By: Rita Okoye
Childhood struggles can often break down an individual or cause lifelong regrets and setbacks, but not in the case of an Abuja-based designer, Amenawon Monica Okoh, whose childhood experiences helped shape her revolutionary research centered around the concept of “beautiful imperfections.”
Monica, who goes by the brand name, Mhenase Touch in the nation’s capital, Abuja, has been able to challenge societal beauty standards through innovative fashion designs.
Her recent collections which were exhibited in London during the London fashion week in February 2024 and also showcased in Morocco during a fashion show organized by the university of Salford in January 2024, are influenced by a childhood experience marked by feelings of inadequacy and rejection.
Consequently, her designs upset conventional expectations and candidly reflect on the impact of not conforming to societal norms.
Growing up, thinking that there was something wrong with her, due to her inability to meet family expectations and struggling to fit into the societal standard of beauty, Monica was driven by her own experiences, forcing her to embark on a mission to redefine beauty through imperfections.
Her creative process reflects a deviation from societal expectations and a celebration of the uniqueness found in imperfections.
This ethos is reflected in her research, which delves into unconventional garment construction and the use of fabrics like silk and organza to express beauty in unexpected forms.
Her collections are, perhaps, a powerful reminder of the societal pressures surrounding perfection and the need to create designs that defy traditional standards of beauty.
Consequently, in a bold display of creativity, the designer shares images showcasing unconventional design choices, such as transforming the back of a jacket into the front and vice versa.
There is also her innovative use of detachable pockets to create versatile garment options. Additionally, the designer presents a striking transformation of a classic white shirt, adorned with eyelets and detachable sleeves, emphasizing the beauty found in imperfection.
The designer’s creations challenge preconceived notions of beauty and perfection, eliciting admiration and sparking conversations about embracing imperfections.
As the collections continue to receive positive feedback from observers, the designer remains committed to advocating for a more inclusive and acceptable view of beauty.
In a world where people are forced to conform to norms that do not align with their inner being and free spirits, Monica’s childhood struggles and now, her designs, could perhaps, inspire others to embrace their own imperfections and recognize the inherent beauty within themselves.
Echoes of her avante-garde collections are sure to reverberate through Nigeria’s ever-dynamic and fast-paced fashion world in a manner that could trigger the creative spirit of young women in the country and around the world.
For, indeed, true beauty transcends societal standards, and it is found in the unique qualities that make each individual special.