rocks!

Aaron G should open his eyes and read the article...it doesn't say the wood planks are from Africa...they are from Cepara[get a map darling]Right now I have an african theme going on[i like change ]but in FACT [being the key word here]2% is from africa[ jewelry ],the rest Italy ,england ,south east asia .....alot from Bali..
ps.oh and you can take the 'hippie' out of my store...it's simply chic.[even if i say so myself!]
pps..whoops i just read aaron G's other nasty comment about wanting me to rot in fashion hell!!Yes please!I never have time to shop as I'm too busy working my arse off[english expression] at my store....and it's very gorgeous...not at all anorexic !xo
Andrianna Shamaris

Beautiful store. From furniture to clothing (she has a line of sexy cotton shirts and nightgowns called "Good in Bed"), table top items to gifts and jewelry -- check out the leather and brass cuff bracelet she designed -- there is something for everyone, in everyone's price range. Andrianna works in the store -- and can answer any questions you may have. She has a positive energy, intellegence, and passion for what she does that is utterly infectious. It's a great place to buy wedding gifts...get something unique no one else with have....and no one will forget. I did!

Africa?!! How quickly you think you 'get it' in NY..Andriana's style and grace is tantamount to design and deception ..it's what makes her store unique... clearly leaving the likes of Aaron on 'safari'
...and Andriana..whom has never even been to Africa, Soho streets ahead.
As for personal comments...unwarranted, small minded,untruthful, and unkind..keep them to yourself.
Well done, Andrianna.. both your stores... in Malibu and NY are brilliant and inspirational.
Bond Street awaits you...
Angie Vestey
Notting Hill Gate
LONDON

"Primitive"
"Africa"
"Exotic"

Perhaps this site ought to stick to discussion of mid century modern furniture and stainless steel appliances.

cringe.

nobody would read this sight if it stuck to stainless steel appliances...!

Double cringe..!

well done Andrianna, your store looks great good luck R and J London

Right, I suppose there must be an outlet for people to exoticize and generalize an entire continent's wares rather than actually visiting said continent's indiviudal countries, learning about the distinct peoples and cultures and perhaps then directly purchasing items of genuine interest to take home. Perish the thought.
"African", puhlease.

WHAT. . .?!

Has it occured to you that some people do not have the time and money to actually visit and learn the ins and outs of these "said continents?" Let's not judge the sincerity of others interests. Word of advice, C, you might want to think about removing that stick from your rear... just a thought.

GET A LIFE !!!!!!!!!!!!! DO YOU NOT HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO DO ON MEMORIAL WEEKEND OTHER THAN TRASH AND GOSSIP ABOUT A STORE IN SOHO??? IF YOU HAVE THIS MUCH TIME ON YOUR HANDS GET YOUR ASSES DOWN TO THE STORE AND YOU CAN SEE IT FOR YOUR SELF....IT IS FABULOUS, FRESH AND MUCH NEEDED IN SOHO!

The only thing HOTTER than this new store is the owner herself. You have got to be kidding me.! All that style and class packed into that tiny little package. Go to the store and enjoy the exotics and the exotic.

It seems that every straight man on AT is checking out Adrianna. Doeas that have to do with my original comment? This make for a tough competition if she is single. I'll keep my mouth shut next time.

While I agree to a certain extent that "global" retailers may need/benefit from a certain level of responsibility, it seems the point was somewhat beaten to death here. But it's retail, so we are all able to "vote with our pocket books" and choose to or not to patronize vendors we believe in.

But the store/topics raised above do remind me of one of my favorite Ab-Fab moments, where Edina is has returned from an African/Alaskan/South American buying spree, to populate her fabulous shop with "gorgeous things, sweetie." Saffie takes offense after hearing that Edina is repurposing tribal lip plates as ash trays, and is selling Alakan papooses as objet d'art. She assures Saffie of her own "lack of insensitivity" by saying, "We tipped the babies FIRST, out sweetie!!" ;)

Damn, I blew the punchline... should have been--
"We tipped the babies out FIRST, sweetie!!"

now that A.S. has gotten her props, how about
"non-expoitative" importers, or shop keeper-designer-artists like A. Shamaris,
or manufacturers of home items and decor with production relations we could feel genuinely rosy about?
this is a can of worms, or probable new thread...so forgive me, and i have a feeling people might not respond to this, but i'd love to see it come up again.

i'm wondering about companies that may not come up in web searches (like one of my favorite shops in SF and NY, De Vera).
or things such as a news report once about an Afghani woman who sets up fair trade exchange of products made by Afghani women, i forget her and the company's name.
i'd like to see American Apparel do housewares; at least pillows and bedding.
(this so isn't design/decor oriented, but Harley Davidson is actually an upstanding employer.
they cross train their workers and they all attend project planning meetings; this might make you not mind their obnoxious roaring.)

They could have said it in a less abrasive way, but I get the points that C made and completely agree. I hate how Americans treat Africa as an exotic import, not caring anything about Africans, or even recognizing that Africa is a broad continent, not a country. Americans DO bother to learn about European countries, even Asian but not African. Why stick a vase in your house from a country you don't care about, can't even find on a map, and didn't bother to visit? Im not trying to be rude but its the truth.

I agree, Mika, and I especially agree that Africa gets so much less attention than Europe (don't even get me started on Sudan) but I also doubt that most people who own crystal could point out the Czech Republic on a map or have visited the country. Not advocating that attitude, but people do buy stuff for purely aesthetic value (or even practical value - almost all Americans own items made in China, yet most, including me, have never visited).

