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For most of us, taking trips to Turkey, India, and Peru for exotic home décor and textiles might happen once a year, if at all. But for Christina Bryant, founder and creative director of St. Frank, jet setting to source fabrics, curios, and artisanal crafts is her day to day. The San Francisco-based brand partners with artisans around the world to create pillows, artwork, and linens that reflect the original culture and heritage of the fabrics and items. By visiting markets, boutiques, and workshops, Bryant and her team find handmade one-of-a-kind textiles that are then repurposed into the perfect addition for the well-traveled home. We caught up with her to learn about how she finds and buys the hidden gems that make St. Frank’s items so beautiful—and to pick up a few tips ourselves.
Look Around
“One of the first things I do on a sourcing trip is take in the local architecture to get a sense of place. Turkey has such an incredibly old and complex history. In Istanbul, this means a visit to the Hagia Sofia. This ancient building, a church transformed into a mosque, with its mix of cultural identity—epitomizes that characteristic," says Bryant.
Enjoy the Hospitality
Don't be shy, says Bryant: "If you’re wandering around a store, odds are the shop owner will offer you water or tea. Go ahead and accept their generosity, especially if you see items you will likely purchase." In other words, embrace the act of kindness and shop away.
Check for Authenticity
Bryant keeps an eye out for specific motifs when she’s searching through the Grand Bazaar, like suzani textiles with the Tree of Life and Chintamani imagery. And she's not afraid to ask questions. “Look for vendors who show you true antique pieces and who know the history and iconography of each work," she says. "Make sure they are dealing in beautiful materials—non synthetic silk and cotton. And always opt for handmade over machine loomed pieces.”
Speak Up
Don’t be afraid to haggle. “Everything is negotiable! Counter offer with half the original asking price and you’ll settle somewhere in between. Or, if you bundle in several items, you may be able to negotiate below half the original offer,” Bryant says.
Head Off the Beaten Path
“While much of the Bazaar is geared for tourists, there are hidden gems throughout and the hunt is part of the experience. This is a great place to see the breath of craft Turkey has to offer. Consider purchasing vintage kilim-turned-pillows and a quartz pomegranate, a good luck symbol present in most every Turkish home,” Bryant says. Don’t be afraid to look outside the main bazaar, either. Bryant makes stops at the Spice Bazaar as well, picking up Turkish delight, saffron, and jasmine.
Don’t Miss These Spots
Shop with the St. Frank aesthetic in mind at Bryant’s favorite spots in Istanbul. Within the Grand Bazaar, Mekhann is a popular spot for high-quality contemporary ikat and suzani and Iznic Classics for traditional blue and white tile work and pottery. At Spice Bazaar, stop by Hayat Kuruyemis for Turkish delight, nuts and tea. To get away from the hectic Grand Bazaar, stroll the tiny and less crowded Arasta Bazaar, not far from the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque.
