tent city

After spending the afternoon at the other tent city, I made my way down to The Standard Hotel. No, this is not the cheapest room at the Standard; it’s a Shelterbox, Habitat for Humanity’s official tent. A donation of $1000 buys a tent, which will shelter ten people, thermal blankets, stoves, basic tools, and a means for water purification. It also contains the familiar comfort of drawing books and crayons for children who have lost most, if not all of their possessions. The tents will raise awareness (and hopefully funds) while glitterati flock to NY for the shows. Like the CFDA Fashion for Haiti initiative, a reminder to help those less fortunate.

merci, paris

Merci has been open for a few months in the Marais (Boyfriend’s hood) and the reviews have been mixed. A few Parisians to whom I gushed about it flat-out snubbed it as gimmicky and confusing. Some friends said it was trying to hard to be colette. Indeed, even the Times’ David Colman waffled about before finally deciding he liked the concept (I guess if he didn’t, he wouldn’t be a Critical Shopper). Well, I’m a critical shopper, too; it’s kind of my job. But for me, Merci was love at first sight.

Merci is similar to colette in that it is a lifestyle shop with clothes, accessories, beauty, and home; it even has a few shared brands with that famous boutique, like YSL, Repetto, and Margiela. I like colette (and as a result of my latest visit, I’m coveting anything from AS29 and the new Opening Ceremony Keds); but personally, I think the product at Merci is more accessible and suited to my lifestyle. It seems like a place I could spend an entire afternoon with friends; shopping, eating in a cozy library full of used books with a kitchen the size of my own, playing le nez at Annick Goutal, getting lost among all the stationary and accompanying accoutrements, and leaving for dinner with a fresh bouquet of flowers in my hands. Read on for some of Merci’s highlights.

Above, a view of the vintage signs from the mezzanine. This space would later be turned into a sale shop, where I had to restrain myself from buying a pair of OTK Barbara Bui boots that were 50% off. Below, colored pencils ready to be plopped into customizable Caran D’Ache tins.

Above, a selection of home furnishings, ranging from furniture (not pictured) to kitchen and tabletop accessories, as well as a number of knickknacks that you’ve never heard of but absolutely can’t live without. Below, the Annick Goutal haute parfumerie on the ground level.

Why merci? All the profits go to charity. The idea is the brainchild of Marie-France and Berhard Cohen, the founders of Bonpoint, which they sold a few years ago. All proceeds go to a charitable foundation dedicated to helping women and children in Madagascar. I can understand why some people think the idea is contrived, since ultimately any shop’s endeavor is to make money, but at Merci the philanthropic aspect of the business is totally downplayed. The owners set out to create a space in which people can interact in a marketplace on many different levels and I think they have succeeded. Be sure to check it out next time you are in Paris!

Merci, 111 boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris; 00-33-1-42-77-00-33

things i want but can’t afford

For Gucci’s 5th annual holiday campaign to benefit Unicef Gucci will be selling limited edition “Snowman in Africa” bags and keychains by illustrator Michael Roberts. J’adore the python-wrapped snowman! The book costs $25, with 100% of proceeds going to the charity. The pieces will be sold through Dec. 31 at Gucci stores and Gucci.com, with 25% of proceeds donated to Unicef.

from The Moment

on the agenda

Glenda Bailey tonight 6-8 PM at the Museum at FIT. There may still be space and it’s free to the public, just RSVP at museuminfo@fitnyc.edu.

Then, Housing Works’ annual benefit, Fashion For Action, chaired this year by Derek Lam. Event is closed to the public but more than 150 designers donated $1M worth of merchandise to be sold at 50-70% off, with all proceeds going to Housing Works. I’m proud to say my company is in the list of contributors.

to india with love

Tonight I am heading to the Assouline launch of  To India With Love: From New York to Mumbai. A friend conceived this book after the Mumbai terrorist attacks to show support and “raise funds, spirits, and awareness” for the victims of the bombings. Two things I love: charity, and The Pierre.

Ever since reading Shantaram and Home to India this summer I have been dying to go there and picking the brains of all my Indian friends about their fascinating culture. Someday I’ll get there.

In the meantime, I have my dreams and my book. Buy your own copy here.