What makes The Chief Salvage the diamond of Dufferin and Dundas? Oh, if we could only count the ways. Cody Cochrane's flawlessly curated bounty of treasure is teeming with found objects from near, far, and further- her stomping grounds including Texas and Tennessee. Shelves are stocked with antiques ranging from vintage yearbooks and Masonic artifacts to antlers and religious paraphernalia. Americana and war relics are abound, with souvenirs such as maps, stamps, postcards, pins, badges and other trinkets comprising a beautifully nostalgic display. What makes Cochrane's collection of heirlooms and rarities so special is the passion put into the curation; the way artfulness exudes from even the most lifeless of objects (taxidermy, for example). Try entering this trinket chapel without striking gold. Let's see.. the two pairs of antlers, framed preserved butterflies, pentagram necklace, and Audubon prints that adorn my apartment were pretty amazing finds. Cody's eclectic style, eccentricity and warmth make The Chief Salvage a must-visit.
CW: Describe the mission statement or aesthetic goal of Chief Salvage.
CC: The Chief Salvage is an ever shifting art project. Part gallery installation, part museum exhibit, part wunderkammer... or I'm being a pretentious a-hole, and we're just a shop that sells one-of-a-kind weird things.Either way, the more I can make the shop feel like a Wes Anderson movie set, the better, in my estimation.
CW: How did Chief Salvage come to be? Was it a long time in the making?
CC: I started collecting weird and interesting antiques when I was living in Scotland about 6 years ago. The idea has always been to work for myself. That's always been the main objective. I have friends who run amazing vintage shops, like Rachel from Penny Arcade (pennyarcadevintage.com) and Melissa from Chosen Vintage who really helped me see through my vision for this place in all sorts of little ways. I would say that the seed had been planted, and finally came to fruition when I first visited my Parents in Austin, Texas. There is a shop on South Congress called Uncommon Objects. It is the living end, in terms of a 'new way' of seeing and selling antiques. It's just the craziest shit ever, and its HUGE! I just realized that getting to work in a place like that every day, full of neat, weird history, is what would really turn my crank. And now I get my crank turned on a daily basis. It's great.
CW: Where do you get your (awesome and beautiful) stock? Any crazy tales of treasure hunting gone awry?
CC: Always! So many weird picking stories. I go down south to do the bulk of my buying, which gives most of the stuff in the shop a distinctly Americana-vibe just by default. I also have some wonderful guys that I buy from upstate. But for the most part, flea markets in Texas and Tennessee are my faves. My van is covered in graffiti just from being parked in the city, and we're always a hit in the more backwoodsy areas. Weirdly, the one and only time I was ever given a really hard time about it was in Cincinnati. I got reported for potentially being involved in 'gang activity', but that was more funny than anything. And it made me feel tough as hell!
CW: You bring vintage items and antiques, fine art, and interior design together seamlessly in the shop. Is your apartment this rad?
CC: Strangely, in order for me to be able to see things clearly when I'm picking out stuff for the shop, I like my living space to be as pared-down as possible. I definitely have some things that I keep and feel precious about, but I would say that for the most part I am weirdly detached from 'stuff'. The biggest high for me is finding something I know is really beautiful, unique and amazing, and then giving it away to someone who really loves it. That part is the best.
CW: What are you still seeking? Any *diamonds*, so to speak, that you have yet to find?
CC: Another day, another diamond! I never know what's going to fill that void until it pops up. That's the best part of this job, I think. I do collect Masonic stuff though, and anything fraternal. Oddfellows particularly. And mortuary photos, of course. Creepy, but amazing.
CW: How would you describe your personal style, and who are your fashion influences?
CC: I think classic saves the day. No matter what. And also wearing what makes you feel the most like yourself, in the best possible way. Graceful women really do it for me. I tend to err on the side of 60's feminine, with a bit of a masculine twist - combat boots, sloppy t-shirts, jean jackets, paired with flowery dresses, high-waisted jeans, and mod boots. Last time I was picking in Austin, I found the most incredible dark blue, 1920's burn-out velvet dress, which is about 100 sizes too huge, so it hangs in this really great Stevie Nicks way. That was an exciting score. If I had to choose, I'll take Angelica Huston as my style icon. So beautiful and comfortable in her skin, and it reads in whatever she's wearing.
CW: Words of wisdom / motto?
CC: Look up. There's always something up there you're probably missing.
CW: Theme song?
CC: What's tune from the beginning of Forrest Gump? That one.
http://thechiefsalvage.tumblr.com/
-- Chloe Wise
