Scoop on Scoop: Mercer7

/ THE SCOOP / By

[vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” full_height=”yes” columns_placement=”stretch” bg_color=”#000000″ scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”padding-10-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ top_margin=”-70″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]

[vc_column_inner enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]
Scoop on Scoop:
[/vc_column_inner]
[vc_column_inner enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” delay=”100″]

ERNA LEON STOKES
FOUNDER, MERCER7

[/vc_column_inner]
[vc_column_inner enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” delay=”200″]

Founded by New York fashion designer Erna Leon Stokes, MERCER7 is an expertly curated online shopping destination which supports and collaborates with other creatives through a series of interviews and editorial features.

Erna will be at Scoop this season, picking out her favourite pieces as part of an exclusive MERCER7 edit.

Read on to learn more about MERCER7 and for a sneak preview of who Erna is looking forward to seeing at Scoop.

[/vc_column_inner]
[vc_column_inner enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” delay=”300″][nectar_icon icon_family=”iconsmind” icon_style=”default” icon_color=”white” open_new_tab=”true” icon_padding=”20px” icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Facebook-2″ icon_size=”29″ margin_left=”-20px” url=”https://www.facebook.com/mercer7official”][nectar_icon icon_family=”iconsmind” icon_style=”default” icon_color=”white” open_new_tab=”true” icon_padding=”20px” icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Instagram” icon_size=”29″ url=”https://www.instagram.com/mercer7official/”][nectar_icon icon_family=”iconsmind” icon_style=”default” icon_color=”white” open_new_tab=”true” icon_padding=”20px” icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Pinterest” icon_size=”29″ url=”https://uk.pinterest.com/mercer7official/”][nectar_icon icon_family=”iconsmind” icon_style=”default” icon_color=”white” open_new_tab=”true” icon_padding=”20px” icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Dribble” icon_size=”29″ url=”https://uk.pinterest.com/mercer7official/”][/vc_column_inner]
[/vc_column][vc_column enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-left” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ background_image=”13917″ top_margin=”-70″ bottom_margin=”-50″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” delay=”300″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”center” top_padding=”10%” bottom_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]

Q&A

[divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.5″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]
[vc_column_inner enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_position=”left-right” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/2″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]

What’s the story behind MERCER7? How did it start?

I come from a fashion design background, but after becoming a mum I wanted to work in a flexible way around my family life.

During my maternity leave there were so many times that I would order clothes online and be disappointed with the quality or fit after receiving my order. I also thought that online shopping was becoming a bit saturated with way too many options. So I decided to create a focused space with a single aesthetic to make shopping easier for busy women. The aesthetic is minimal and effortless with a bit a of a rock’n’roll edge. I select the finest pieces that are easy to wear and simple to style, so you don’t have to spend hours on end trying to search for the perfect outfit. I like to think of MERCER7 a bit like an online personal shopper. I collaborate with brands and curate collections from high street to luxury, taking the hassle out of online shopping.

Describe the MERCER7 ethos…

Having a focus on slow fashion is very important to me, that’s why I only feature clothes that can last for a long time in both quality and aesthetic – representing style rather than trend. It’s about longevity and not throw-away fashion.

My mantra for MERCER7 is definitely ‘less is more’. The collection is curated to work together seamlessly and allows women to easily build outfits and their own capsule wardrobe of key items for effortless style.

As part of the brand name suggests, No.7 represents a ‘collective consciousness’. I love interviewing inspiring people, championing other creatives and I love collaborating with brands who I admire.

What is your background?

I am Armenian, but was born in Georgia. I moved around a lot when I was little because both of my parents are musicians, but we finally settled in New York when I was 16.

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and started working for different brands as a designer. I absolutely loved everything about the design process from the initial sketches to draping, fitting and receiving my first samples. I still miss it, but styling and curating the collections are just as fun.

Then, after meeting an Englishman in New York, we got married and moved to London. After becoming a mum, I decided to take a career break. Two kids and four years later, I launched MERCER7 so I could be my own boss and work in a flexible way around my family life.

[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_position=”left-right” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/2″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” delay=”100″]

Why is it important to visit trade shows?

For me, it is a great way to discover new brands, get to know them, get inspired and make connections.

If you are a retailer, it’s an amazing place to buy from emerging designers. Not only do you support them, but you have an opportunity to buy from collections that are not in the market yet. Customers love a point of difference and not wearing something that everyone has got.

What do you love about Scoop? What sets us apart from other trade shows?

I love discovering all the emerging designers and brands every time I visit the show. It’s so refreshing seeing all the collections under one roof at one of the most beautiful locations in London. I am a big fan of the Saatchi Gallery so it’s a perfect space marrying together art and fashion.

What was your last fashion purchase?

A Little Liffner Saddle bag from Net-A-Porter in grey croc effect leather with gold hardware details.

Most treasured fashion possession?

My Laurie Lee biker jacket and Burberry coat. Oh and I’ve got this vintage Elsa Schiaparelli jacket, which I treasure.

Describe your personal fashion style in three words?

I’d like to think it’s effortless, minimal and a bit rock’n’roll, just like my brand aesthetic.

Who are you looking forward to seeing at Scoop this season?

I’m looking forward to seeing Second Female, Rails, Twist & Tango, along with Alexa Chung’s VILLOID stand and her selection of emerging designers. Also, I’ve seen Dom Goor is showing at Scoop this season, I own a pair of their stretch leather leggings and they are my absolute favourite.

[/vc_column_inner]
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”custom” custom_text_color=”#8f9190″ text_align=”left” top_padding=”5%” bottom_padding=”10%” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_cta heading_tag=”h6″ text_color=”#8c8c8c” link_type=”new_tab” alignment=”center” text=”View more at” link_text=”mercer7.com” url=”http://www.mercer7.com/”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row]