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subscribe to style file blog via RSSFashion Says Merci
March 6, 2009 12:43 pm
One of Paris’ most ambitious openings of late, Merci is the concept-meets-charity store brainchild of Bonpoint founder Marie-France Cohen. Located in a two-level reconverted textile factory in the Marais, this carefully curated space links high fashion with philanthropic ideals. Products on offer include vintage finds and contemporary designs; custom creations and re-editions for men, women, and children; accessories; a secondhand book corner; a gourmet café; a flower shop; Merci Annick perfumes from Le Laboratoire Goutal; and a gallery. The retail therapy feel-good factor? Profits are earmarked for charitable associations, starting this season with orphanages in Madagascar. To help the effort, many designers made donations of seasonal pieces and best-sellers, and by opting for Goutal perfumes in déshabillé bottles, clients can save up to 40 percent. Rifling through the racks, Osman Yousefzada emerged with a vintage black Thierry Mugler jacket with knit lapel and sleeves (€310, or around $390), then stopped to admire vintage trenches by Burberry (€290, or $366) and YSL (€700, or $885) before moving on to the high-fashion corner, where selections include pieces from Martin Margiela, and Stella McCartney. Participating designers Martine Sitbon, Vanessa Bruno, Isabelle Marant, and Alexis Mabille were on hand to toast the project. “I loved the idea and the name,” commented Mabille. “It’s a way to say thank you to everyone—designers, clients, suppliers—as well as in the charity sense. It’s really important, and ultimately complètement normale. We need to help wherever we can!”
Merci, 111 boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris 75003, closed Sundays.
tags: Alexis Mabille, Burberry, Isabelle Marant, Maison Martin Margiela, Martine Sitbon, Stella McCartney, Vanessa Bruno
I love Merci’s concept. In fact you should know that this is probably one of the very few genuine concept stores in Paris.
By mikazoo on 03/7/09 at 5:10 amThank you, Merci!