My Creative Cup of Tea

January 20, 2025

#InPartnershipwithMCCOT

CHRISTINE MERCADIER

Paris

FRANCE

Life is a real roller coaster, made up of ups and downs. Taking a hit and getting back up is indeed part of our journey as human beings. Going through at least one existential crisis is a forced passage to face, sooner or later. A trial impossible to avoid that can fortunately make us stronger, wiser and more aware of what really matters to us in life. One among many, the highly-feared so-called 'Midlife' crisis' can be really tough. The latter can have a very negative impact on one's professional and private life as well as on one's mental health. Putting everything into question and even, in many cases, destroying one's hardly-built work-life balance. Bringing a person to come up with unexpected vital decisions at that time of doubts. Big ones like giving up a long-lasting, successful, solid and safe career to start fresh and discover, by chance, a new unveiled path. A latent one which was apparently waiting to become obvious. Like a freetime hobby which can finally become the dream job that can fuel your passion and make you fully happy. As it happened, a few years ago, to Christine Mercadier, a Montpellier-born-and-raised and Paris-based skilled IT Engineer. A committed and hard worker woman who, without knowing truly what was next for her, after experiencing a challenging, painful and strong 4-year midlife crisis, made the bold decision to leave her comfort zone and give up her safe and flawless career. A leap in the dark with a happy ending that would allow her to find the way back to herself and to her true blossoming. Looking back, quitting after reaching her point break, was a true relief. The best decision ever. The only effective way to put an end to this bad crisis which was torturing her for too long. Because it had really become unbearable to go to the office with a smile. After graduating from the University of Montpellier at the young age of 23, Christine moved to Paris and started her career as an IT engineer. A good and well-paid job in a men's world she has adapted to with no problems, and that she did for decades with professionalism, but with no real passion. A job she is grateful for but that she has never deeply loved. A pragmatic and strategic choice that has ensured her financial independence. Embarking on this new journey of hers, a little bit scary- but in a positive way-, the busy mum and working woman, was finally free to slow down, enjoy every single day and make the most of it, following the 'carpe diem' mantra. During this well-deserved and essential gap year (2019), she had the luxury to take some quality time for herself (body and soul) and let her creativity run completely free. Making only positive and useful activities that she loves to do, such as attending a pattern making course. The truth is that Creativity has always been part of Christine's life. In a way or another. As a teen, she indeed used to collect fashion pictures from magazines and enjoyed customizing some of her granny's clothings together with her two sisters. Then years later, on the weekends, as a new mum, creating fancy costumes with her sewing machine for her young children- The first one she created for her daughter was a witch's dress- had always been a relaxing hobby and the perfect escape valve from work. As a woman, Christine has been deeply inspired by two family female role models, from whom she has inherited her long-lasting passion for fashion, elegance and creativity: Her maternal granny who was a very elegant and charismatic woman who grew up alone her three daughters. And her paternal one, a humble, strong and generous school teacher who at home was also a talented seamstress. She always carried a sewing kit in case of need. The confirmation that creativity was her true path, came in January 2020. As she was shopping in her neighborhood at the popular haberdashery HAMON located in the multicultural textile and garment manufacturing district Le sentier where she has been living for 25 years: surrounded by buttons, wire coils, Christine suddenly felt like at home, happy like ever and thinking' this is what my new life could be'. She then slowly started to design and create with dedication and passion a series of prototypes supported by a pattern maker. Contemporary, refined and functional items she would love to wear. Using only natural and noble materials as canvas. Following her long-lasting passion for Slow Fashion and creativity, she gradually turned herself into a fashion designer, founder and ecopreneur of a young and small promising Parisian-based maison, proud ambassador of Slow fashion 'Made in France'. An eponymous niche eco-conscious easy-to-wear made-to-order clothing and accessories brand called CHRISTINE MERCADIER. A name that perfectly fits the label and Christine's vision and philosophy of what Fashion should be. Inspired by utilitary garments and male wardrobe, as well as by old classic movies, and especially Dries Van Noten's and Jesse Kamm's signature, Christine has chosen to revisit iconic items as the timeless and popular jumpsuit. She admits being especially fascinated by the sophisticated, unique and androgyne femininity of a woman wearing men's clothings, as the one of French Artist and singer Lou Doillon. As she is not in a hurry anymore, Christine enjoys every moment of her new professional journey, and as a perfectionist, she takes all the time she needs to take care of every detail and work in the right way. Cuts are clean. Garments are functional and stylish. Advocating for a more sustainable Fashion, she does her best to recycle and reuse if possible. Once she was commissioned to manufacture a series of bread bags from canvas leftlovers by a bakery of her area. In this new life, Christine is a happy woman. She is now looking forward to welcoming her clientele, by appointment only, for a visit and a fitting at her new showroom/workshop, located in Le Sentier. A special cozy working place and kind of little boudoir where to meet the founder, have a quality chat and discover the collections. Try some items in total peace of mind and order the one that you had a crush on. In a kind of Haute couture atmosphere. Pampered by the landlady. The opportunity to notice that at CHRISTINE MERCADIER, by choice, on the clothing labels, sizes are indicated by colored threads. A funny way to resolutely stand out from the crowd.