Black Enamel Art Deco Box, $145.
WWW — Uncovering hidden treasures is just one of the many indulgences I have and when it comes to bodacious baubles, it is an irresistible battle between should I or should I not, buy. Recently, I was introduces to this online shopping haven called Emerald Fish that features an eccelctic mix of items from home decor to fashion accessories, some of which are vinatge (my fave). Korean designer and founder Heddie Chu scours internationally for merchandise to sell and travels throughout Europe, Asia and the United States to find unique pieces to sell in her online boutique. I caught up with the globe-trotting purveyor for an e-interview to discuss her travels, the goods she carries, and her inspiration.
20th Century Blue Glass Yves Saint Laurent Earrings, $675.
The Chic Spy: What inspired the launch of Emerald Fish and how did you come up with the name?
Heddie Chu: Emerald is my favorite gemstone, and my father and I loved to fish together when I was a child. I wanted a name that was personal and yet accessible to people.
TCS: You also run NC2, an architecture and interior design firm. How does that influence the type of products you select for Emerald Fish?
HC: My experience as an interior designer and marketing person drives the choices I make for Emerald Fish. I like to mix old and new, East and West and make sure the objects in a space reflect a clients’ personal history.
1960s Vintage Dior Necklace, $975.
TCS: How does your Korean heritage inspire what you choose to carry at Emerald Fish and motivate your work as a designer?
HC: My heritage as well as the heritage of my friends (who come from all over the world) inspire the things I buy for Emerald Fish. I want people to see the items we feature and think about the people who make these items. Maybe they will see that culturally everyone has something beautiful they can share with others.
TCS: How often do you travel abroad to find interesting items for Emerald Fish?
HC: I try to travel 2-3 times a year. My next trip will be to Istanbul!
1930-50s Vintage Bauer Turquoise and Copper Coffee/Tea set, $180.
TCS: Where is your favorite place to travel in search of unique products to carry at Emerald Fish?
HC: Definitely Paris for its flea markets and hidden gems and South East Asia for the rare finds.
TCS: I love your “The Find” section with vintage jewelry pieces. What is the most interesting vintage ‘find’ you discovered on your travels?
HC: Recently, I found a vintage Bauer tea [coffee] set from the 50’s. It is bright turquoise with copper handles. I love the way one can re-define a vintage item and integrate for his/her contemporary living style. I have a passion for vintage jewelry so I try to promote vintage jewely collectors.
Madam Gripoix 1920s Chanel Cuff, $900.
TCS: Where do you find most of the pieces for your vintage collection?
HC: The collection is actually curated by my friend, Susie Coim, who travels the world and attends auctions and estate sales to get her finds.
TCS: Finish this statement. When I am not designing or scouring vintage hot spots …
HC: I enjoy dreaming about the next place to travel.
Heddie Chu offers three tips for finding and selecting vintage jewelry:
- Ask yourself it is wearable.
- Is it a bold and stylish statement-making piece?
- Most importantly, I try to find out about the history of the piece.
Chicly Yours,
The Chic Spy