People gain knowledge from places they've seen, visited, or have ancestors from. Accessibility to and throughout Africa has been limited, expensive and daunting for many, and I think that contributes to our collective (relative) ignorance of it. Why can't the export (if handled responsibly) of some of its wares be a first step in exploration, appreciation and respect of those wonderful and varied cultures?

And so, Mika, where exactly do you shop? And do you know where the food on your table comes from? What about the plight of migrant workers here on American soil?

I agree there is a need for sensitivity and responsibility, but coming off as judgmental and holier-than-though is also not the road to the enlightment of others...

"thow"

ohdeargod... "THOU".

Why can't the export (if handled responsibly) of some of its wares be a first step in exploration, appreciation and respect of those wonderful and varied cultures?

Maybe it can be, I have rarely seen that as the case. This is just my opinion, of course, based on my experiences and observations with Americans.

And so, Mika, where exactly do you shop?

We shop at many places, you are likely unfamilar with them. We don't purchase so called "ethnic" items of any sort for decor...

And do you know where the food on your table comes from? Yes, from our collective farm and mart. I am not sure what relevance that has to this discussion.


What about the plight of migrant workers here on American soil?

I'm not sure what you are getting at here, and I am not an American nor living in America.

I agree there is a need for sensitivity and responsibility, but coming off as judgmental and holier-than-though is also not the road to the enlightment of others...

It's unfortunate that your perception of my comments is such. Also, I am not trying to "englighten", I chose to make a comment, no more no less.

Also, Americans spend a good deal of money on luxury furnishings, electronics and so forth, as well as European vacations. In my opinion and based on my experiences, these are the same types of Americans that would visit this type of store and purchase items that they found exotic. These people do have the means to visit an African country, but they choose not to. My cousin has lived in New York for years and has exposed me to many of these types of people.

Mika....what ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?????
from your cousin to 'this type of store."..blah,blah blah....
NO CLUE....Everyone has an opinion I guess...
you assume so much and clearly know so little.
Sad.
.

Woman, I was not talking to you.

mika.you seriously need to get a life...

mika was lecturing me, I believe. but glad to see someone else shares my opinion about her *attempt* at clarification and "not sounding judgemental". jeez, you come off as a complete snob.

holy cats. if i had to know the history and culture of the manufacturers of every piece of furniture/art i owned, i'd be sleeping on a very empty floor. i hope that's not really a requirement.

and what's with the offense to the word "ethnic"? i have several outstanding prints, originals were oil on silk, by a very talented quebecoise. i consider that "ethnic" - and i would be delighted for anyone to have it in their home, whether they knew diddily about the true meaning of "je me souviens" on the license plates, the meech-lake accords, or why most hockey line judges should be shot on sight.

That's unfortunate Patrick. Looks like a cultural clash here, I am assuming you are white and American? I am neither, and therefore see this topic very differently I am sure. I don't fancy myself a superior, but thought the topic was interesting, important and worthy of further discussion. Moving on now.

Mika--

Glad you're done, but I am sooooo not.

It's not how you see the topic that I find objectionable. It's the tone in which you respond, and how I see a few hypocritical flaws in your theories...

Your original post-- "I hate how Americans treat Africa as an exotic import, not caring anything about Africans, or even recognizing that Africa is a broad continent, not a country." Aren't you doing EXACTLY the same thing with your statements about Americans?

You are so quick to critcize people who do the same thing about other cultures. So why don't you start leading by example, honey?

Your original post--
"Why stick a vase in your house from a country you don't care about, can't even find on a map, and didn't bother to visit?" That's why I asked about where your food (or computer or camera or shoes or car or toilet...) comes from, because if you haven't visited/can't point to the origin of *everything* in your home on a map, then you are a hypocrite of global proportions. If you can, go to the head of the class.

The topic IS interesting and worthy. But to imply that someone is ignorant, insensitive or irresponsible, just because they purchase a decorative item without completely and fully understanding its cultural origins really is narrow-minded, wherever it is you hail from.

andriana,
lots of love from your family in cyprus
thank you very much for your presents.
lots of love christina

Andrianna is a pretty girl and she is single but there is a reason for this....she has the emotional maturity of a teenager!

Sorry, that was a mean thing to say!

Wish you luck with your store

I just saw the piece in the NY Times' (2.12.06) Pulse page in the Sunday Styles Section featuring A.S., "The Furniture Hunter". I say, go girrrlll.

There is nothing at all wrong with promoting this type of cross-cultural capitalism.

Besides, based on appearance alone, I'd say she seems friendly, sensitive and adventuresome.

I adore Patrick! (The Other One) You make me happy.

I am a business owner myself, and once in a while, I will find someone who is willing to put me down or jealous of what I earn. There are those that will never be happy for you. How can they when they are miserable. Good luck with your store, it is absolutely beautiful.

aline matsika cannot be trusted she does not honor her orders
and will not return phone calls
she holds close to 6,000 dollars of ours after delivering an order that was not up to specifications
she then sold this order to another client and has refused to give us our money
we paid for this in full including COM fabric
her cost was minimal - she made a profit on the sale and is holding our money !

does anyone know the whereabouts of Aline Matsika
the owner of a store in Soho - that sells african wooden objects and furniture - previously called "mosaic"

she claims to be out of the country and has stolen our money , chairs and expensive yardage of fabric.

if so please send me info through this website
thanks

The staff is rude!

No one who lives here in SoHo shops there.

She is very proud of her store in Malibu. Really.

Pass it by.

'soho guy'....be a man and tell us who you are.
CREEPY.