4.5 MIN READ

“Stop waiting to be who you already are”

Stop waiting to be who you already is what I found etched on the back of the label on one of my favorite work from home fits by second generation Iranian LA born designer Melody Ehsani.

The look is a two piece, top and pant made of breathable rayon in a glorious cobalt, my favorite color. The top is a traditional short sleeve men’s leisure shirt with a collar and front breast pocket reminiscent of the 1950’s. The pant is a wide straight leg with elastic waistband. All inspired by the Latino subculture that originated in Los Angeles.

The most captivating part is her custom paisleys bandana print which feature the iconic ME. emblems: cherries, roses, evil eye, and butterflies. The fit is so relaxed it keeps me in that mood all day while I work. As if I’m wearing a really dope pair of pajamas but not. If I need to make a quick dash out, I can just slip on my kicks and I’m good. Not to mention, the handwritten text that swirls into the print, “I See you” and “My resources are endless” reminding me that I got this. By far one of the coolest work-from-home fits I own and will keep for a long time.

I can’t remember when or how I found her brand ME. but what I do recall is falling in love with not only her streetwear style but also what she stands for: women empowerment, social justice, and community among other things. What resonates is the infusion of conscious thought into her products. She declares that they are there to remind the wearer of who they are and to do the things that they love. A dope reminder!

Like Ehsani I too am a first generation American who listened to hip hop growing up and was influenced by two sides of a culture. I also lost my father at a you age same as her and bared the weight of duty or following your passion. Which is why in 2004 she dropped out of law school to launch her eponymous label, created to inspire, and empower, making jewelry, footwear, and clothing with purpose.

ABOUT THE BRAND

ME. is the first woman owned store in the dynamic Fairfax streetwear district in Los Angles. Ehsani said that she wanted a store with a purpose rather than just a retail spot. A place where she could engage with her customers in a different way and provide a platform for likeminded people to create a sense of community around the store. So, she created a “Speaker Series” every month where they discussed topics like sex education, politics, and racism.

I once had the chance to shop at the New York City location which due to the pandemic has now closed. There was such a vibe in the space, from the displays, the lighting, the music, and the shop associates. It was just a really cool vibe.

Her mission is to inspire other creative women to follow their divine blueprint, with the hope that they can enact change through design. I have to say, I’m inspired.

The brand has gone on to launch a series of successful collaborations with Jordan Brand, Lauryn Hill, Wu Tang Clan, Reebok to name a few.

In March of 2021 she was tapped by Footlocker as the new Creative Director for their women's business where she is designing quarterly apparel capsule collections which I am sure are selling out just like her splashy Jordans, so keep make sure you keep an eye out for that!