MEYOURGE, NOT YOUR MAMA’S ANKARA

Published On: September 6, 2022
Contributor: Tiffany Harrison
Creative Credits: Hero Image – Photographer Breanne Furlong | Photographer Aristide Tessitore

A bold logo encapsulates two color-blocked arches decorated in blue, yellow, and orange – which mirror each other to create a typographic ‘m’. The emblem is vibrant, and the brand which epitomizes it, Meyourge, is just as visually promising. Think ornate patterns. Punchy color-blocking. Minimalist, yet also maximalist. But don’t be fooled– this isn’t your mama’s Ankara print – a super straight-forward disclaimer from founder, Remul Johnson, herself.

Reassessing traditional African aesthetics with a modern pop art-esque approach, Meyourge’s mission is to create completely functional and useful objects, which also exist as works of art themselves. Catering to the color-infatuated art and design enthusiast, the brand also deeply values authenticity, culture, and exclusivity, while incorporating afro-futurism with Blackity Black luxury. The assortment is also classified into two general product categories, including hard and soft décor, which diffuses into a larger collection of wallpaper, dinner plates, scarves, fabric, napkins, and many other home accessories.

Ankara print, but make it modern. Aesthetically adorn your home with bold, stunning statement home decor and apparel by Meyourge – a brand that is cultivated on the principle of circular design and manufacturing.

Jaiye-Plaid print scarf against Lofa print wall tiles as a tessellated backdrop | Photographed by Breanne Furlong

“AFRO-FUTURISM WITH BLACKITY BLACK LUXURY”

Meyourge’s catalog is artfully curated, from pillows that reinvigorate your love seats, to tiling that awakens your walls. Whether you’re looking to incorporate subtle design elements like fun Ankara-print coasters to create a colorful resting place for your beverages, or aliven that undressed window in your home with printed curtains, Meyourge undoubtedly has something for everyone. For Remul, impeccable quality is imperative, and the use of durable, luxury textiles is evident in the very fiber of each product and accessory.

“My fabrics are digitally printed in New York by a two woman-owned company. I often play around with different types of fabrics that I feel are more useful and beneficial for the longevity of the product,” says Remul.

Whether you’re looking to incorporate subtle design elements like fun Ankara-print coasters to create a colorful resting place for your beverages, or aliven that undressed window in your home with printed curtains, Meyourge undoubtedly has something for everyone.

Founder Remul Johnson showcases the Funmitan Print Pillow +
coordinating scarf headwrap | Photographed by Aristide Tessitore

With motifs like the Lofa print bursting in a range of various color-blocked palettes, inclusive to these designs are also fabrics like Palava, Citrus, New Neutral, and Glaucus. There’s also one fittingly named ‘Black Barbie,’ which incorporates a stunning hot pink hue contrasted with other vibrant colors. The Lofa print – named after a northern part of Liberia – decorates many of the products which Meyourge boasts.It’s inspired by an aerial view of actual farmlands in Liberia, but visually reevaluated with a modern feel and rich, bold colors. “I pull inspiration from everywhere when thinking about what prints to design,” says Remul. “Colors, history, music, community, location, aerial views of farm plots.”

Interestingly enough, the introduction of one of Meyourge’s most coveted products actually came by mistake. After posting a poll to Instagram prompting her followers to choose which type of tiles to use in her powder room to elevate the ambiance, it eventually hit Remul that she should just design her own tiling instead, also ensuring to source the materials locally. “My tile manufacturer is in Pennsylvania with a sister company in Mexico, [a] family owned company which I am very grateful for.” Much of the manufacturing and production in general is executed locally as well, keeping with Johnson’s objective. “All soft décor (pillows, bedding curtains, etc.) are made in Philly and Delaware by two African women. One, a very close friend, and another I was lucky to find 10 mins away. They both actually lived 10 mins away ‘til a move this year.”

Remul prioritizes circular design, which describes the incorporation of sustainable practices within a company. “All scraps of leftover fabrics are upcycled to create fun aprons that I usually sell at market places, she says. Remul even began making her aprons available in stores as of June, 2022. Meyourge will also soon be vending candle jars crafted from recycled glass,designed in collaboration with a Philadelphia-based company.

Meyourge creates pieces for modern tastemakers and artful, afrocentric souls, allowing you to transform your space from mundane to museum in moments. Art and design enthusiasts can look forward to two exciting upcoming launches featuring some of Meyourge’s most coveted merch and a new rug collection in collaboration with artisans and craftsmen from Liberia, designed with exclusive, rich native textiles that are truly one of one.

MEYOURGE, NOT YOUR MAMA'S ANKARA