The Celebration of the heritage that narrates Parisian history by Neri & Hu, the Papi Restaurant

Nestled in the Grands Boulevards district of Paris' 9th arrondissement, Papi is the latest brainchild of up-and-coming restaurateur Etienne Ryckeboer his debut seafood bar Bulot Bulot. This time, he teams up with Neri&Hu to rehaul the façade and interior space, and with talented Japanese chef Akira Sugiura to serve a seasonal menu of modern Italian dishes.

Located on the ground floor of a typical late 19th century Haussmann building, Neri&Hu's design concept celebrates the layered material heritage that narrates Parisian history.

Nestled in the Grands Boulevards district of Paris' 9th arrondissement, Papi is the latest brainchild of up-and-coming restaurateur Etienne Ryckeboer his debut seafood bar Bulot Bulot. This time, he teams up with Neri&Hu to rehaul the façade and interior space, and with talented Japanese chef Akira Sugiura to serve a seasonal menu of modern Italian dishes.

Located on the ground floor of a typical late 19th century Haussmann building, Neri&Hu's design concept celebrates the layered material heritage that narrates Parisian history. During the dismantling phase, the existing site was treated carefully; by stripping back the strata of finishes built up through the decades, the raw materials' beauty is revealed. Every single element was meticulously examined, and the challenge was to resist the urge to fix every imperfection, instead, honour the imprint oft of time upon each surface. Within the interior, portions of the old limestone and brick walls, a raw steel column, and a brick column are preserved and integrated into the design. On the façade, an existing steel I-beam lintel is featured, while a segment of the old stone moulding by the entry is left exposed, stitching the façade seamlessly to the neighboring building. Each fragment neighbouring ants a different period in Paris' history, forming a beautiful yet imposing canvas for the architects to add their new strokes.

The new raw-steel-framed fully-operable glass façade maintains a visual continuity between the street and the venue and effectively extends the public realm into the interior. As guests enter the space through the main door, they see the clash of juxtaposing old and new materials, telling a story of sophistication with fresh textures of tile, glass and wood. Mirrors are placed strategically to create dynamic perspectives and voyeuristic moments between interior and exterior while inviting guests into cross gazes. The spatial and material strategies deployed to create a layered reading against the historical backdrop, offering guests a variety of experiences to explore within the space - moments of both public introversion and private extroversion.

Despite the compact 52 square meters of usable area, Neri&Hu’s asserts two figures into space: an oblong volume forming an arena-like enclosure that integrates all the functional needs of seating, display, chef’s preparation counter, privacy screen, as well as a round shape containing the wood-burning oven. Clad in handmade convex-curved white ceramic tiles, the enclosure features large openings framed with thick birch plywood that become seating benches for guests. Entering the arena, where the floor is adorned with narrow white ceramic tiles, guests are instantly transformed from spectators to performers on stage. The central communal table features a long custom pendant light above, while a series of lights by Viabizzuno create a stark modern contrast on the old limestone wall. Custom wood and fabric chairs, manufactured by De La Espada, are designed by Neri&Hu specifically for Papi Restaurant to fit within the limited footprint.

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Design, interior design, Lifestyle, Retail merci team Design, interior design, Lifestyle, Retail merci team

The Green Soul of Zegna - the Dream of Zero Waste Possible

At Zegna, they have taken care of the world we live in from the beginning, following in the footsteps of their founder Ermenegildo Zegna. This is their company mission, based on a constantly-evolving thought: looking at the future with the belief that our actions today will shape our tomorrow.

Green Soul Manifesto - 16x9 (White).jpg
At Zegna, we have taken care of the world we live in from the beginning, following in the footsteps of our founder Ermenegildo Zegna. This is our company mission, based on a constantly-evolving thought: looking at the future with the belief that our actions today will shape our tomorrow.


At Zegna, social and environmental responsibility have been our roots for 110 years. When they were founded in 1910, Ermenegildo Zegna’s dream was not just to create the world’s finest textiles but to make his hometown and the world around it a better place, ensuring the highest-quality products without compromising the quality of life for future generations. His vision is still the heart of everything we do. The environment is at the core of our efforts: we believe the very best garments can only come from the best natural resources, and that these resources need to be cared for. The advanced vertical integration of our business model facilitates our journey towards a sustainable product and holds us accountable for responsible practices and processes.

