About Mersoleil
MerSoleil, founded by Valerie McMurray in 2007, is a luxury lifestyle brand specializing in products that enhance the life of the globetrotting, sophisticated, discerning as well as environmentally minded. The brand features distinctive resort wear along with a ground breaking line of naturally based skincare.
Valerie’s creative instincts are shaped by her upbringing in Manhattan as well as her extensive travels around the world starting from the time when she was just a child visiting Asia, to her studies in France and Europe to countless professional trips throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Resort Wear
During her many destination trips Valerie noted the absence of versatile and sophisticated wardrobe essentials that were specifically tailored to the needs of a chic travel enthusiast. Inspired, she concluded her career in the financial services industry to realize her creative vision and launch MerSoleil, targeting the luxury traveler.
In 2007, Valerie launched her debut resort collection featuring beautiful versatile beach cover-ups. She quickly found fans and distribution at numerous exclusive luxury resorts such as The Four Seasons Punta Mita, Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos, Isle de France in St Barths, Las Ventanas in Mexico, The Raleigh and The Standard hotels in Miami to name a few.
For Mersoleil’s second collection, introduced in 2008, Valerie partnered with designer Kibwe Chase-Marshall. Kibwe’s extensive design expertise, accomplished understanding and instinct for the fashion industry brought a unique look and feel to MerSoleil.
Kibwe’s experience encompasses his collaboration on distinguished lines that include: the Michael Kors Collection, Isaac Mizrahi Couture, O by Oscar De La Renta, Polo Ralph Lauren Black Label and Blue Label, J. Mendel, Allegory, Gap Edition Denim and An Original Penguin by Munsingwear. MerSoleil is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and whimsical, unexpected prints and color combinations. Global design sensibility fused with an eclectic palette articulate the brand’s unique design philosophy – sophisticated bohemian style.
Sun Care Line
Valerie conceived of the idea the of producing a non-chemical 99% naturally based sun care line after becoming pregnant with her third child during the summer of 2008. After researching the dangers of industrial chemicals used in skincare products, particularly on the potential hazards to the unborn child, Valerie searched with little success for a non-chemical sunscreen to take her through the summer months.
Disheartened by the lack of natural sun care products, MerSoleil’s premium and natural based sun care line came to fruition and launched in April 2009. Finally, a luxurious sun care line providing broad spectrum UV protection, free from hazardous and potentially toxic industrial chemicals and rich in antioxidants.
MerSoleil has pioneered a new standard in sun care: the most advanced technology in UVA and UVB protection with incredible skin care benefits. The end result: enhancing the way we live our lives, while protecting ourselves and our children both outside and in.