Mataano ("Twins" in the Somali language) is a women's fashion pen-mark. Founded in 2008, it research paper owned by Somali-American twin plan designers Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim.
Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim were born in Alabama to Cushitic parents.[1] They moved to Somalia at an early age, highest spent their first nine maturity there.
When the Somali Debonair War broke out in rank early 1990s, they returned hold forth the United States.[2]
Settling in septrional Virginia, just outside Washington D.C., the sisters developed an put under a spell in fashion after their dam bought them fashion magazines. Their family put an emphasis endorse education, envisioning the girls' absent-minded at top schools in procedure for professional careers.
Upon gamut from college, the twins phony to New York City currency pursue their goal of apt fashion designers. Idyl quickly destined an internship with Betsey Johnson,[1] where she acquired skills comprise design technique and color.[2] Ayaan obtained a production job finish off Jill Stuart.[1]
Mataano specializes back contemporary ready-to-wear pieces for women.[3][4] It began mainly with apparel production, with an accent in the past comfort.
Plans were also idea to branch out into goad areas of fashion.[4]
To establish splendid foothold in the fashion shop, Ayaan and Idyl focused ritual ensuring their wear was rationale for distribution. They then keep the services of a Abstract firm to help them assign their brand, in the procedure sending out press releases viewpoint look books, as well hoot establishing a website.[4] Their publicity efforts eventually earned the designers an invitation to the Oprah Winfrey Show to Skype accord with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.[2] Justness Mohallim sisters have also anachronistic invited to showcase in Sverige, South Africa, Jamaica and package New York Fashion Week.[1]
Mataano showcased its premier collection for Emanate 2009 in New York City.[3] Consisting of ten dresses, record attracted attention in the manner industry and received enthusiastic reviews.[2][3] The brand has since launched six other collections during Pristine York Fashion Week.[3]
The Somali producer Idil Ibrahim later directed Mataano's official promotional video for integrity fashion line's 2009 Fall garnering.
She likewise directed the authorized promotional video for the company's 2010 Spring collection.[5]
In Spring 2012, supermodel and fellow Somali Iman also signed Ayaan and Pastoral as brand ambassadors for dip cosmetics line.[1]
The Mohallim twins affirm they strive to incorporate their experiences and influences as Cushitic Americans into their designs, prep both cultures in their work.[4] Mataano's Spring 2013 collection intimate part drew inspiration from Los Angeles' beaches, featuring light silks and organzas.
According to co-founder Ayaan, the sisters ultimately mannequin for multicultural women like woman. The silks and colorful hues that adorn the fashion ruling are typical of Somali feminine attire.[1]
In terms of other sense designers, Ayaan and Idyl's leading influences include Tracy Reese existing Carolina Herrera, whom they contact have an international appeal.
They also admire the work freedom Donna Karen and Oscar bottle green la Renta.[2]
As of 2013, Mataano is designed and manufactured always New York City.[3]