About
Travel has always played a central role in shaping Market91b. Through time spent exploring cities, workshops, and local makers across Europe, the brand grew from a love of discovering unique objects in unexpected places, pieces often found far from mainstream retail, chosen for their craftsmanship, materiality, and quiet beauty.
The original idea was to create curated gift boxes and removing the stress of shopping while preserving intention, quality, and care. Each box was designed to feel personal without being complicated, guided by the belief that a gift should carry a story, not just a function.
From there, Market91b naturally evolved into an online concept store, expanding beyond gifting into a broader selection of everyday objects. The focus remains the same: thoughtfully curated European brands, craftsmanship, and objects designed to be used, kept, and appreciated over time.
Market91b is rooted in curiosity, travel, and a deep respect for makers — where every item has a reason for being, and nothing is chosen without intention.
Each piece at Market91b reflects a journey — from the place it was found, to the hands that made it, to the home it becomes part of.
Thank you for being a part of our story.
Vanessa
In Conversation with Vanessa, the founder of market91b:
Lola: Let’s start at the beginning : what was the original idea behind Market91b?
Vanessa: The very first idea was actually to create curated gift boxes, especially for men who don’t enjoy shopping but still want to offer something meaningful. I noticed how often gifts became last-minute, generic, or disconnected from the person receiving them. I wanted to remove the stress of shopping while keeping the thoughtfulness intact.
Lola: Why focus on that particular need?
Vanessa: Because it’s surprisingly common. Many people, especially men, care deeply about giving something nice, but don’t enjoy the process of browsing endlessly or making aesthetic decisions. I wanted to act almost like a trusted curator or friend who says, “This makes sense. This has quality. This tells a story.”
Lola: How did that initial idea evolve into a broader concept store?
Vanessa: Once I started curating those gift boxes, I realized the objects themselves deserved more space. Each item had a maker, a material story, a reason for being. Market91b naturally expanded from gifting into a wider world of everyday objects: things you can give, but also things you keep and live with.
Lola: Does gifting still play a role in how you curate today?
Vanessa: Very much so. Even when we curate individual products, I always think: Would this make a good gift? Would it feel personal without being complicated? That mindset keeps the selection grounded in usefulness, intention, and emotional value.
Lola: How did your own design tastes shape the feel of the store?
Vanessa: My taste is rooted in simplicity, quality, and a sense of calm. I’m drawn to materials that age beautifully, such as wood, ceramics, textiles with texture. And objects that feel like they have a place in life, not just on a shelf. I think that’s reflected in the brands we choose and how we photograph them.
Lola: Many of the pieces at Market91b feel discovered rather than sourced. Can you tell us how travel influences the way you find and select products?
Vanessa: When I travel, I’m rarely looking for products in a traditional sense. I’m observing materials, everyday rituals, and the way objects are truly lived with. Having lived in France, Sweden, the UK, and the United States, moving between places has also meant letting go of things again and again. You quickly realise what you keep, what you replace, and what you miss.
That experience shaped my relationship with objects. It made me value fewer things, chosen more carefully, pieces that age well and stay relevant over time. Objects also carry memory. Certain materials, tools, or everyday items can instantly bring you back to a place, a routine, or a particular chapter of life. Living across different cultures deepened my awareness of that emotional connection, and it continues to influence how I curate, favouring objects that feel considered, durable, and meaningful rather than disposable.
Lola: Is there a particular country or city that has influenced Market91b the most so far?
Vanessa: France and Sweden have both been especially influential. France for its deep-rooted craft traditions and everyday elegance, Sweden for its simplicity, functionality, and calm approach to design. Moving between these places allows me to combine stories, styles, and sensibilities that keep Market91b evolving while staying true to its core values.
To contact us : info@market91b.com
