'I always
enjoyed
merging
art with wearability'
Born in Chennai and raised in Abu Dhabi, Meeneshwer Madhu discovered his passion for
designing garments during grade 9.
With the encouragement of his supportive, working parents, he delved deeper into mastering his craft.
At the age of 18, Meeneshwer embarked on a journey to San Francisco to pursue a degree in fashion design.
Following his graduation in 2017, he ventured to New York City where he gained valuable experience through an internship with a fashion brand. However, in mid-2018, he followed their instincts and made the bold decision to settle in Mumbai, India, marking a new chapter in his creative journey - Meenswear
What was the inspiration behind the creation of Meenswear?
‘I always enjoyed merging art with wearability. The aspiration was to establish a platform that seamlessly intertwines these elements. Like many designers, I wanted to express myself, create designs and share the joy they bring to me.
One of the most influential factors has been the change I observed among the men in my surroundings, particularly their growing interest in fashion in contrast to their fathers’
Tell us about your upcoming collection.
The upcoming collection, titled "Queen of Plaids," draws inspiration from Queen Elizabeth I and the traditional plaid fabrics worn by men for work.
I find joy in crafting new silhouettes and blending diverse concepts. During my daily commute on local trains, I observed the attire of men going to work and their safe fashion choices. I aimed to infuse a twist into this element by incorporating the extravagant dressing style and intricate details reminiscent of Queen Elizabeth I's garments.
In "Queen of Plaids," you'll encounter distinctive features such as curved sleeves, slits, pleating, and an abundance of fabric (historically, using excess fabric in garments symbolized higher social status)
Describe your work and your brand in a sentence?
A brand crafted for the art of fashion, by artists, and for artists.
Who is your target audience?
I am in the process of learning and understanding my audience. Primarily, I aim to reach emerging artists in various fields, whether they are painters, singers, or otherwise.
What do you find most rewarding & challenging about your work?
Most rewarding: Witnessing people enjoy wearing Meenswear and feeling comfortable and confident in the garments brings immense satisfaction.
Most challenging: Balancing time between my full-time job, freelance projects, Meenswear, social media promotions, and personal life remains a constant learning process.
Are there any movies, series, or books you'd recommend.
One recommendation would be "Baraka," a 1992 documentary film that beautifully contrasts urban life with nature.
Is there any advice you'd like to offer
to aspiring designers?
Well, I still consider myself an aspiring designer, not yet established haha. However, I would suggest to study international designer brands thoroughly. Understanding their preferences in ideas, materials, and garment construction can be incredibly insightful.
What does the future hold for Meenswear?
An immediate goal is to launch the website successfully and be consistent with social media promotions.
A short term goal would be to increase my understanding of e-commerce and build stronger relationships with the customers, particularly the Cult M community.
Looking ahead in the long term, the aspiration is to establish Meenswear as an influential force in the fashion industry.
Instagram - Meenswear