Meet Gustavo Olivieri | Owner and Curator of Gustavo Olivieri Antiques

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gustavo Olivieri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gustavo, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I was a child growing up in Argentina, my father often took me to public auctions and allowed me to bid on items that i liked. I am certain that my love for collecting beautiful things was born from that experience. When I arrived in the United States, I knew that this was my chance to make my dream a reality of owning my own shop filled with things that I love.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am very different from your classic antiques dealer. I am more of a curator, not just looking for furnishings, I am constantly creating vignettes in my mind. Searching for what is missing in a space. When I am buying for my business, I am not buying what is commercial or easy, I strive to push the limits of design and style. Nothing has been handed to me and my struggle to establish myself as a serious antique dealer has cost my a great deal of worry and perseverance. I believed that my instincts were correct and my gamble to acquire pieces no other dealer would try set me apart instantly. The top designers knew they could find special avant-garde items in my showroom and they return often looking for pieces that will make their client’s homes magazine worthy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Miami is always a party so anywhere I take my friends, is an experience like no other. I would always start with the must-have Cuban dinner at La Carreta in Little Havana, followed by the best Cuban coffee taken at the outside window known to locals as “La Ventanita.” All MIamians have a special love for South Beach because when we were young and wild, that was our home. A stroll along Lincoln Road followed by a drag show at The Palace on Ocean Drive. Lunch at Joe’s Stone Crabs is a required stop and perhaps some shopping in the Design District. Finish with some street food and drinks in Wynwood!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have TWO significant “shout outs” to make here. First and foremost to my husband and business partner, Joel Perez Olivieri, who made sure that I had my mind clear to search for the amazing items we offer in our showroom, while he made sure the business side of owning a business was managed. We have been working and growing our business since 2005. The other and equally important is for my clients and patrons who affirm every day that I am doing something right because they keep buying!

Website: https://www.gustavoolivieriantiques.com

Instagram: gustavo oliivieri antiques

Facebook: gustavo olivieri antiques

Image Credits
Joel Perez