Thank you - merci
Does the idea of an exhibition of 3,000 spools pique your interest or make you shake your head in confusion? Personally I loved the display of these wood, metal, cardboard and bakelite cylinders – each one "an essential link in the chain of textile design". Anyway the question is academic – the Bobine installation by artist Aurélie Mathigot, which payed tribute to the work of spinning mills and the memory of these objects, existed for a mere eleven days. But your answer indicates whether you should find the time to visit Merci – a place in Paris which brings together the best of fashion, design and household goods with a great cafe.
If you like Mathigot's work you will probably enjoy the other artists and designers featured in this unusual space – over the years the Merci atrium has been home to dozens of intimate exhibitions including Heartwear, issue 58, fashion designer Raquel Allegra and shoe maker Thierry Attal. Created in March 2009 in the historic district of Haut-Marais by Bernard and Marie-France Cohen, founders of children's fashion label, Bonpoint, Merci is a launch-pad for young designers. But it is also a commercial enterprise with a difference, proceeds from this store are invested and used to fund educational projects and development in south-west Madagascar. Since the launch, more than 900 children have benefited from a well-balanced daily meal and the medium-term aim is to set up a school.
Visit today and you will see the spools have been replaced by a serene elevated installation of ten khadi dresses by Bess Nielsen. The designer has chosen to celebrate her company's tenth anniversary by collaborating with one of Selvedge's favourite photographers, Marie Taillefer issue 55. Bess gave a free hand to Taillefer who photographed the creation of one of her seasonal collections in India and whose images are displayed here – one memorable shot occupies a double height feature wall. You can read about Bess's lifetime of experience working with Indian weavers in issue 44 and the heritage of Khadi cloth – which has been a symbol of Indian independence since Gandhi promoted it during the summer of 1947 – was featured in our very first issue. But to admire her light, graceful designs in person head to Merci or visit the nearby Khadi & Co Emporium which opens today.
Khadi and co Emporium, 82 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75011, Paris, France, T: +33 1 43 57 24 47, www.khadiandco.com
Merci, 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris, France, T:+33 1 42 77 00 33, Mon -Sat 10-7, www.merci-merci.com
If you like Mathigot's work you will probably enjoy the other artists and designers featured in this unusual space – over the years the Merci atrium has been home to dozens of intimate exhibitions including Heartwear, issue 58, fashion designer Raquel Allegra and shoe maker Thierry Attal. Created in March 2009 in the historic district of Haut-Marais by Bernard and Marie-France Cohen, founders of children's fashion label, Bonpoint, Merci is a launch-pad for young designers. But it is also a commercial enterprise with a difference, proceeds from this store are invested and used to fund educational projects and development in south-west Madagascar. Since the launch, more than 900 children have benefited from a well-balanced daily meal and the medium-term aim is to set up a school.
Visit today and you will see the spools have been replaced by a serene elevated installation of ten khadi dresses by Bess Nielsen. The designer has chosen to celebrate her company's tenth anniversary by collaborating with one of Selvedge's favourite photographers, Marie Taillefer issue 55. Bess gave a free hand to Taillefer who photographed the creation of one of her seasonal collections in India and whose images are displayed here – one memorable shot occupies a double height feature wall. You can read about Bess's lifetime of experience working with Indian weavers in issue 44 and the heritage of Khadi cloth – which has been a symbol of Indian independence since Gandhi promoted it during the summer of 1947 – was featured in our very first issue. But to admire her light, graceful designs in person head to Merci or visit the nearby Khadi & Co Emporium which opens today.
Khadi and co Emporium, 82 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75011, Paris, France, T: +33 1 43 57 24 47, www.khadiandco.com
Merci, 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris, France, T:+33 1 42 77 00 33, Mon -Sat 10-7, www.merci-merci.com