Larissa Muehleder
FOUNDER + CEO, MUEHLEDER
“It's incredibly validating to know I'm designing clothing that a wide range of people can find something they feel good in.”
What have you been working on? Gas yourself!
Muehleder has moved into a larger studio space in Flatiron and we just released a new collection called Junction that represents the bridge between my biracial background. Just as one collection is released, we're already working on the Spring Collection that will be released in partnership with the Gansevoort Hotel in March 2022. It will include swim wear as new category and I hope to finalize the design of our neoprene signature handbag by then as well.
How does your culture inform your creative work?
I'm Nigerian and the culture is loud, in your face and boisterous! Filled with life and never underdressed. I think that's why I wasn't afraid to create a brand that specializes in such an innovative fabric. Our neoprene fabric choice and silhouettes are unconventional and unapologetic about the space it fills with its voluminous form. There's a flare in the clothes I make like the flare my people have for life!
What is your greatest struggle/challenge these days?
I've been focusing on scaling the brand for which I have no experience in because I've only ever worked for myself. I'm working on learning how to scale and finding the right funding opportunities to help us grow and reach the next chapter for Muehleder.
What does community mean for you as a creative?
Community to me is a lifeline. It's easy to feel like you're on this journey alone because your head is down and you're trying to achieve your goals but making time to connect with people who think like you and believe in you is so important in staying encouraged. Receiving advice, being connected to someone you can work with and providing your own knowledge to help another creative is incredibly fulfilling.
What inspires you in your creative process?
My clients inspire me everyday with their reviews and phone calls of appreciation. They are the heartbeat of the brand and I love hearing their stories in which they wear Muehleder to express their joys in these momentous life moments. I enjoy seeing all the different body types rock a single style. It's incredibly validating to know I'm designing clothing that a wide range of people can find something they feel good in.
Is there anything happening in your community that you'd like to shed some light on?
#EndSars was a series of protests in Nigeria that began in October 2020 to protest policemen's egregious abuse of power against civilians especially the youth who are more highly targeted. Sadly, instead of open ears, protesters were met with gun fire and arrests. A year later there has been no justice for the 51 protesters who died at the Leki Gate protest that ended the EndSars movement and many protesters are still imprisoned at this very moment. We must bring the system to an end that enables such injustices but the institution has not shown that it is willing to change. Staying in the know and spreading the awareness is the first step in fighting for a better future for Nigeria’s youth. Donate: EndSars Legal Aid to help free arrested protesters.