2020 marks our 110th anniversary. On this landmark year, we are proud to renew our sustainability pledge, exemplified by OASI Zegna, where our Lanificio Zegna was established and our green philosophy was ignited. OASI Zegna is a unique model of our environmental consciousness, a territory that now covers 100km2 from Trivero to Valle Cervo in the Alpi Biellesi, which would not have been possible without the visionary approach of our founder.


In an ever-changing world, luxury companies can simply adapt to changes or choose to be a positive force in driving these changes. Our responsibility is to leverage our past to build a better present and future. This carries over into everything we do, following our founder’s legacy. I’m very pleased that Zegna is part of the Green Pea project, partnering with Oscar Farinetti who shares the same sustainability ethos with us”, says Gildo Zegna, CEO of Ermenegildo Zegna.

Z ZEGNA FW20 #UseTheExisiting.jpg

Meanwhile at Z ZEGNA, we continue to push the boundaries to explore sustainable fashion solutions, and use recyclablematerials to create the Z ZEGNA FW20 #Usetheexisting Nylon Padded Jacket and Vest. The extra-light recycled nylon stuffing creates feather-like comfort, whilst outstanding weaving and craftsmanship ensurewaterproofing and warmth. The streamlined design is ideal for outdoor adventures and city life alike, with functional details such as a patch pocket on the chest, zipper side pockets covered by a sleek, peach-skin technofabric shell, and a drawstring at the bottom. A carefree choice for contemporary gentlemen to mix and match, the Z ZEGNA FW20 #Usetheexisting Nylon Padded Jacket and Vest come in four colour options: black, red, bright yellow and dark green.

“Morethan a simple project, #UseTheExisting is a state of mind,” says Artistic Director, Alessandro Sartori. “The main goal is to rework the fashion system in order to reduce our ecological footprint. At Zegna, we are trying to reuse resources in order to not waste any materials in the production chain. It is a mission and a vision in which we are investing a lot. This is the principle behind the latest and future collections.”  

Together, wecan build a better tomorrow.

For more information, please visit: www.zega.com

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design, Retail, lifestyle merci team design, Retail, lifestyle merci team

THE ROLLING STONES OPEN ‘WORLD EXCLUSIVE’ FLAGSHIP STORE IN LONDON

On September 9, 2020, The Rolling Stones will open the doors to their world-first flagship store, ‘RS No. 9 Carnaby’ in the heart of London’s Soho, at 9 Carnaby Street.

Created in partnership with Bravado, the store will be home to an exclusive mix of collections and collaborations for fans of all ages and will feature a bespoke T-shirt customization station. Framed in an exceedingly contemporary red and black shop fit, visitors will be able to explore the diverse product offering whilst listening to tracks from the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world!

On September 9, 2020, The Rolling Stones will open the doors to their world-first flagship store, ‘RS No. 9 Carnaby’ in the heart of London’s Soho, at 9 Carnaby Street.

Created in partnership with Bravado, the store will be home to an exclusive mix of collections and collaborations for fans of all ages, and will feature a bespoke T-shirt customisation station. Framed in an exceedingly contemporary red and black shop fit, visitors will be able to explore the diverse product offering whilst listening to tracks from the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world!

The store’s windows feature a world first soundwave installation – taken from the opening to the 1966 hit track ‘Paint It Black’. The audio of the beginning of the iconic song is visualised as a soundwave and reinterpreted into a striking red metal sculpture. 

Jointly curated by the Rolling Stones and Bravado, the shop fit follows the brand colours of red and black.  The glass floor features many of the bands lyrics, and the fitting rooms are adorned with iconic album artwork; Exile on Main Street (1972) and Some Girls (1978). 

Inside, there is an exclusive and curated mix of collections and collaborations for fans of all ages. The store will also introduce ‘Stones Red,’ the official colour from Pantone which is seen in the design elements of the store as well as an exclusive apparel and accessories collection.  

Sound, vision, and lighting are key store components.   Five, 90 inch portrait screens display a film made exclusively for the store showing footage across the rich history of the band. Speakers from high end British audio brand Bowers & Wilkins will play tracks from the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world.  


“With this innovative partnership, the Rolling Stones add yet another cultural touchpoint to their rich legacy. RS No. 9 Carnaby is the result of years of planning and decades of building one of the world's most recognized brands. It creates a destination where fans can connect and immerse themselves in the music, style and spirit of one of the world's most iconic and beloved bands.”

