Sha Sha is not just a reference to the famous, sensuous 1938 hit by the popular Andrew’s Sisters. It is also the Christian name of Ms Barclay, proprietor of Oasis x Emporium, 115 Macleay Street, Potts Point.

It hints at the exotic Aladdin’s cave and kaleidoscope of colour that defines this charming oasis of creative imagineering. It sits in the pulsing heart of Potts Point, Sydney’s equivalent of the Parisian en-vogue Marais arrondissement.

And it reflects and refracts the vibrant personality prism of its owner.

Oasis x Emporium is a three-level atelier showcasing designs and objets d’art from around the globe: it’s a collection of inspiration. With an emphasis on ethical sourcing and fair trade, the concept is a pot pourri of gifts, cosy scarves, chic homewares, glimmering bijoux, tactile textiles, furniture and  men’s and women’s haute couture.

Sha Sha has been designing fashion and homewares for over 20 years, travelling extensively in Asia, and having lived in the eastern suburbs for about 40 years. One of her specialties is Vietnam, a former French colony, where she’s worked for many years alongside local villagers to produce unique, bespoke, sustainable items.

She designs the lacquered horn bangles, coloured scarves and shirts herself using diaphanous Italian, Vietnamese and Indian silks. The vividly coloured indigo, lapis lazuli, Phoenician Tyrian purple, fuschia, vermillion and saffron silks bounce off the retina.

Elephant Trunk is an Indian brand of beautiful, tactile, textiles, bedding, furnishings and jewellery.

Supporting and showcasing Australian designers is integral to her raison d’être. The Electric Eyes brand candles and aromatherapy, the exclusive range of Botany Natural organic body Australian products as well as chevron-shaped, French-braided rattan baskets, hand-made cards and baby wear are all very popular.

Her new canine congeries is adorable. Potts Point and the 2011 postcode have a high proportion of pets. Koko, her own dreadlocked, café latte-coloured, poodle and his friends have plenty of bandanas, squeaky nursery jouets, kashmir woollen ”Burberry-esque”  blazers and double-breasted, chrome-buttoned houndstooth (what else?) polo neck winter jumpers in which to proudly promenade. No wonder the area is known as “Paws Point”.

“I love the area because we all love to interact: people are so friendly. It’s part of belonging to a socially cohesive, well-knit community, “ says Sha Sha.

By Andrew Woodhouse, Heritage Solutions

Oasis X Emporium

Shop 1, 115 Macleay Street Potts Point

Phone 0409 500 784

Email shasha@oasisemporium.com.au

www.oasisemporium.com.au

Hours

Monday to Friday: 10:00am-5ish
Saturday: 9:00am-5ish
Sunday 10:00am- 4ish