Collector's Gene Radio: Episode Summary

Episode: Ray Azoulay - Obsolete Founder Curates Curiosity
Release Date: November 13, 2024
Host: Cameron Ross Steiner

Introduction

In this episode of Collector's Gene Radio, host Cameron Ross Steiner engages in an in-depth conversation with Ray Azoulay, the visionary founder of Obsolete—renowned for its curated selection of vintage and antique furniture. Ray shares his unique journey from the high-paced fashion industry to the serene realms of antique collecting and interior design.

Ray's Journey from Fashion to Collecting

Ray Azoulay begins by recounting his extensive career in the fashion industry, emphasizing his roles as a design director at major retailers like Macy's and Liz Claiborne. He reflects on how his fascination with high-end fashion translated into a meticulous eye for design, which later became instrumental in his transition to antique collecting.

Ray (02:14): "I think it was interesting for me. I was always interested in high end fashion, but I always worked for sort of mainstream American menswear clothing designers... It was just kind of probably one of the best educations I could have received."

The Genesis of Obsolete

Ray discusses the pivotal moment when he decided to leave the bustling life of New York City for Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Purchasing a 40-acre farm, he immersed himself in collecting furniture, art, and photography, laying the foundation for what would become Obsolete in Los Angeles.

Ray (03:27): "I grew up in Long island as a kid and sort of wasn't as interested in the sort of wealth and fame of the Hamptons... Bucks county seemed the most authentic and real."

Philosophy of Collecting: Embracing the Unique

Central to Ray's philosophy is the pursuit of one-of-a-kind pieces. He contrasts his approach with his experience in the fashion industry, advocating against mass production and design pollution. Ray emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the soulfulness that vintage items possess.

Ray (08:58): "I got to this point in the fashion business where I thought there was a lot of design pollution, the overproduction of things. I mean, honestly, how many more blue jeans do we need on the planet?"

He further elaborates on the beauty of mixing different eras, creating harmonious environments that transcend time.

Ray (06:09): "I love the idea of a 17th century Windsor chair next to a contemporary lighting fixture."

Sourcing and Curating Rare Finds

Ray delves into his global sourcing strategy, highlighting regions like England for their straightforward and cool designs. He explains the logistical aspects of acquiring antiques from Europe, leveraging consolidated shipping to manage costs and streamline the process.

Ray (13:45): "England, to me, is more of a source than, let's say, France or Italy."

Valuing Vintage: Soul and Authenticity

A recurring theme is the intrinsic value of vintage items. Ray articulates how the wear and patina of antiques imbue them with character, distinguishing them from modern reproductions.

Ray (15:06): "There's a soulfulness that exists in pieces that are 50, 80, 100, 200 years old."

He also discusses the acceptability of imperfections and the artistry involved in restoring vintage pieces through reupholstery, likening it to a "Cinderella story."

Ray (16:47): "When you change them and give them that second opportunity with a new fabric, they come to life again. And to me, it's a true Cinderella story."

Design Projects and Collaborations

While Ray cherishes his role at Obsolete, he also shares anecdotes from his design projects, including collaborations with high-profile clients like Sheryl Crow and Ellen DeGeneres. He underscores the importance of collaboration and mutual respect in achieving cohesive and innovative designs.

Ray (24:02): "It's because I really love what I do at obsolete. The acquiring and the doing. The design projects to me are sort of like extra credit."

Bonsai Collection: A Passion Beyond Furniture

Beyond furniture, Ray reveals his extensive bonsai collection—over 100 bonsais aged between 200 to 300 years. He explains his initial struggles with bonsai care and how Obsolete provided the environment needed to nurture this unique hobby.

Ray (32:45): "Most people kill bonsai. And I think they're a lot of money. And although they are the ones who killed it, I will be somewhat responsible for their error."

Spotlight on Favorite Pieces

In a segment aptly titled "Collector's Dream Rundown," Ray highlights three standout items from Obsolete's collection:

1. Oak Fire Hood: Sourced from northern England, Ray admires its intricate fish-scale patterns and unique wooden craftsmanship.

   Ray (35:17): "I've never seen a wood fire hood, if anything, come up for sale. This one just was really really special and extraordinary."

2. Winding Staircase: An Italian masterpiece transformed into a contemporary sculpture, showcasing Ray's ability to repurpose structural elements into art.

   Ray (36:25): "It transforms itself from a structural spiral staircase to a piece of beautiful sculptural architecture."

3. George III Mahogany Sofa: Acquired from England, Ray reupholstered it with a modern gray ombre wool to blend historical form with contemporary aesthetics.

   Ray (38:06): "I found this gray ombre wool that I thought really was kind of contemporary, yet also was in synergy with the piece."

Collector's Gene Rundown

Ray shares personal insights through the "Collector's Gene Rundown," answering questions about missed opportunities, future hunts, and inspirations:

• One That Got Away: A Louise Bourgeois sculpture from the first Miami Basel, which represented an unattainable dream for him.

  Ray (40:56): "That piece is worth hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of thousands, which I don't buy for that reason."

• What's Next: Ray approaches collecting without a rigid plan, allowing discoveries to guide his acquisitions.

  Ray (41:59): "I have no idea. It's kind of... when I see it and, you know, then I'm like, oh, that's great."

• Unobtainable Items: He admires museum-level pieces like Jackson Pollock paintings, viewing them as inspirational benchmarks.

• Page One Rewind: If money were no object, Ray would collect all of Milton Avery's paintings, drawn by their poetic essence.

• Role Models: Ray cites Jim Hirscheimer, a fellow collector from Bucks County, as a significant influence who taught him to appreciate the character and soul in everyday objects.

  Ray (46:18): "He could look at a weather vane, he could look at a whirligig, he could look at a sign and really zero in on that's real, that's been around, and that has such character."

• Hunt vs. Ownership: Balancing the joy of finding new pieces with the satisfaction of owning and restoring them, Ray treasures both aspects equally.

  Ray (47:43): "I think I like both. I like looking and finding... and also when someone says, you know, you have it and you got it, that's great."

• Collector's Gene: Ray firmly believes he was born with the "Collector's Gene," a trait he continues to nurture and refine over time.

  Ray (49:03): "I think I was born with it, but then I kind of developed it and continued to... I think it's a gift that you have and you continually evolve it."

Conclusion

Cameron and Ray conclude the episode by expressing mutual admiration and enthusiasm for future endeavors. Ray's passion for collecting, coupled with his dedication to authenticity and unique design, offers listeners a profound insight into the world of antique collecting and curated living spaces.

Cameron (49:43): "Ray, thank you so much for joining me on Collector's Dream Radio today."

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity Over Mass Production: Emphasizing unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that carry history and soul.
• Global Sourcing with Local Expertise: Leveraging international markets like England for distinctive finds.
• Collaborative Design Philosophy: Working closely with clients to co-create living spaces that reflect individual tastes.
• Passion for Restoration: Bringing new life to vintage items through careful restoration and reupholstery.
• Balanced Collector's Gene: Combining innate passion with developed expertise to curate exceptional collections.

Ray Azoulay's episode on Collector's Gene Radio serves as an inspiring testament to the art of collecting, the value of preservation, and the beauty of blending history with contemporary design. His insights offer valuable lessons for both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of antiques.