By Rosa Bertoli
last updated

'LA is brand new. Beyond the modernist architecture, there are no traditions to adhere to,' explains David Cruz. Blackman Cruz is the city’s specialist design emporium, where you head for distinctive alternatives to contemporary minimalism.

The closest they get to recognisable Modernism is the Seagull chair and ottoman by Fritz Hansen, limited to twelve pieces in 1968. Or a glass-topped table by Pierre Cardin. Unique designs by Jako Johnson and Don Shoemaker are complemented by their own product line, BC Workshop. The overall look is obscure and discreetly subversive for such a sun-drenched city.

Adam Blackman’s origins in auction, coupled with Cruz’s background in illustration and art direction, has engendered a strong following for those looking for the unusual. 'Our clients have extravagant tastes and appreciate the difference we bring,' says Blackman. Having moved into larger premises last year – a heavily gothic gay bar featured in American Gigolo – the duo are preparing to introduce London interiors specialist Clarke & Reilly into a dedicated area this December.

www.blackmancruz.com

Amangiri resort

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Amangiri resort, Utah
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Amangiri resort, Utah

Amangiri resort

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Amangiri resort

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Amangiri resort

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Amangiri resort

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Axes

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Best Made Axes

Axes

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Axes

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Axes

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Axes

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Axes

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store

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Blackman Cruz store, LA
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Blackman Cruz store, LA

store

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store

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the Store

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the store

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the store

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S/S 09 collection

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Commonwealth Utilities S/S 09 collection
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Commonwealth Utilities S/S 09 collection

S/S 09 collection

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S/S 09 collection

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S/S 09 collection

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S/S 09 collection

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BlackWhite House

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BlackWhite House in Bethesda, Maryland by David Jameson Architects
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BlackWhite House in Bethesda, Maryland by David Jameson Architects

BlackWhite House

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BlackWhite House

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Methow Cabin

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Methow Cabin, by Eggleston Farkas Architects, Seattle
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Methow Cabin

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Methow Cabin, by Eggleston Farkas Architects

Hotel Erwin

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Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach, California
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Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach, California

Hotel Erwin

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Hotel Erwin

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the Monkey Bar

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Illustration from the Monkey Bar by Barry Blitt, New York
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Monkey Bar

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Interior of the Monkey Bar

Monkey Bar

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Illustration for the Monkey Bar by Paul Cox

Best Fred

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My Best Fred, NYC
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My Best Fred, NYC

Best Fred

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Best Fred

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Hood River

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Neal Creek, Hood River by Paul Mckean, Oregon
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Hood River

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Neal Creek, Hood River by Paul Mckean, Oregon

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Beaker & Flask, Portland
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Beaker & Flask

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Beaker & Flask, Portland

the beast

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Beast, Portland

Naomi from Beast

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Naomi from Beast, Portland

Laurelhurst Market, Portland

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the shop

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Bunks sandwiches

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Bunks famous sandwiches, Portland

Le Pigeon, Portland

Le Pigeon

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Le Pigeon

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Viridian Farms

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Viridian Farms, Portland

Robert at MAD

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Installation by Johanna Grawunder in Robert at MAD, NYC
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Installation by Johanna Grawunder in Robert at MAD, NYC

Robert at MAD

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Robert at MAD

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Rye NYC

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A hotel

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A hotel

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Speakeasy - Clover Club, NYC
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Speakeasy - Clover Club, NYC

Clover Club

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Clover Club

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Clover Club

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The Violet Hour

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Speakeasy - The Violet Hour, Chicago
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The Violet Hour

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Speakeasy - The Violet Hour, Chicago

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Speakeasy - The Varnish, LA
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The Varnish

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Speakeasy - The Varnish, LA

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Speakeasy - Bourbon & Branch, San Francisco
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Bourbon & Branch, San Francisco

Bourbon & Branch

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Bourbon & Branch

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Bourbon & Branch

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Diamond House

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Diamond House, XTEN Architecture, LA
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Diamond House, XTEN Architecture, LA

Diamond House

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Diamond House

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Diamond House

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Diamond House

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Wallpaper Reviews
Rosa Bertoli

Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.

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