Melissa Gordon of Kartique

When Melissa Gordon was a child, her imagination was allowed to run wild - exploring the farm she lived on in plenty of space and experiencing countless adventures. A trader at heart, the little girl shared a stall with her mother at the local markets selling peanut slabs.

Years down the track, Melissa took to combining those interests and became her mother Irene Daly’s business partner for a store that sourced global vintage treasures. “I’ve always dabbled in the business but it got to a point where my mother needed a business partner,” Melissa said. “I jumped at the chance. It’s really hard work and you have to be extremely good at multi-tasking, but I love every minute.”

Originally located in the historic west end of Fremantle and now also in the heart of Mt Lawley, Kartique serves as a hub for vintage textiles, antique furniture and unique homewares sourced from all over the world. Each item is hand-selected or handcrafted to ensure individuality, “We love buying things that have a story, are unique and are handmade,” Melissa said. “If something is well-made and well-loved, it will stand the test of time.”

Melissa has met people from all over the world while sourcing vintage pieces for Kartique. “I am always learning about their lives and heritage which helps me choose pieces for the store,” she said.

Despite travelling to most countries of the globe, India stands as the mother and daughter duo’s place of interest. “We do have a love affair with India so we often find ourselves digging around there,” she said. “We have just had a container arrive full of collectables and artifacts including things like vintage bicycle pumps, a binnicle, enamel shop signs, copper cooking pots, wind-up desk clocks and many others. However, our next container is from Burma and we have just had some incredible vintage rugs from Pakistan arrive at our doorstep."

Q&A

Can you describe the store in a few words?
Eclectic and full of global vintage treasures.

Where has your passion stemmed from?
Our passion for vintage furniture has come from an appreciation of good design and sustainability.

What do you look for when you are searching for treasures?
Something unique, of good quality, has a story and pulls at the heart.

What is your inspiration?
Good design, travel and discovery.

When you are having down time from your store, what is your favourite place to frequent in Mt Lawley or Perth?M
Living in Fremantle, my down time is mainly there but when I am in Mt Lawley I find myself in Five Bar (conveniently located across the road), El Publico and The Merchant.

Writer:Brooke Hunter
Photography: Bree Kristel Clarke

More Details