The local flea market went global back in 2001 when 1stdibs was launched in order to bring the Paris Flea Market online. Now, that same international, luxury shopping experience is even more accessible and interactive thanks to the launch of the 1stdibs mobile app in early February.

The app grants users access to the collections of over 2,000 of the world’s best design and collectibles dealers, specializing in antiques, 20th-century design, fine art, vintage fashion, and fine jewelry and watches, straight from their iPhones. Users are also able to interact with dealers directly to negotiate prices and make purchases through the app.

“We’re trying to recreate that feeling of serendipitous discovery you have when you stumble upon a rare find in your favorite antique store or art gallery,” said 1stdibs’ Chief Product Officer Xiaodi Zhang. Zhang also referred to the effort to “develop an optimized, native experience” on iOS. To this end, the app incorporates a DISCOVER feature, allowing users a tactile experience through swiping through 13 different categories, including Rococo, French Modern, Art Deco, English Country House and even Brutalist Furniture and Design, to name a few.   

DISCOVER. Images courtesy of 1stdibs.     

To shop directly, users can browse or search the app traditionally. The new, location-based SHOP NEARBY feature identifies 1stdibs dealers closest to the buyer, and provides contact and location information for verified dealers in over 350 cities around the world. Otherwise, the app catalogs items by category, creator and a variety of curated collections. Users can also favorite items browsed or searched for, and save them for later.

The 1stdibs app is another step forward for a company that already changed the face of luxury shopping. The app is now available in the iTunes App Store.