Mission

There are places in the world were time has slowed and simple tasks still pulsate with tradition and ceremony. My goal is to find these places and discover their hidden treasures. Whether battling monsoons, snake-infested territories, or bouts of funny tummy, I hope to create and share products that have a cultural heritage yet function in a modern format. 

Turkey

Turkey became the next adventure. Spending two months traveling the country, working in bazaars, and stuffing my face with amazing food–I found a means to connect with some of the last hand weaving families in Turkey. A dying art, hand weaving (done on an old style shuttle loom) has quickly become replaced by small factory machines. Working with master weavers Ahmet, Izmet, Murat, Meta, Fuat, and Aziz, I created a line of textiles that carry Turkish Hamam style roots, are amazingly soft, 100% g.o.t.s certified organic, extremely durable, and completely timeless.  

Turkey

Contact

Shawn Merz >> shawn@mrmerz.com >> 949 290 8414

Myanmar

I started Mr. Merz in November of 2014 after being let go from my first out of college job. At 24, I was lost again. Taking the minute savings I had, as well as the knowledge my former boss imbibed me with, I decided to travel to Myanmar. Amongst the stunning temples, the sweet smell of royal jasmine, and hair raising buddhist chants, I stumbled upon the most beautiful blankets. Embroidered with motifs of fauna, flora, and humanity, the blankets told a story–and gave me a story.

Turkish Textile Care

Breaking in the Cotton

Cotton in its natural state is not absorbent. Factories, as a result of greed, have chemically treated the cotton to avoid the necessary break in time–hence these machine made towels last only a short period, become crunchy, and eventually smell dank. With Mr. Merz's textiles, an initial one time soaking in cold water allows the cotton to blossom, creating not only a more absorbent towel, but a softer one as well. With proper care, a textile from Mr. Merz can endure 20+ years of rigorous use. 

Flatwoven Textiles

Soak in water for 12 hours and hang to drip dry. Make sure the textile has been entirely submerged and massage the water into the fibers. 

Looped Textiles

Soak in water for 24 hours and hang to drip dry. Make sure the textile has been entirely submerged and massage the water into the fibers. 

Everyday Care

After breaking in your cotton, everyday care is simple. Washing machine friendly at 80°-100° F with laundry detergent. Never use fabric softener or bleach. Cool to medium dryer. Do not over dry cotton. 

*Remember that nature has limited resources, please use water sparingly.