OUR STORY
MORE EQUALITY LESS IGNORANCE
SOPHISTICATED STREETWEAR, CROSS-CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
The Inception of MELI
MELI is inspired by a desire to encourage self-discovery and mutual understanding among human beings. The brand appeals to socially-conscious individuals who appreciate sophisticated streetwear that fosters community and cross-cultural awareness. This vision stemmed from Monty Matuka's junior high school experiences and stories of discrimination and social inequality shared by his family and people worldwide. The brand name MELI, derived from Monty's full name, Mongomeli, symbolizes his commitment to More Equality and Less Ignorance.
A transformative trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2016, Monty’s family's homeland, fueled his passion for using fashion to express his values. He sourced fabrics from local markets and collaborated with his family to bring his sketches to life. A few years after the trip, Monty and his friends produced immersive art runway shows, introducing these garments to the market through capsule collections entitled Congo 2 America, 1968, and OOTD.
MELI invites you to join a movement towards a more inclusive and aware society.
Building Foundation in Unprecedented Times
2020 began with a focus on building the foundation of MELI and growing brand awareness. However, with the sudden halt in the world due to the spread of the coronavirus, we had to pivot our approach to community building. Public events became restricted, and domestic and international travel slowed down significantly. Monty seized the opportunity to spend time in Los Angeles, California, forging relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, stylists, and influencers.
As people turned to more casual apparel due to increased time at home, Monty emphasized sophisticated streetwear such as hoodies, sweatpants, t-shirts, pants, and jackets. These pieces embodied the brand ethos of More Equality Less Ignorance through the design and presentation of our Pre-Fall and FW20-21 collection, entitled Perception. Genuine support from friends in various cities further bolstered brand awareness.
MELI transitioned from operating out of Monty’s apartment to moving into an office suite and opening The MELI Showroom in downtown Indianapolis, IN. This new space became a beacon of hope and connection, allowing the MELI community to find solace and strength in unity during the challenging times of the pandemic and social distancing. It was more than a physical space; it was a testament to resilience, a place where bonds were forged, and the spirit of togetherness thrived despite the uncertainties of the world.
Continued Growth and Expansion
2021 displayed continued growth and expansion for MELI. We moved into a showroom double the size of our previous location, deliberately hosting and curating more impactful shopping experiences and community events. Through strategic social media campaigns like the His & Hers and Unity collections, we saw an influx of new customers, significantly increasing our brand's visibility. These collections featured gender-neutral garments like classic shirts, sweaters, and joggers, each embedded with powerful messages. Such versatile pieces could be effortlessly paired with other items in the collections, promoting a new paradigm of gender equality through fashion.
Our reach further amplified as we formed a valuable relationship with a PR showroom in West Hollywood, California. Celebrities such as Serge Ibaka, Justin Holiday, Tahj Mowry, D Smoke, and Young Thug were spotted wearing MELI, cementing our status in the fashion world and driving our momentum forward.
Accelerating to New Heights
2022 was a monumental year for MELI as we pressed our foot on the gas. Participating in LA Fashion Week, we showcased our sophisticated streetwear on one of the industry's most prestigious stages, allowing MELI to connect with a global audience and inspiring both the wearers and admirers of our brand. Our partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway brought our brand's message of equality and cross-cultural awareness to a broader audience of over 300,000.
Recognition of our impact and efforts continued when we were selected for the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund, highlighting our commitment to social change. Further acclaim came when MELI won a state-wide fashion design competition and received recognition from Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). We began generating interest and conversations with prominent retailers such as Finishline and JD Sports, paving the way for future collaborations. Additionally, our partnership with Legends Global Merchandise further solidified our presence in the fashion and sports world, as this particular wholesale buyer began purchasing MELI products in bulk. 2022 also saw celebrities like Chloe Bailey and Daniel Ezra spotted wearing MELI, marking another significant milestone in our journey and propelling us to new heights.
Each of these achievements underscores our relentless drive and the unwavering support of our community, pushing MELI to inspire and unite people everywhere through the power of fashion, conversation, and collaboration.