Mat Vlasic, CEO, Bravado.

Exclusive store collaborations include Chateau Baccarat, from French luxury brand Baccarat, a collection of crystal wine glasses, champagne flutes, tumblers, wine decanter, and a beer glass engraved with the Tongue and Lips of the Rolling Stones. Other exclusives include The Soloist chairs and scarves and from premium Swedish raincoat brand Stutterheim there is a handcrafted high quality rubberized cotton raincoat that features the Rolling Stones logo.  More exciting collabs will be announced soon. 

One for superfans are the 10 limited edition signed and numbered framed artworks by John Pasche, the original creator of the iconic Rolling Stones logo, which was first used on the Sticky Fingers LP in 1971. 

The store also features a bespoke T-shirt customization station – choose from an array of exclusive designs on the touch screen menu to create something unique. 

“Soho has always encapsulated Rock ’n’ Roll so Carnaby Street was the perfect spot for our own store. We are confident this exciting project that our friends at Bravado have created will be an unrivalled experience for everyone to come to London and enjoy.”  The Rolling Stones said.

It is a bold time to launch a permanent retail space in London, but RS No.9 Carnaby Street will provide a major long-term boost to music tourism in the capital, as one of the most iconic music British brands and bands of all time, launches this unprecedented experience on London’s historic Carnaby Street in Soho, which has been synonymous with British music culture since the sixties.

The Rolling Stones’ deluxe reissued 2020 version of their historic ‘GOAT’S HEAD SOUP’ album, out this week, looks set to top the U.K. album charts, 47 years after its first release.

Rolling Stones fans not able to visit can also experience it through a bespoke online store and experience which will be going live shortly - https://no9carnabyst.rollingstones.com  

For more information, please visit: www.rollingstones.com

ALL ASSETS COURTESY: THE ROLLING STONES / BRAVADO

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Architecture, design, Retail merci team Architecture, design, Retail merci team

GOLDEN “KUBE” COFFEE KIOSK - % ARABICA’s coffee is now opened at K11 Musea

The golden “KUBE,” a cube-shaped design installation by Dutch architectural firm OMA, is now open for business with % ARABICA of their sixth store in Hong Kong. Echoing K11 Group Founder Adrian Cheng’s vision for K11 MUSEA to be a landmark whereby to connect people and propagate culture, the now opened % ARABICA at KUBE is designed to unfold public dialogues and experiences shared between the community, shoppers, and travellers of the energetic city.

The golden “KUBE,” a cube-shaped design installation by Dutch architectural firm OMA, is now open for business with % ARABICA of their sixth store in Hong Kong. Echoing K11 Group Founder Adrian Cheng’s vision for K11 MUSEA to be a landmark whereby to connect people and propagate culture, the now opened % ARABICA at KUBE is designed to unfold public dialogues and experiences shared between the community, shoppers, and travellers of the energetic city.


“In creating K11 MUSEA, we worked with 100 creative talents to propagate culture and inject inspiring content into the new consumer’s daily life. What David Gianotten and Rem Koolhaas’ KUBE adds to K11 MUSEA is therefore more than an iconic OMA feature, but a symbolic space that explores Hong Kong’s waterfront culture, coffee culture and a new way to become part of a larger community.”
— Adrian Cheng, K11 Group Founder.

KUBE x % ARABICA  

Enviably located on the waterfront with unimpeded views of the iconic Victoria Harbour, KUBE is a cube-shaped kiosk designed by acclaimed Dutch architecture firm OMA headed by David Gianotten and Rem Koolhaas. KUBE will now be home to the newest % ARABICA, the fastest-growing specialty coffee brand in the world. Serving its signature blend and specialty drinks, % ARABICA will foster a communal environment where shoppers and visitors can share experiences over a great cup of coffee. 

The dai-pai-dong-inspired kiosk features aluminium panels with a special anodized golden finish that changes colour as light of different qualities reflects from the material, while an arrangement of cubical marble chairs allows people to linger and engage with each other – an all-rounded setting that allows events and outdoor performances in future.

For special events, a giant red balloon, visible from across the Victoria Harbour, is installed as a “city canopy” to gather all participants under the same roof, and as an “urban pin” to mark the KUBE as a place in the city for inspiring encounters.  

