Meet Meredith, @moomooi! She is a self-trained, mixed media artist globally recognized for her work created under the pseudonym “MooMooi.” Laying objects like food and flowers on top of drawings to create fashion garments, Wing has developed a signature style that has landed her international campaigns with brands like Herbal Essences, Burt’s Bees, Tory Burch, Fairmont Hotels, American Express, Vogue, Elle, Huffington Post, etc. She lives north of New York City with her two little girls and husband, Mike. She aims to celebrate and raise strong, diverse and smart women with bold, expressive style.
1. Can you tell us a little about how you got into the art space and starting your social?
While attending graduate school in architecture a decade ago, I gained a following on Instagram for my artwork. I create fashion-focused illustrations with real materials. Rose petals, broccoli, flowers, spools of thread and honeycomb are just some of the three-dimensional objects that I layer on top of two dimensional linework to create “clothing.” The subject is usually a woman as I find power in whimsical, feminine figures.
2. Being a female entrepreneur, what would your advice be to someone (particularly a mom) who is interested in pursuing their passion and starting their own business?
I believe in the power of networking; meeting people through Facebook groups, industry and social events, friends of friends and alumni networks. You will find someone whose needs align with your services, and relationship building is at the core of everything I do. The mom-to-mom advice is one about putting guilt aside when investing time in yourself or your project; if you’re the type of person who deeply seeks creative fulfillment, then you need to pursue your passion or it’ll eat at you. I actually believe I am a better mom as one who works, because I am nourishing an important part of myself. This comes out in my demeanor and mothering.
3. What tips do you have for young artists?
“Work begets work,” the more you put out there of a certain style or service, the more you will be asked to do it. Seems obvious, but sometimes we’re so deep in our own “stuff”, we can’t see it. Experimentation with other media and sharing it on various platforms is a good way to solicit paid work for new styles, if that’s your goal. Also, share your process if you’re comfortable. People love to learn. Learning builds community.
4. What are your tips on getting kids to dress well/look put together?
I lay out outfits the night before when I can! Whenever time allows, I also do a quick steam of my kids’ clothing to press out wrinkles. Just as in adult dressing, layering textures and complimenting tones without being too matchy makes an outfit look thoughtful… and let’s admit it, a bow always makes the most casual outfit look put together.
5. What’s your favorite way to take an outfit from summer to fall? How does this translate to kid's clothing?
Layers of course! A cardigan over a short-sleeved dress or leggings under a skirt really lengthens the lifetime of our favorite investment pieces. Why buy a whole new transitional wardrobe when lighter pieces can be adjusted into fall weather. A knee boot or cozy knit signals a transition in season without requiring a whole new wardrobe.
6. What’s your favorite print from the Back to School Collection?
The collab with Tara Roma - “bows” print!
7. Tips on Mommy & Me dressing?
Mixing up silhouettes makes a matching moment dynamic and age appropriate.
8. Do you have any mottos or mantras that you always reference when it comes to being a mom?
“A good mom is a happy mom!” Your personal joy will reflect in your parenting, so solve that equation however you need to.
Shop Back to School styles here.