Introducing: MEEM

Count Jacket by MEEM

 London based independent fashion label "MEEM" designed by Memoonah Latif is the latest hip brand to hit our boutique. We had an interview with the creative designer behind the brand:

Q- How did you become a designer?
MEEM: Designing is something that I was really passionate about since I was a child so the natural process was to follow my passion. My earliest memories are using my mum’s sewing machine to make bits and bobs for me and my sisters.

Q- What is the first thing you designed personally or professionally?
MEEM: I've designed lots of things whilst growing up; some were pretty horrendous, (now that I think about them) but probably the first thing that was designed properly was a long blank maxi skirt-it went with everything!! I remember how I would go to the local market and buy lots of cheap fabric to make clothes that i had seen in a magazine or on TV, the dress would only last one wear or two but i did have an amazing wardrobe as a teenager!!!!

Q-What inspires you/your work?

MEEM: I take a lot of inspiration from my environment- anything can inspire me, culture art, and people in the street as well as nature. Everything I design is designed for me first; if it works I put it into my collection. I wouldn't design anything I would not wear.

Olsen Dress by MEEM

Q-What area of your work do you enjoy the most?

MEEM: The most exciting part of my job is fabric sourcing, I'm a designer that is definitely led by the fabric first, and then the story comes after!!! I absolutely love playing with the fabric, seeing how it stands and drapes, then I start sketching, pattern cutting and toiling. I can spend hours in my studio just coming up with designs late into the night!



Moth Tee Dress by MEEM

Q-What is the most difficult part of your job (as an emerging designer)?

MEEM: - I think the difficult part of my job is what comes after designing!! the business side, as an emerging designer your funds are limited so you have to be careful that you don’t spend too much time in the studio (as not everything I design can go into production due to costs and time limitations). But sometimes even the business side is fun as you meet lots of lovely people and get to see your collection in parts of the world you would least expect!

Q-How would you describe your own personal style?

MEEM: I think I'd describe my personal style as -"Bohemian charm", Just think hippie meets glamour, you've got the idea, over sized dresses, baggy cardigans, super skinny jeans, amazing costume jewelry, leathers and sky scraper heels are key!!

Pocket Shirt Dress by MEEM

Q-What is the one item that every woman should have in her closet?MEEM: It has to be tailored black blazer, it can go with everything and change any outfit!!!

Q-What is the favorite thing about the city you live in?

MEEM: I think what’s so great about London is that fashion is everywhere, you can just sit in a coffee shop and people watch, and go back to the studio with so many ideas in your sketch book. So many cultures and different people all in one place! Ultimately fashion starts in the streets before it heads anywhere else!!

Q-What is next for your label?

MEEM: Plans for my label-world domination??? No, only kidding, I'm just very grateful to be doing what I do!!! As long as people wear my designs, I’ll just make sure I keep upping my game!! You’re only as good as your last collection!

Q-What is your favorite piece from this collection?
MEEM: My favorite piece from this season’s collection is the Olsen dress. It can be worn in so many ways, day or night, lots of chunky jewelry with super high heels and skinny jeans or with a thick belt and tights, it’s up to the individual to style it up. It’s just so effortlessly stylish, definitely a piece I will wear for a very long time!!