Our Story
LeMerch was created by Mercedes Hurtado (Merchis) who was born in the vibrant, artistic country of Venezuela. Merchis is a passionate graphic designer, intuitive artist, illustrator and mother. With a strong professional background in print design and apparel production, Merchis was inspired to produce her stunning illustrations into accessories.
Merchis has traveled the globe and lived in Sydney, The Philippines and at the moment, Bali, which have all inspired her eclectic artistic style, so apparent in all of her pieces. The inspiration behind her designs are all things nature such as the ocean and its beautiful living beings; hence the big eyes with whale’s shapes and fish scales, music, Björk. She believes her products to be an everyday visual connection with nature and the essence of life.
Whilst working as a graphic designer in Sydney, Merchis met her French husband and later had 2 beautiful children. Merchis created many illustrations for clothing during her time in Australia and later decided that the time was right to take her brand “LeMerch”, to the world. One day she was spending time at home by herself and the inspiration just knocked at her door, she felt an urge to draw and since then she started her creative flow that led her to design a watercolours series for kids, various accessories line, collaborations and continues to do so to day.
LeMerch is an Eco conscious, fair trade, organic brand aimed at the environmentally savvy consumer. In this day and age the consumers that care, want to know that they are buying a brand that’s main driver is humanity and the environment. LeMerch not only sources 100% cotton for all of their products, they have gone to great lengths to ensure that the people that are printing and sewing the products are treated and paid fairly. The founder and designer behind LeMerch, personally visits production sites to ensure that the beautiful seamstresses sewing these products, are happy, paid above the norm, and are provided with health insurance for their families.
When you are buying any product from LeMerch, you can rest assured that you too are doing something great for the Environment and Humanity. Bali is the island that attracts all creative people. This island is perfect for Merchis to bring her dream product and concept to life. She has been commissioned to create murals on walls and has created a stunning range of accessories including tote bags, cushions and children’s backpacks.