This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
The world of retro is not limited to clothing and interest in second-hand objects has exploded in the last two years, in particular thanks to the combination of confinement and social networks. But behind ultra-tidy Instagram profiles are often hidden enthusiasts. Meet.
” The vintage is a way of life. For Sarah Wayne, founder of Le vintage du coin, everything can be bought second-hand. The one who appreciates and collects design things “well thought out and well made with good materials” has been devoting herself to her passion for almost ten years now. After having participated in bazaars, auctions and collectives for a long time, she decided, just before the pandemic, to embark on a solo adventure. His shop, which has a storefront, now attracts passers-by from the 1D Avenue in Verdun. If the sun floods Montreal, on a summery Sunday afternoon like any other, customers rush to his little store where dozens, hundreds of furniture and decorative objects are piled up, all favorites .
And although she is also present in lockers at Second in the Mile End as well as on various online platforms, Sarah Wayne appreciates the direct contact with her customers, a certain number of whom have become regulars. “The approach is different and I’m starting to get to know those who come back, to get an idea of what they want. You meet so many people in this environment! » she underlines.
On the other side of town, on the Plateau, Vickie Gauthier and Alain Caron are busy in their studio-commerce on rue Saint-Urbain, Morceau, which has been open for almost two years. They too arrived in the area out of a passion for beautiful objects. “They are more affordable second-hand, even if there is a bit of love to put into them,” explains the co-owner who does restoration on site. It all depends on the condition of the furniture, but the extent of the work varies greatly. We have projects that have been dragging on for four or five years, they are so complex. It’s never the same thing twice! »
Alain Caron, however, believes that the game is worth the candle, because the retro is a safe bet. “Today, it is difficult to furnish yourself with new furniture for a good price and good quality. I think that’s why more and more people are turning to the second-hand market with furniture that is already 70 years old and can still last just as long. “At Morceau, a retro chair, completely restored, can, for example, cost $600 whereas new it would cost 2000… so “an exorbitant price”, indicates Alain Caron.
In the wind
“There are pieces that remain trendy year after year,” continues Alain Caron. The timeless Togo sofa sells out instantly, no matter the price. He also points out that Italian lamps are particularly popular at the moment.
“Customers have always had an interest in vintage, but we are seeing a change in fashion recently,” observes Sarah Wayne. In the past, antiques and large wooden furniture were very popular, while now the trend is more towards furniture from the 1970s.
“Certain new little fashions appear and are temporary, like that of the 1980s. But in absolute terms, the demand for well-made objects, with quality materials, will continue,” she notes.
It is with this philosophy in mind and the desire to go further in this area that the Inédit.e store in Saint-Laurent, primarily dedicated to clothing, has chosen to welcome sellers of second-hand furniture and decoration.
“It creates a clean atmosphere and it attracts a different clientele to our space. That’s a nice plus! says Amanda Cameau, who is at the origin of the Les dames vintage clothing brand sold at Inédit.e. We offer an additional opportunity to people who come to the store. Those who come for the furniture can also discover the rest, and the reverse is also true. »
Finally, Sarah Wayne insists: “The environmental aspect of vintage is paramount. If you go through Le vintage du coin, you have to bring your own bags to be able to take your finds home, ”she says. All this is, in fact, an integral part of the practice of second-hand purchases, based on the permanent reuse of all these little treasures.