The Charm of 'Orne de Feuilles', Presented Over Two Weeks

Antiques, furniture, and雑貨 (miscellaneous goods) personally selected with care by the owner, along with unique tableware and fabrics that can be called modern art pieces, and other雑貨. This interview, which I personally arranged after being a fan for several years, was made possible by directly visiting the shop and negotiating my appearance. I asked about the inspiration behind starting the shop, the items selected, and ideas for mixing old and new. This will be presented over two weeks.

REVIEW｜TRACK LIST

01.Jack Johnson / When I Look Up (Universal)
02.Jack Johnson / The Upsetter (Universal)
03.Sprout House Band / Spanish Flowers (Awdr / Ir2)
04.Nailor Proveta/ Moacirsantosiana N?5 (Acari)
05.Benny Sings / Make A Rainbow (Sonar Kollektiv)
06.The Ipanemas / Espelho D'Agua (Far Out)
07.Sprout House Band / Butternut (Awdr / Ir2)
08.Darondo / Didn't I (Luv N Haight)
09.Medeski, Martin & Wood / We're All Connected (Mega Force)

'Orne de Feuilles': An Exquisite Blend of Antique and Modern

MatsuuraToday on 'TOKYO MOON', we welcome Akira Tani, the owner of 'Orne de Feuilles', an interior and雑貨 (miscellaneous goods) shop featuring items from antiques to modern pieces, primarily from France and Europe. I actually visited the shop myself several times as a fan of 'Orne de Feuilles' over the past few years, which led to this interview. Could you first explain what kind of shop 'Orne de Feuilles' is?

Tani'Orne de Feuilles' is a shop designed to evoke a house in the Parisian suburbs. We organize items based on scenes like the living room, dining room, kitchen, and garden, aiming to offer a comprehensive range of household goods.



MatsuuraWhat inspired you to open the shop in the first place?

TaniI've loved雑貨 (miscellaneous goods) since I was a student. On days off, I used to go on shopping trips to雑貨 stores with friends. When it came time to open my own shop, I thought about what I could do, and a雑貨 store naturally came to mind...

MatsuuraDid you start the雑貨 store while you were a student?

TaniI lived in Japan as a student, but I moved to France at 24. I lived there for 14 years and worked in Paris the entire time. I opened the shop six years ago. Before that, my family ran a furniture and雑貨 store, so I occasionally sent items I'd purchased at overseas trade shows.

MatsuuraSo your family was already in the furniture and雑貨 business. My first impression of your shop was its delicate atmosphere, with many feminine items. So I was surprised to learn it was curated by a man. Was there a particular reason why the item selection became what it is today?

TaniBefore starting this shop, I was deeply impressed by an interior design book I bought in France, particularly its selections. I believe it was curated by a woman. For example, it showed scenes where rustic items, things I might consider dirty and discard, like rusty objects on a white napkin, were mixed with clean items. The way antiques were skillfully incorporated into daily life was truly striking, and I think that's at the root of it. Perhaps as I pursued that aesthetic, the selections became more feminine.

MatsuuraI see. So you weren't particularly drawn to feminine items as a child?

TaniNot particularly, no. However, I tend to have more female friends than male friends, so I suppose I might be more feminine than the average man (laughs).

The Secret to Skillfully Mixing Old and New?

MatsuuraThe items you carry, such as the French ceramic tableware 'Astier de Villatte', the quilt covers and cushions from 'en fil d'Indienne' offering beautiful handmade fabrics, and the American 'John Derian Company' – these display items, or perhaps art-piece-like interior accessories. These brands are quite distinctive and form the core of your collection. You select these unique, modern items while also evoking the atmosphere of a bygone era, or a shabby chic feel with items that are slightly rusted or worn. How do you go about selecting them?


TaniI've always loved old things, especially antiques. When I first arrived in Paris, I went to flea markets every weekend, not just in the city but also in the suburbs. Perhaps it's my love for old things, but also, with brands like 'Astier de Villatte' and 'John Derian Company', they are essentially antique collectors or designers who deeply appreciate antiques. I often encounter them at flea markets. I believe the antique aesthetic, or rather, the atmosphere of antiques, naturally comes through in their work without them consciously trying. That's what resonated with my sensibilities, and why I chose to select them.

MatsuuraThis connects to what you just said. You skillfully combine new items with antique pieces in your shop. You also operate two other experimental shops, or perhaps workshops, where you also showcase a masterful blend of old and new. I don't think this kind of approach has been common before. It was always either old things or new things, kept separate. This applies to music as well; mixing old and new music isn't something commonly done. In that sense, this program might be quite close to that idea. Mr. Tani, do you have any tips for successfully blending these elements?

TaniI've always loved antiques, and I never really thought of separating 'antiques' from 'current products'. When I started the shop, I didn't have that mindset at all. So, from the very beginning, I placed old and new items together on the same shelves, very naturally, as it felt natural to me. I think perhaps because this approach was uncommon, it was surprisingly well-received.

The Art of Mixing: A European Approach

MatsuuraYou lived in Paris for a long time. Paris itself, and indeed much of Europe, has a way of coexisting with the old and the modern in daily life. In Japan, things tend to be discarded when they get old, or rebuilt. Only recently, as values gradually diversify, have people begun to embrace the idea of using things for a long time, or mixing old and new without strict adherence, integrating it into their lifestyles. Is this sense of mixing truly different in Europe, in Paris, based on your experience living there? What would you say is the biggest difference?

TaniFor example, in Japan, the number of people who mix antique and modern雑貨 (miscellaneous goods) is still small, and there are fewer people who understand it. In France, it's more fundamental. Even at a political level, such concepts are understood. For buildings, consider the Musée d'Orsay, which was originally an old train station. It was renovated into a museum, and rather than preserving it as it was, modern design elements were skillfully integrated. This ability to blend seamlessly, and its widespread adoption by the general public, is what's truly remarkable about France.

MatsuuraI see. 'Orne de Feuilles' truly embodies what you've just described. I first discovered the shop through the 'Astier de Villatte' tableware and have been a regular visitor since. Initially, I was a bit hesitant to enter... given its visual presentation (laughs). The shop was full of women, wasn't it? (laughs).



TaniYes, that's true. However, we've been seeing a significant increase in male customers, even those who come alone. While our main customer base is women, and we do consciously stock items that appeal to them, I personally don't exclusively favor feminine items. I also appreciate mechanical, robust items, like lamps, which might be considered more masculine, and we do carry those. So, I believe it's relatively easy for men to feel comfortable visiting.

MatsuuraLike the lamps you mentioned, I saw a very atmospheric one on your website over six months ago. I went to the shop immediately after seeing it advertised, but it was already sold out (laughs). The shop is that popular. What kind of customers do you primarily attract?

TaniI would say from the late 20s to early 60s.

MatsuuraThat's quite a wide range.

TaniI'm 40 years old now, and I'd say the majority of our customers are within about five years of my age, either older or younger.

MatsuuraI'm 43.

TaniThen you're right in the sweet spot! (laughs).

This is 'TOKYO MOON' with Toshio Matsuura. Tonight, our guest is Akira Tani. Next week, we'll delve deeper into more intrinsic aspects, so please don't miss it.

Click here for Part 2: 'With Akira Tani, Owner of Interior Shop 'Orne de Feuilles''