November 2022
Perusing French Markets
Earlier in the fall, I took a few members of my team on a buying trip across France. Incredibly, it’s my second trip to France this year to peruse the markets and shops for the found items that bring history and character into the shop. This time around, after quickly hitting the Paris Flea, we traveled South for an entirely new feel. When you get down to the South of France, there’s a diversity of styles that is really beautiful and invigorating. While Paris tends to have more cosmopolitan designs with Belgian and Scandinavian influences, as you head down to Marseilles and beyond you really feel the influence of many other cultures in addition to France. You start to see a lot more of the Italian inclinations in ornate armoires and Spanish warmth in wooden benches. Everything there is just so old with centuries of history that just radiates from the booths.
Luckily, between the secret markets scattered around the villages that dot the Mediterranean coast, we had some time to do exploring of our own. I wanted to share with you my photo diary of our travels - both the work and the leisure. The leisure to give you a taste of the incredible culture and sights that abound in that region of the world. And the work — our incredible vintage finds — to give you a sneak peek of the pieces that will fill the shop in the new year.
The daily fuel for scouring the markets - a fresh baguette and an espresso.
The entrance to the Fondation Carmignac - truly the most incredibly inspiring museum. Tucked on a little island in the Mediterranean, it was a highlight of the trip
The imposing sculpture at the entrance to the museum. Meant to conjure a half skull and half sea monster, this sculpture by Miquel Barceló appears to guard the Villa.
An incredible unravelled rope sculpture by the Brazilian artist Janaina Mello Landini.
The most incredible meal and experience at Le Jardin du Quai. Definitely within the top 5 meals I've ever had. The chef came out and talked us through the menu — it was the perfect experience.
And a sneak peek of just a few of the incredible pieces we found within the markets of Marseilles and beyond.
We can't wait for them to make the transatlantic journey and land our shop floor.
A collection of insects suspended in resin - many of which have already been spoken for! It’s the type of thing that adds just the right amount of weird to space.
I always look for concrete planters on my trips to France and this trip did not disappoint. It’s rare to find planters on foot so these were a must buy.
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A Gio Ponti mirror - you just can’t beat the shape.
These lamps from 1950s Czech Republic is indicative of the industrial almost brutalist design that is so inspiring to me right now.
We picked up these metal birds for an interior’s client. They’re going to add the perfect amount of whimsy to a foyer.
A pair of the most amazing petrified wooden benches. The texture and shape is incredible.
One of my favorite finds on this trip - a pair of vintage Spanish yellow rocking horses.
An antique French wine table. These always fly out of the shop - they are so versatile.
A chaise I can’t wait to reupholster in an amazing fabric. It’s part of a collection of pieces we plan to reupholster.