When Meso Designs…Touching Lives through Clothes

More and more fashion designers are turning to eco-responsible fashion, and Cameroonian brands are not to be outdone. Thus, recycling, transformation of clothing and customisation are services offered by accessorists to help women and men who wish to reinvent their wardrobe with a focus on long-term use. I have always been fascinated by fashion brands that offer durable as well as beautiful products. While browsing through Instagram, I discovered Meso Designs, a brand specialised in refurbishing old clothes. Initially, I contacted them to have a dress made from a shirt. But I never went till the end of my project. Don’t they say a disappointment is a blessing? I am honored today to have the project lead of Meso Designs who has accepted to share their story with us!

Chez Mona Accessoires et Parfums: Thank you for accepting to enlighten us on your work.  So tell us, who is the brain behind Meso Designs?

MESO DEsigns: First, we want to thank Chez Mona Accessoires et Parfums for this amazing opportunity  to share our story. MESO DEsigns, sprung from the desire of a couple of young people (unemployed university graduates) to empower themselves while  following their passion of touching lives through clothes. We did it for fun but finally decided to start running MESO DEsigns as a business in December 2019.

CMAP: So tell us, where did you get the brilliant idea of transforming old used cloths into gorgeous and sumptuous attires? How did it all started?

MD: Fashion is always changing at light-year speed. Some items might be fashionable only for what feels like seconds. With our background in environmental sciences, we learnt that the fashion industry is one of the major contributors to  earth’s pollution. Our goal is to find a balance between the changing trends and the protection of our beautiful planet. Also it was easier and more affordable to access thrift (okrika, friperie )  than to buy new fabrics when we started. We have a lot of fun transforming old clothes and giving them new life.  It gives us the chance to show our creative sides and prove that nothing or nobody is useless, we all just need some love.

CMAP: Looking at your activities on social media, we realised you are based in Buea. Is it easy to earn a living from your activities with the present context? How do you manage in building up customer loyalty?

MD: Before, it was relatively easier. We were contented to make clothes just for ourserves, friends and family. However, since December 2019 when we decided to operate as a business,  it’s been really tough. We have had to work harder and longer to satisfy our clients,  some of whom we don’t know personally or who live in different cities or countries. We are really focused on building a solid customer base,  because without clients, we do not exist. So we do our best to satisfy our clients and on time. We have some wonderful clients already who do not only patronize us, they also do referals. We are always so grateful.

CMAP: We are happy when we see brands that give back to the community. Not long ago, you launched free sewing classes for those who have no clue about sewing. Can you tell us more about this project? What are the objectives and what impact do you want to create in your community?

MD: There use to be a time when every home had a sewing machine or at least a thread and needle. We are trying to rekindle that culture. Also, sewing saved us from unemployment,  so we reach out to  empower young people with a similar passion to ours. The very first MESO DEsigns Free  Beginner Sewing Class  was in January 2020. The 4th edition is currently rounding off this July.  The 5th and 6th sessions will be in September and November  respectively. In 2 weeks, we get people from complete novices to be able to operate a sewing machines and take proper body measurements.

CMAP: A part transforming and recycling cloths what other services do you offer?

MD: in addition to recycling (fabrics, plastics) we also offer tailoring, fashion designing , dress rentals and sewing classes.

CMAP: We are really inquisitive about your recycling and transformation services. Is it easy to satisfy client that ask for these services? Can you tell us what your challenges are so far as these areas are concerned?

MD: Hahaha… Most times, the dresses we recycle are the ones the clients may have given up on. It’s always so amazing to see how happy they are when a piece they were about to throw out becomes brand new.

CMAP: I have been following your activities for over 2 years now. What is your recipe for consistency in the fashion design in Cameroon and out of Cameroon? Tell us about your proudest and lowest moment as a designer.

MD: Over the years we’ve learnt that humility, practice, persistence and patience make dreams come true. Don’t get me wrong, not everything we touch turns to gold. We’ve had our fair share of mistakes and failures over the years. We have also learnt to accept every lesson learned through failure with humility. Our proudest moments are always when a client is satisfied. Sometimes they can’t express it in words, they just hug you…and it’s just like walking on clouds…really amazing.

CMAP: Any future plans or projects so far as your brand and tailoring company are concerned?

MD: We are a young company in a very saturated and competitive marketplace . All our plans at the moment revolve around increasing our visibility, our relevance and the value we can bring to  our present community  and expanding into new communities.

CMAP: We appreciate having you with us. Thank you for your time and we wish you the best in all your projects.

MD:  It’s been a pleasure.  Thank you for  listening and sharing our story.

Looking at these beautiful pieces, how will you not be overwhealmed by the talent and the genius we have in the Cameroon fashion industry? You have enough to read and it is time to take action. Contact Meso Designs on their social media handlers to enroll in their next Meso Designs free beginners classes or to have a taste of the MD Experience!

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mesodesigns/
• Instagram: @mesodesigns