Mariana Vergara at her Le Pop Up at The Invisible Collection Townhouse. photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Merci, C’est Vintage is an online and pop-up concept store founded by Mariana Vergara, specializing in curated vintage fashion, rare antiques, and unique home goods. Vergara bridges historical finds with contemporary designer collaborations to celebrate timeless design, craftsmanship, and sustainable style with a focus on storytelling.
Mariana began collecting and selling vintage pieces at Parisian markets, even though she didn’t speak French, leading to the memorable phrase “Merci, c’est vintage” as she explained her finds. Her hobby quickly transformed into a business, first through Instagram and then evolving into a highly respected name in designer vintage, known for promoting individuality and authenticity.
Assorted treasures from Merci C’est Vintage and Juju Vera on display, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
This past weekend, timed for the start of the holiday season, Vergara returned to NY for the 11th edition of Le Pop Up, a salon style traveling showcase for independent mainly women designers whose wares are crafted with story, soul, and true artisanship. Previously, Vergara’s venue of choice was The Fifth Avenue Hotel in Nomad. This year, she chose The Invisible Collection Townhouse on East 64th Street; a luxury online marketplace and platform for high-end, contemporary furniture and decorative objects.
LES Collection’s beautiful and whimsical items for the home, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
A perfect choice it was. The Invisible Collection Townhouse is cool, calm, elegant and inviting; awash in luxurious neutrals. The holidays have become so commercialized, there is so much sensory overload; this event provided a little bit of serene, chic heaven.
Tech entrepreneur Brynn Putnam dressed in The Row, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
The brands, while different, were aesthetically in sync. The guests, like tech entrepreneur Brynn Putnam, dressed in The Row, Loewe and Valentino, looked incredibly chic in a casually luxurious way. Nothing was out of step. With her incredible eye, flawless taste and highly consistent aesthetic, Mariana wouldn’t have it any other way.
Guest in Max Mara Teddy Bear faux fur, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Vergara’s goal is to create harmony and build a global community of women who are seeking rare, special pieces. Vergara also encourages participating designers to offer customization or pop-up exclusives as a way to both add intrigue and encourage more mindful consumption.
It’s more than the clothes says Mariana. It’s the collaboration, the exchange, the community. That’s what makes this Pop Up so special, in addition to the captivating, surprising, unapologetically uncommercial selection.
Vergara, who curates Le Pop Up herself, lives between Paris and Dubai and sources across Italy, Turkey, India, and beyond.
Marilyn Kirschner trying on a necklace from Merci C’est Vintage with Mariana Vergara
This recent edition was comprised of emerging women designers (there was one man this time) representing 16 different brands from Mexico, Spain, Paris, Rome, Colombia, Canada, and the United States, in combination with vintage pieces carefully sourced by Mariana.
Juju Vera’s sculptural silver and gold accessories, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
The selection was outstanding; especially the jewelry. Other than Merci C’est Vintage, the only other brand I was familiar with, was Juju Vera. The New York-based jewelry brand, founded by Julia Ferentinos (known as “Juju”), is known for its unique blend of vintage inspiration, Greco-Roman heritage, and modern elegance, featuring sculptural, handcrafted pieces like the popular Petra Shell Pendant that mix fine jewelry, precious stones, and mixed metals.
Hedy Martinelli A-Forma Cuffs, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Among my discoveries was Hedy Martinelli Jewelry. The renowned Italian fine jewelry brand from Rome is known for its unique, handcrafted pieces that blend antique elements like chain mail with modern materials (titanium, carbon fiber, diamonds) for strong, artistic designs inspired by travel and history.
Founded by Hedy Martinelli, the brand continues its legacy through her niece, Livia Mimosa Fazioli, who heads the more contemporary “Seliti by Hedy Martinelli” line, offering sculptural, avant-garde jewelry for independent women.
Cano Jewelry display, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Cano Jewelry is a prominent Colombian luxury brand that transforms ancient pre-Columbian art and artifacts into contemporary, wearable jewelry, primarily made from brass, which is then plated with 24k gold. This creates a signature matte finish that mimics ancient artifacts, though some pieces also use solid silver or sustainable “green gold. Everything is handcrafted in Colombia with techniques inspired by ancient pre-Columbian artistry.
Most impressive is that they continue a five-generation family legacy rooted in Colombia’s rich goldsmithing heritage, using ancestral techniques like lost-wax casting to create timeless pieces, often inspired by discoveries made by the Cano family. The jewelry is available on their website and on Moda Operandi.
Mosquito’s offerings, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
MOSQUITO is a contemporary jewelry brand creating sustainable fine jewelry handmade in Spain. Each piece is carefully crafted by artisans using high-quality materials sourced from Spain, France, and Italy. Known for its minimalist design and modern aesthetic, MOSQUITO offers timeless, wearable jewelry for everyday use – even in water. Mosquito offers durable, elegant pieces that combine art, fashion, and functionality.
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Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…
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