"I've
changed my tactics more than once in my career. I started in the scrap metal
trade, alongside a trade in rabbit skins. That was 25 years ago now. I come
from the south of France, on the Mediterranean coast. One day, I realised that
there was no money to be made in old coffee grinders and washing machines, so
I came up to Paris. I had to do something different. I went into cameras, military
medals and coins. I couldnŐt stand the people, the collectors. I lost my enthusiasm
for it. As regards eroticism, the customer knows what he is looking for when
he comes to my standÉ I also sell mystery.
The bric-a-brac I sell is a little on the subversive side, and I've been doing
it for 5 years now. I just wanted a little spot to do my business without any
fuss. Vernaison is the oldest and the most traditional market. There's no pretentiousness
here. I have not been affected by the crisis. Why? Because I have customers
from all around the world. I don't have just American customers. Even Joe Public
comes to my stand. A bloke from some housing estate who wants to buy an esoteric
ring, he comes here. For 1,000 F, you can buy American university rings from
the 50s.
I've ridden a motorbike for thirty years. It's a way of life, a way of thinking,
of dressing. At the moment, I'm riding the latest Harley Davidson.
A week after the attacks, the Americans were back here. Everybody should stop
whinging. I'm not affected by the crisis and I'm optimistic. In antiques, people
with money will always be there to buy. The stars of the cinema, the interior
decorators, the designers, they all need us. And they keep on coming…"
Manu, 53 years old, married, no children - originally from southern France /
Vernaison Market/ esoteric goods/ eroticism
"30
YEARS IN THE TRADE. I SELL MYSTERY.
The bric-a-brac I sell is a little on the subversive side"
