While you might expect a certain stuffiness or rigour for the rules from an antique store focused solely on French finds, Ici et Là maintains that je ne sais quoi. You can secure a statement table, dresser or mirror from centuries past, but they also offer original creations inspired by European tradition.
Andrew Forst is the man behind this Surry Hills store that’s been bringing a Parisian bent to the area for almost 17 years. While scouring France and Belgium for one-off antique pieces is Forst’s passion, he’s also moved into creating a range of original new deck chairs. He uses a bright striped fabric that he sources directly from the produces on the border of France and Spain that, when translated, is called ‘fabric of the sun.’
Inside the store, an entire wall is dedicated to huge rolls of this warm material, that’s woven based on the design and craftsmanship of its 16th century origins. The vibrant colours are a lovely contrast to the worn patinas of antique garden furniture – the store’s other staple – plus collections of ornate mirrors and odd lamps and ornaments from the last 100 years.
Ici et Là, (meaning ‘here and there’) gives you a taste of French romanticism and a burst of fresh style. New and old pieces are both a bit of an investment – a pair of deck chairs will set you back $400 and antique items go up from there – but they’ll really set the mood for an intimate dinner party or backyard soirée.