“The KUBE is a multi-function installation to connect people visiting K11 MUSEA and passers-by, who share a moment to be fully present to experience the city, and possibilities of encounters,” says David Gianotten, OMA Managing Partner – Architect.

Lauded by its smooth and strong taste with hints of dark chocolate, the signature % ARABICA Blend is a medium-dark roast combining two Ethiopian and two Brazilian coffee beans. The current single origin coffee features lightly roasted Ethiopia Adado which evokes a fruity flavour with tones of citrus and orange. Highlights on the menu include the Spanish Latte, a sweet and smooth coffee served with a dash of condensed milk and the Matcha Latte, a non-coffee beverage made with Kyoto matcha powder and milk.  

One-of-a-kind Coffee Journey

K11 MUSEA, Hong Kong’s Silicon Valley of Culture introduces a wide range of culinary experience to both local and overseas visitors, enriching their daily life through gastronomy culture. Encompassing over 70 local and global food & beverage brands, the destination presents three specially curated concepts including Hong Kong’s largest bakery zone with over 4,500 sq. ft. and an artisanal coffee journey experience.

Alongside the unique coffee by the sea experience at KUBE, K11 MUSEA also curated a coffee journey in arm’s length – Visitors can enjoy the urban skyline at the alfresco rooftop of the Bohemian Garden with Elephant Grounds, explore the world’s first single-origin nitro coffee bar by The Coffee Academïcs or enjoy the sleek aesthetics of Omotesando Koffee with their variety of espresso based coffee’s from Japan. For a more intimate experience, visit Koffee Mameya, where their bean specialists or “coffee sommeliers” brew some of the rarest and bespoke coffees sourced from around the world.

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THE TIFFANY BLUE BOX CAFE FIRST IN ASIA

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is now a dream come true as The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe makes its debut in the bustling district of Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Conceived as a freestanding, shimmering glass pavilion, the central space pays homage to the innovative stained glass designs that Tiffany is famous for, and invites customers into a light-filled dining area embraced by finely textured silver and blue glass panels. T

Imagine spending a relaxed moment enjoying a cup of freshly brew coffee and delectable pastries while being surrounded by the enchanting Tiffany Blue. Having Breakfast at Tiffany’s is now a dream come true as The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe makes its debut in the bustling district of Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Conceived as a freestanding, shimmering glass pavilion, the central space pays homage to the innovative stained glass designs that Tiffany is famous for, and invites customers into a light-filled dining area embraced by finely textured silver and blue glass panels. The pavilion sits beautifully like an art object in the minimalistic lobby reimagined as a modern gallery, and the light gray and white marble further highlights the tasteful aesthetics of the brand. Between the pavilion and the glass wall are a series of graphic screens that filter the natural light from the adjacent courtyard to create an intimate and inviting atmosphere, and serve as a sophisticated backdrop to the space.

Tiffany & Co. opened the door of The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe, the first in Asia and the second in the world, on 14 th October, inviting patrons into a refined world of style and elegance. As a highlight of the house’s One Peking Road flagship store, the unique dining concept is offered local customers a long-awaited opportunity to savor the one-of-a-kind culinary experience from New York City.

Celebrating the polished ritual of afternoon tea in a modern way, The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe will delight even the most discerning diners with its gourmet offerings. Apart from the culinary creations starring the best seasonal ingredients and ingenious creativity, customers will also be pampered with the irresistible sweet treats jointly presented by The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe. From premium tea to tantalizing dishes, everything will be served with the iconic Color Block tableware designed by Tiffany & Co., an artistic bone china and silver collection that stands out with a bold palette of white and Tiffany Blue, and makes moments of sharing great food and time with friends and family even more unforgettable. Those who want to indulge in the luxury experience anytime may bring the designer pieces or even the whole collection home.

A wide array of home and accessories products will also be available at the Tiffany flagship right next and connecting to The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe, ranging from the classic alarm clock to the cutest teddy bear. To mark this special occasion, a special edition bone china mug and a sterling silver keyring will be exclusively available at the new Tiffany One Peking Road Flagship store, offering fans a great chance to expand their Tiffany collection. You can now be the first to discover the sensory experience and acclaimed hospitality by making a reservation for The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe through the dedicated online platform. The most marvelous encounter with Tiffany & Co. is just a few clicks away.

