You might think that what you’ve stumbled upon is a boutique in Paris or a museum in New York, artfully curated with beautiful curiosities.
Merchants on Long holds that same level of reverence and glamour, intriguing guests with its singular showcase of African design, from haute couture to home décor and jewellery.
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Despite being tucked away between two high-rise buildings, the concept store on Long Street is not hard to miss. Since its opening in 2010, it has occupied an architectural gem in the heart of Cape Town’s city centre.
The T. Gibson building, designed by architect Anthony M. de Witt, is a masterpiece of art nouveau architecture characterised by its terracotta facade with sculptural arches and pillars.
It lures tourists, design appreciators and curious onlookers through its gilded doors, where more spectacle awaits inside.
Stone walls, believed to be crafted from Table Mountain herself, extend from the hardwood floor and rise up to meet exposed rafters above. At the end of the gallery-like space, a mahogany bar serves as both the checkout counter and a tea cafe, offering customers a moment of calm with a cup of their chosen brew.
The lofty room is the perfect canvas to put the artful talents of emerging and established African designers on full display.
Thoughtfully curated, the store exhibits a range of brands from across the continent and prioritises primarily women-owned businesses and products that are handcrafted, have a social impact or are upcycled.
The result is an evolving collection of the finest in African design. There are rails of one-off fashion ensembles, arrangements of patterned textiles, handmade homeware and accessories, and glass cabinets glistening with carefully crafted adornments.
From some of the biggest names in fashion like Lukhanyo Mdingi and Sindiso Khumalo to breakout labels like Okapi and Good Good Good, Merchants is a treasure trove of original design.
The store is home to, and even collaborates with, unknown, new and notable brands from countries that span the continent, including Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Nigeria, and even as far afield as the small West African nation of Togo.
While the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident in every piece they select, it is the deep cultural heritage and stories of origin behind each creation that lend the store its soul.
Its more recent retail space at the V&A Waterfront brings its tapestry of African artistry to a more diverse audience at the always-buzzing locale. And, of course, you can shop a curated collection of fashion, lifestyle and kids products from its online store, which delivers worldwide.
However, Merchants on Long has garnered a name for itself as one of the city’s top design destinations at its Long Street address. The unique experience found within the flagship store far surpasses the function of mere retail therapy.
Its old stone walls harbour an immersive space that reflects the brand’s ethos as a platform for independent design and shines a spotlight on the spirit of African creativity, talent and community.
Details:
Merchants on Long
- Location: 34 Long Street, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm | Saturday, 10am to 4pm
- Contact: 021 422 2828
Merchants at the V&A
- Location: Shop 6139, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 9pm
- Contact: 021 286 417
- Socials: Instagram: @merchantsonlong | Facebook: Merchants on Long
- Website: merchantsonlong.co.za
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Picture: Supplied