Contributor post by Karine Candice Kong of BODIE and FOU
Hello everyone,
During the next few months, I will have the pleasure to share with you my French 'coups de coeur'. Places, people, recipes, anything that inspires me. I will do this post in English. However, quite a few readers appreciate when the posts are translated in French on my blog so they can practice their Francais (not that I'm the best translator on the planet...) but if it's something you would like me to do here on Poppytalk, just let me know. I will be happy to oblige.
MERCI, was launched by the Founders of chic French children brand Bonpoint, who wanted to create an inspiring place to gather together amazing designs from the world of interiors and fashion while giving something back to children in Madagascar so MERCI was set up as a non-profit venture where all the benefits to a Charity fund. However, far from looking like an old, run down charity shop, MERCI is quite the opposite...about 1500 sqm of happiness, creativity, inspiration and eye candy - and yes you can find some affordable goodies like these gorgeous salad bowls designed by Nelson Sepudelva and of course their famous MERCI paper bag (2 Euros) which can be framed or used as a decorative item to store fabric samples, socks, stuff. You will also find great fashion labels like Isabel Marant, Paul and Joe, A.P.C. and perfumes from Annick Goutal
On the not-so-affordable side of things but yet stunning and cleverly designed, you will get one-off vintage pieces mixed with designs from Paola Navone (like these beautiful pendant lights below - 350 Euros/piece or my dream sofa: The Ghost sofa, also by P. Navone), clever tiles from Droog Design, industrial lighting, knitted poufs by Christien Meindertsma, etc but be aware that the collection keeps changing.
For me, who loves industrial type spaces, MERCI is a very inspiring place to hang out...it's an amazing, beautiful space with white walls, high ceilings, metal and wooden beams, concrete floors and I love the stunning original French windows in the cafe located in the basement... basically the kind of space I would be quite happy to live in once the shop closes its doors in the evening to hang out with my family and friends. I hope you enjoy this..See you next time! Bises.
A French girl, living in London with a Neo-Zealander, mum of a five-years old freewi* called Mila. Karine Candice is also the Creative Director and Co-Founder of fabulous online concept store BODIE and FOU which she launched with her sister Elodie in 2005.
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