Visual Merchandising Project #3

Asia T. Williams Prof. Schaefer Visual Merchandising November 18th

Retailer: Maki Oh Maki Oh is one of very few African based brands with international acclaim. The creator and designer is Amaka Osakwe. Osakwe is from Lagos, Nigeria.

The label has been worn by people such as Solange Knowles, BeyoncĂŠ, First Lady Michelle Obama, Kerry Washington, and several other internationally known celebrities and musicians. Osakwe is adamant about using hand-dyed locally processed Adire fabric from Africa, cut into western silhouettes and exceptional detailed craftsmanship.

Brand Aesthetic:

The brand aesthetic can be described as minimalist, sentimental and feminine.

Clean lines yet layered sift fabrics, various patterns in indigo natural dyes and processes. The silhouettes often move with the body rather than overly define gender. Overall Maki Oh believes in a natural beauty and sex appeal that is effortless.

The Consumer:

The Maki Oh costumer is most likely young between 25-35 and is one who travels or is mobile for work and who enjoys a few high quality pieces that can be versatile in their wardrobe.

Inspiration:

Theme/Vision:

This window display was inspired by the idea that the viewer is walking into a room of the house of Maki Oh and is surrounded by the cool elegance and femininity of the garments. The textile walls and wooden floors are to create symbolic warmth for the spring 2015 RTW clothes featured. The Copper lamp stand adding to the warmth and home-like sense of the space. The fact that the mannequin is cut off as it walks down from the stairs adds a abstract element to this simple display. A vinyl is affixed to the window itself displaying the brand’s name in the bottom right corner.

Supplies and total cost: Adire Textile: $240 Reclaimed wood: $84 Copper Lamp: $60 Vinyl: $30 Total: $414

Charity Organization/repurposed supply: The Adire cloth and wooden from the flooring and stairs would be donated to MPAACT theatre company to use in a African arts and history program for Chicago youth. MPAACT (M’aat Production of African and African American Centered Theatre) does several programs with elementary and high schools throughout Chicago to educate and give opportunities to students to be engaged in performing and visual arts. The textiles and wood can be used to build and costume a small play enacting an event from African history written and produced by the students to perform for their community and family. The school chosen will be John T. Pirie elementary, on the Southside of Chicago. Students will learn about their ancestral culture and the skills needed to produce and perform a play.