Empire Vintage Shop Tour
Let's take a vacation together, shall we? I say we all jump on our virtual plane and jet down to Melbourne, Australia to visit the shop of designer Lynda Gardener, whom I've talked about on decor8 before. Gardener is a creative genius and not shy in her decorating approach by any means -- she is a bold, confident lady who displays remarkable talent and vision.
In her shop, Empire Vintage, her finds are lovingly curated and artfully displayed in a way that inspires creative ideas. Just to walk through is an experience whether you actually purchase something or not. Shopping at Empire Vintage seems to be quite an experience and to me, that is what a store should do -- transport, inspire and if those things are successful then sales are part of the deal because then one wants to bring home a treasure to remind them of that special experience. From early rustic to French country and vintage industrial, this gem has a little something for everyone.
As you look through these images, shot by the talented Jillian Leiboff of Jillian Leiboff Photography, try to be in the moment and imagine walking through this shop -- what would you touch? How do you imagine this shop smelling? Like patchouli or lavender or perhaps vanilla and honey? Or perhaps you can smell orange blossoms? Imagine the music that you hear... is it French pop? A favorite soundtrack? Classical? I think that it's good to pause as you are reading your favorite blogs to take in the images that you see, study them, and even put yourself into those images in order to fully experience them.
It's nice to slip out of your "zone" for a moment to enjoy some time for yourself to meditate, reflect and relax and that is exactly what a beautiful retail experience can do -- take you away to faraway places without the jet lag! Ah, escapism.
What do you see that you like? :) I love the vintage English eiderdowns, the bunting, linen pillows, antique books, white bone china and the colorful bracelets - I would like the blue and yellow ones, please!
Shop address: 63 Cardigan Place Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.
(photos: Jillian Leiboff of Jillian Leiboff Photography)