Tiffany & Co. One Peking Road Flagship Shop address:

No. 7-8, One Peking, No.1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong Phone: +852 3462 7148

Tiffany & Co. One Peking Road Flagship Hours of Operation: 10:30AM–9:00PM (Monday to Sunday)

The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe Shop

No. 208, Lobby Floor, One Peking, No.1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon,

Hong Kong Online Reservation: https://cho.pe/dineatthetiffanyblueboxcafehk (The online reservation portal will be activated for online reservation on Oct 9 – 9am)

The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe Hours of Operation: 8:00AM – 10:00PM (Monday to Sunday)

Last Order at 9:00PM

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What is DESIGNART TOKYO? (I)

Held each autumn DESIGNART TOKYO is one of Japan’s largest art & design festivals. With the concept of “Emotions”, interiors, art, fashion and food from all around the world are collected with a genre-defying spirit. Decorating the coolest areas of Tokyo with art, making it fun to walk around and visit all the different exhibits, transforming the entire city into a museum over the course of ten days.

Israel Announced as Official Partner Country!Israel is decided as the Partner Country of this year's DESIGNART TOKYO. As part of the Exchange Project, more than 10 participants from Jerusalem Design Week (JDW) will exhibit their works. (From Japan, …

Israel Announced as Official Partner Country!

Israel is decided as the Partner Country of this year's DESIGNART TOKYO. As part of the Exchange Project, more than 10 participants from Jerusalem Design Week (JDW) will exhibit their works. (From Japan, Shota Hayakawa and Yuri Himuro of last year's Designart Tokyo, have participated in the JDW 2019 in June.)

With a showcase of local materials, installations, projects and events stemming from the recent editions of JDW, the exhibition will explore the tensions and hybrids which define a unique Israeli design approach

Ginza & Shinjuku Join the Party!

TOKYU PLAZA GINZA X Bunkamura X Toraya Exhibition

TOKYU PLAZA GINZA X Bunkamura X Toraya Exhibition

< KIRIKO LOUNGE / Tokyu Plaza 6th Floor >

Tokyu Plaza Ginza will serve as the Information Center for the Ginza area. At KIRIKO LOUNGE, located on the landmark building’s 6th floor, poetry evoking the season of autumn in the Ginza area will be recited as part of an event titled “Gin-cha-kai” (Silver Tea Party), while Toraya, the venerable purveyor of Japanese sweets and patron of traditional arts and crafts, will be supporting an exhibition titled “TOKYU PLAZA GINZA Å~ Bunkamura SPECIAL PROGRAM ~ Toraya,

Principles of Japanese Sweets”, curated by Ryusuke Nanki. The show will examine the expression of the four seasons and the origins of craftsmanship through the lens of Japanese sweets, while visitors can experience the joys of creating Japanese sweets at the adjacent Sukiyabashi Chabo.

Lalique x Damian Hirst “Eternal” Collection

Lalique x Damian Hirst “Eternal” Collection


< Lalique >

The revered house of Lalique, known as “The haute couture of crystal glass”, has entered into a partnership with world-renowned contemporary artist Damien Hirst to produce a collection titled “Eternal”. Melding Hirst’s conception of “The Cycle of Life” with the house’s unrivalled craftsmanship has resulted in art pieces the likes of which have never been seen before and which visitors will be sure to enjoy seeing up close. ETERNAL IMMACULATE

Photographed by Fran.ois Fernandez ˝ Damien Hirst, Science Ltd and Lalique. All rights reserved, DACS/ADAGP 2017

Shiseido Gallery / From “Moulting”(2019) by Jay Chung &amp; Q Takeki Maeda

Shiseido Gallery / From “Moulting”(2019) by Jay Chung & Q Takeki Maeda

< Shiseido Gallery >

Shiseido is a cosmetics brand whose identity is deeply entwined with the history of Ginza. Celebrating its centenary this year “Shiseido Gallery” is Japan’s oldest art gallery and this year it will participate in DESIGNART TOKYO for the first time. The gallery will be featuring an exhibition selected by Berlin-based conceptual artists Jay Chung & Q Takeki Maeda as well as an exhibition of craftsmanship featuring arabesque patterns.

Please stay tuned for more information with us or you may visit: http://designart.jp

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