Think of it as a father-daughter shopping trip with benefits — that is, all of Dallas (or whoever gets there first!) gets to share in the discoveries brought back from India by Mark and Mackenzie Moussa in this weekend's pop-up street bazaar in the Design District.
Mark is founder of Arteriors, the Dallas-based home design manufacturing company known for its attractive lighting, home furnishings and accessories. He has built strong professional relationships in India in buying trips over the past 25 years.
"I really enjoyed the hidden mysteries behind each piece," says Mackenzie Moussa. "I wanted to bring back not a piece of furniture, but a piece of art."
Mackenzie, 23, graduated from the University of Mississippi in December and joined her dad on his February trip to New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Jodpur. "It was organized chaos," she recalls of the trip, where she was particularly struck by the architecture and the exposure to a jarringly different way of life. The pair would hit some spots together, then split up and share their discoveries at the end of the day.
"He's got a great sense of style," Mackenzie says of her dad. "I enjoyed what she picked," Mark says. "I was interested to see what her eye would go toward." Some of those finds are covetously soft pashmina scarves starting at around $300.
Since the trip, Mackenzie has coordinated all the details of the "Mac & Marc" bazaar, which features some 350 items, including architectural finds (many salvaged from trash); scarves; and jewelry designs by Mackenzie, created from findings she purchased while on the trip.
Some pieces that caught our eye from a preview tour: one-of-a-kind furnishings scaled for small spaces, modern steel and wood chairs, old ship lanterns that can be repurposed as chandeliers, and wooden stools found in a discard pile that the father-daughter duo intend to mount on acrylic bases for lamps.
"I really enjoyed the hidden mysteries behind each piece," Mackenzie says. "I wanted to bring back not a piece of furniture, but a piece of art."
"It's both a bazaar and a sale," Mark says, "but many of these pieces will serve as inspiration for Arteriors pieces. I love turning something people threw away into something beautiful."
On the horizon for Mark: the upcoming High Point furniture market, where Arteriors will debut collections of fireplace accessories and sconces, as well as an expanded line with designer Barry Dixon.
The two are waiting to see the results of their first collaboration before making plans for future sales. For Mackenzie? "I'm fortunate and grateful for this introduction to the working world. I'm trying to figure out my direction in life."
But first things first. She's got a sale to produce.
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The Mac & Marc bazaar is open September 6-8 at 2001 Irving Blvd., Ste. 147. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 9 am-5 pm, and Sunday, noon-5 pm.
Mackenzie and Mark Moussa traveled to New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Jodpur in February.
