Think of all the platforms that have flourished online in recent years, offering hand-picked second-hand clothing from around the globe. Now imagine the same concept, but for furniture. In France, there is an undisputed leader in this space, celebrated for its excellence: Selency. Behind this success story founded in 2014 are Charlotte Cadé and Maxime Brousse. Two thirty-something Parisians originally from Bordeaux who share the same refined passion for vintage as a seasoned flea market denim hunter. Charlotte even wrote a book entitled "Y'a pas d’âge pour le vintage". Naturally, we had to speak with her.
In your opinion, what is the ideal furniture for storing clothes properly?
What always works are smaller wardrobes, unlike massive Norman wardrobes that don't fit into every space. We call them Parisian wardrobes. They have both a hanging section and shelving. I also think, of course, of good old three-drawer dressers. They are an absolute must for storing anything that doesn't need hanging, which usually accounts for quite a lot. At Selency, we sell antique pieces, and their dimensions have become standard. There is never anything too surprising. To unearth something, let's say quirky, you have to hunt for contemporary pieces.
Do you think there is a parallel between buying second-hand furniture and vintage clothing?
It is entirely the same mindset. Whether clothing or furniture, you look for vintage first for style. But it is also a question of quality and durability. Traditional manufacturing is always more artisanal, rooted in genuine craftsmanship, using sturdier materials and fabrics, with finer finishes. There are fewer inconsistencies tied to machines and what the industrial era brought later. And then, of course, there is an ethical dimension. Today, people want to buy more responsibly and mindfully, and second-hand is clearly part of that shift. Just like with clothing, vintage furniture dealers do a massive amount of sourcing. They visit warehouses run by major antique dealers. They also salvage pieces from private homes, especially following a bereavement when families clear out items that now belong to the past. Then there are open-air markets, fairs and flea markets everywhere. To authenticate the vintage provenance of pieces on Selency, we work with experts who scrutinise every detail, mainly using photographic archives. While not legally binding in a strict sense, it lets us weed out questionable items. Today, 50% of designer furniture submitted to us does not pass this inspection.
Looking purely at appearance and dress style, are there different types of furniture dealers?
Naturally, as with any stereotype, some antique dealers look like country squires. But you shouldn't limit yourself to that image. In recent years, a new generation has emerged in the field with contemporary dress codes. They look just like people you cross paths with every day, remarkably modern in style, and you wouldn't necessarily guess that they sell valuable antique furniture. There are also dealers who don't care about making a fashion statement at all, yet specialise in truly unique, niche pieces. It may sound cliché, but you really can't judge a book by its cover in our line of work.
On a more personal note, do you still find time to care about clothing when you spend so much time dealing with furniture?
My appreciation for furniture and decor stems from a broader interest in aesthetics, where clothing plays a major role. I've always dressed neatly without being overly sophisticated: I'm not cutting-edge like fashion industry insiders, for instance. For me, beauty must always serve practical purpose. I'm not the type to put on heels to do household chores. I think I get this mindset from my mother. She has always had an eye for beautiful things, taking great care of both her home and her appearance. She passed that mindfulness on to me. Maxime, my partner, is less particular. He spends less time searching, researching, and comparing. If he buys something, it's out of practical need, and he just makes sure it roughly aligns with his style.
The growth of Selency has led both you and Maxime to take on public-facing roles. As business leaders, you occasionally attend formal meetings. How do you adapt your look on those occasions?
We stay true to who we are. We don't dress up just for an occasion; we maintain a common thread that reflects our daily life. We might just pay a little more attention. We won't wear trainers, for example, and we won't be in jeans. But it will still be us. That has always been the case, anyway. We haven't really changed since that first meeting where we had to shake hands and raise funds.