Magic-carpet ridee; An eclectic atelier brightens up a New York institution.(Madeline Weinrib)(Brief Article)

Byline: Aimee Cho

In a far-flung corner at the top of ABC Carpet & Home's massive Manhattan flagship, a storage facility has recently been transformed into a bright and spacious nook. The light, uncluttered studio sits in dramatic contrast to the rest of the sixth floor, which features the familiar dense piles of exotic rugs. This lovely oasis is the brainchild of Madeline Weinrib, the granddaughter of ABC's founder, who has treasure-hunting in her blood. Taking her passion for collecting rare objects and exquisitely made textiles from around the globe, she created her new atelier with the idea of transforming these finds into modern luxuries. From clutches and pillows made of richly embroidered plum velvet dating from the Ottoman Empire to made-to-order silk jackets in a fifties silhouette (spot-on with fall's granny trend), Weinrib's creations fuse past and present in interesting ways. "I like to take old motifs and materials and reinvent them," she explains. "The ...