MSTR Kraft
By Shauna Morris, Aug 30th, 2010 | In Shopping
Geometric simplicity is at the heart of mrkt wares -- the clean lines and the bright colors therein reminds one a little bit of kindergarten.
Tom Pen and Bill Yen, two Harvard architect grads, started the company in 2007 as a subsidiary of their architecture/interior design firm, mrt. It's done so well that it's expanded into an independent product company with a focus on fashion and home/office goods, electronic accessories, and furniture.
They already have two stores open and two more in the works. You can check 'em out at their tiny Julu Lu shop, their flagship store in Infinity Mall, and soon at Super Brand Mall (September '10) and Joy City (November ’10). Or, if you happen to be in Taipei, they have a branch there too. In addition, you can find some of their stuff at other retail outlets, listed here.
Anyway, Tom leads the design team here in Shanghai which is made up of an energetic, eclectic group of people from around the world. Daniel Cheng, one of the guys we spoke to, told us that because of the size of the company (it's still rather intimate), the designers have a lot of leeway: "no one ever really gets told no". You can definitely see that reflected in the designs and in the store's general attitude. In a good way. Everything feels happy ala childhood. Product colors have names like Barbie Pink, Grinch Green, and Complete Irony. They have a line of bucket and tote purses that look like they're covered in fish scales (no worries -- they don't feel like fish scales!) for 225-380rmb. They also have wire organizers shaped like mini-elephants (4 for 20rmb) and a new tote bag with detachable bits (269-329rmb).
Though everything is very colorful and the materials very simple there is a feel of sophistication and substance -- the company has found a way to stay clever while embracing youthful creativity. One of the things that originally caught our eye about mrkt was the materials they use. They aren't purely organic but many of their products are recyclable. They use 100% wool felt, synthetic felt, plywood, and medium-density fiberboard. The great thing about felt is that the color won't fade and the fabric will stay cool in heat (unlike those fabulous leather bags with metal detail -- ladies it's like 32C out there.).
Prices can get a little steep, but most of it stays under 300rmb, with the most expensive piece, a monster bookcase, clocking in at 4,000rmb.
One more thing: Another great reason to check out this company is that by supporting them you are helping them support charity. They are a regular sponsor of Home Sweet Home, a charity for the homeless in Shanghai, and they have donated proceeds to deserving groups like the Qinghai earthquake victims. So yeah, go check it out. If you'd rather not brave the monsoon-like weather we've been having, you can buy away at their Chinese-language online store.
Hassle free ticket purchasing and delivery for Shanghai's cultural and concert events:
Iru, Aug 31st, 2010
I use their wire organizers to keep my unwieldy earbud style headphones neat in my purse. They're totally smart and chic as shit. Next time I'm getting a dozen to just keep on hand as a sweet confectionery of a gift!shanghaisimon, Sep 1st, 2010
I've purchased a number of MRKT products, including their brilliant business card case (has tiny magnets for closure) as well as the new briefcase / messenger bag featured above in the 3rd photo down. Their products are durable, unique, visually appealing, and have a nice tactility thanks to the soft texture of the felt. I think the prices are quite reasonable for the quality and design. I look forward to seeing this brand continue to grow, and join the increasing ranks of truly cool young brands emerging from Shanghai!hyen, Sep 1st, 2010
i have their laptop sleeve which i use all the time! they have pretty colors and i'm hoping to get another one for the new laptop i'm getting really handy and totally pretty for girls!kvvok, Sep 2nd, 2010
When I first stumbled across this store's product I was a little taken aback by how everything was made from felt. But the more I browsed around the store I realized the amount of thought and attention to detail each of their products contained. The felt turned out to be much sturdier than I had ever thought possible and tactilely pleasing. The entire store simply reminds me of how even as an adult we all can embrace our inner youth.Please sign in or register to comment