Tracy Rutherfurd hunts the world for treasures to furnish her store, Romantique.
It's hard to imagine a more glamorous way to make a living: travelling to France with your sculptor husband, basing yourselves at a few strategically located gites, moseying through estate sales, furniture auctions and antique markets, then stashing your spoils in a container and returning home to Auckland to clear some space in your ever-popular homeware boutiques in Grey Lynn and Newmarket. And a bit of space in your fabulous Beach Haven villa, too, for that antique armoire you can't bear to sell.
But reality, as usual, lets us down. "Believe me, our first buying trip was anything but glamorous," says Tracy, laughing at the memory. "We flew into London, bought a beat-up old Ford Transit, and drove it through the tunnel to France, where suddenly Nic had to start driving on the wrong side of the road. We got horribly lost outside Paris and found ourselves at EuroDisney in the lashing rain, miles from where we wanted to be. We were both in tears by the end of it. It's a miracle we're still married!"
Today, as we sip espressos in the courtyard of her stunning Beach Haven home, Tracy's brimming with tales of her and Nic's latest adventure: a six-week buying trip to India.
"For some time I've wanted to cast our net a little wider than France, and stock hand-picked items from other countries," explains Tracy. "We knew that a lot of beautiful textiles and fabulously ornate gifts and furniture come from India, but the trip was quite a gamble. However, we've always had a fascination with India, so we decided that even if we didn't end up buying for Romantique, at least we'd have an amazing holiday."
Of course, India took their breath away, and the 20m container Tracy had tentatively booked was swiftly replaced with a 40m container. "We found some incredible pieces: patchwork quilts made from antique saris, French-colonial cabinets, unusual coffee tables made out of wagon wheels." With Tracy looking the part in a traditional salwar, and Nic cramming his 6ft frame into a rickshaw, they used local guides to find hidden textile markets and antique auctions. "We started out in New Delhi, then moved on to Rajasthan, the textiles capital. And we managed to be in Jodphur for Holi, when everyone throws coloured paint at each other, and the streets are strewn with dyed flowers." As well as the mouth-watering curries eaten by the roadside for $1, and the aroma of spice markets, India was a feast for the eyes. "In India, they aren't at all frightened of colour. If a man wants to dress head-to-toe in hot pink, he'll do it without a moment's thought. I'm excited about the injection of colour that the Indian products have brought to Romantique."
What seems an unusual combination: tasteful French antiques and Bollywood brights, makes sense the moment you walk into Romantique Newmarket.
Who'd have guessed that Indian antique lace bedding looks like it was made to decorate the French wrought-iron beds? Or that Indian bangles merge beautifully with French vintage-inspired chandelier earrings?
"We've always used our taste as a filter for what we stock, rather than restricting ourselves to a particular time and place," says Tracy. "I don't want a boutique where I can't stock something amazing just because it isn't from France, or isn't over 50 years old."
One thing that makes Romantique stand out is Tracy's commitment to catering for all budgets: you'll find French antique armoires for $4000 alongside $35 brass and crystal vintage-inspired chandelier earrings from a Parisian market. "I don't want anyone to walk in and think, "This shop isn't for me - I can't afford a single thing," says Tracy. "I was a single mum for a long time, so I know how hard it is to pine for something." Her favourite budget finds from India are a collection of gorgeous colourful cut-glass doorknobs, on sale from just $9.
Now for the burning question: just how much stuff did she buy just for herself? Tracy laughs. "It's a real exercise in self-discipline! There was one particularly irresistible show-room which stocked high-end antique furniture. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt had been there a few weeks before, hand-picking items for their New Orleans home. The owner let me have a peek at the items they'd put aside, and I fell in love. They have excellent taste. It was all the stuff I'd have bought if I had an A-list salary."
Ah well. We might not have the Hollywood lifestyle, or arm-candy, but thanks to Tracy we can all get a taste of what Brangelina are having. Good news for lovers of boho-luxe: our ship has just come in.
Romantique is at:
* 73 Remuera Rd, Newmarket
* 96 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn
