Yael Frischling, an American-born homewares designer based in Sydney, finds inspiration for her work through exploring flea markets around the world. As the founder of the design studio Cillie, she says every flea market reflects the unique character of its location, offering insights that influence her creative process.

Frischling describes her visits to flea markets as immersive experiences, often requiring multiple passes through the stalls to ensure she does not overlook potential treasures. “I’m always looking at the details: a brooch clasp; the way a piece of Murano glassware ‘sinks’; an embroidered hem,” she explains. These subtle elements often fuel her designs, even if their exact origins remain unclear.

In Athens, Frischling visits the sprawling Monastiraki flea market neighborhood, known for its chaotic layout of alleyway stores. There, she discovered an array of vintage blown glassware and marble-ware at competitive prices compared with Sydney. These finds motivated her to purchase as much Murano glassware as she could transport, with plans to resell them in Australia.

Her experience at Tokyo City Flea Market challenged her expectations of distinctly Japanese items. Instead, Frischling encountered a curated assortment of vintage Americana and European luxury fashion, including racks of Levi’s and historic band T-shirts alongside high-end brands such as Fendi, Prada, and Jean Paul Gaultier, all preserved in excellent condition. She noted Japan’s stringent authenticity regulations provide buyers with confidence in their purchases. Rows of watches—ranging from Seiko to Cartier and Omega—were also prominently displayed and certified authentic.

Back in the United States, Frischling visits the Melrose Trading Post in Los Angeles, where a sense of nostalgia informs her selection. She finds numerous vintage American apparel brands, including Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as old sports jackets. Among her favorite acquisitions is a vintage leather bomber jacket she frequently wears. She observes that Los Angeles flea markets coexist seamlessly with the city’s boutique culture, reflecting the bright, diverse, and thoughtful nature of LA fashion.

In the south of France, Frischling notes the accessibility of flea markets in cities like Nice and Cannes, as well as smaller locations such as Allées de la Liberté. These markets, often encountered spontaneously upon arriving by train or turning a corner, offer a slower pace and showcase craftsmanship distinctive to the region. She found antique furniture finishes, intricate brooches, lace, and linen, with occasional jewelry purchases, while primarily appreciating the markets by walking slowly and observing.

Through her global travels, Frischling sees flea markets as more than shopping destinations—they are repositories of cultural expression and creativity that continually influence her design work.