’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.
Amangiri resort, Utah
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Amangiri resort, Utah

Amangiri resort, Utah
Amangiri resort, Utah
Amangiri resort, Utah
Best Made Axes
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Best Made Axes
Best Made Axes
Best Made Axes
Best Made Axes
Best Made Axes
Blackman Cruz store, LA
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Blackman Cruz store, LA

Blackman Cruz store, LA

Blackman Cruz store, LA
Blackman Cruz store, LA
Blackman Cruz store, LA

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

Commonwealth Utilities S/S 09 collection

Commonwealth Utilities S/S 09 collection

Commonwealth Utilities S/S 09 collection

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

Methow Cabin, by Eggleston Farkas Architects, Seattle
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Methow Cabin, by Eggleston Farkas Architects
Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach, California
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Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach, California

Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach, California

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

Illustration for the Monkey Bar by Paul Cox

My Best Fred, NYC
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My Best Fred, NYC
My Best Fred, NYC
Neal Creek, Hood River by Paul Mckean, Oregon
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Neal Creek, Hood River by Paul Mckean, Oregon
Beaker & Flask, Portland
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Beaker & Flask, Portland
Beast, Portland
Naomi from Beast, Portland
Laurelhurst Market, Portland
Laurelhurst Market, Portland
Bunks famous sandwiches, Portland
Le Pigeon, Portland
Le Pigeon, Portland
Viridian Farms, Portland
Installation by Johanna Grawunder in Robert at MAD, NYC
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Installation by Johanna Grawunder in Robert at MAD, NYC
Installation by Johanna Grawunder in Robert at MAD, NYC

Speakeasy - Rye NYC
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Rye NYC
Rye NYC

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

Speakeasy - The Violet Hour, Chicago
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Speakeasy - The Violet Hour, Chicago
Speakeasy - The Varnish, LA
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Speakeasy - The Varnish, LA
Speakeasy - Bourbon & Branch, San Francisco
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Bourbon & Branch, San Francisco
Bourbon & Branch, San Francisco
Bourbon & Branch, San Francisco
Diamond House, XTEN Architecture, LA
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Diamond House, XTEN Architecture, LA

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