Paris Fashion Week has come to an end, but one of the activations during the post-Olympics fashion event is still worth documenting. The Chinese fashion and accessories brand Songmont (山下有松) opened a time-limited exhibition in Le Marais, Paris between 25 and 29 September.
Called Song of Mont, the concept of the Songmont pop-up space in Paris was inspired by the post houses in the desert in Western China, where riders who delivered post and goods by horse, rest and get fresh horses in ancient times. A grotto that serves as a niche for an abstract statue of Buddha is also carved in the decoration, paying tribute to the Mogao caves in Dunhuang. The earth tone décor echoes both the brownish leather goods and the extensive deserts of China.
Founded in 2013, Songmont is known for its handbags with a rugged and worn-in look, creating a bold and wild feel. Their retail spaces are also noteworthy for the designs, paying homage to both Chinese landscapes and traditional culture. The deserts and mountains of the Western Regions often serve as inspiration for the brand. The “song” in the name is a transliteration of “松” (song, lit. pine) in the Chinese name “山下有松” (lit. there are pine trees at the bottom of a mountain). While “mont” is likely French, meaning “mount”, or mountain, as used in mountain names like Mont Blanc.
This pop-up was the first time the brand had come to Paris. Indeed, due to the exposure from the Olympic games this summer, Paris became a hot destination for Chinese brands who are “going overseas” (出海) to showcase their branding. From HeyTea and CHAGEE to Alibaba and Jason Furniture, Paris has provided these Chinese brands a valuable platform to appear before the world. Similarly, Songmont also staged a showcase for the brand image and values.
