After a successful year, Mary Tataw Eyere saw her latest collections on the pages of two Dutch magazines, online magazines and blogs. Her men’s collection was then debuted by Nigerian artist, Ice Prince. Now, M.A.F Couture has released its latest collection known as the Charity Collection.
The collection, themed “Everything for the kids” is a result of Mary’s collaboration with Foundation Maflo, a Holland-based charity organisation helping orphans in Bali, a village in Cameroon, to get an education.
“How it all came about is best summed up in Mary’s own words as she said,”Being the Christian that I am, I was in church one Sunday morning and during the service MaFLo’s foundation was introduced and I didn’t know how to help but I knew I wanted to do something for the kids to better themselves because they made me work so hard and inspired me given the fact that I was once like them.”
What happened next came only as natural as breathing to Mary. From that point on she sought out the relevant information for her to be able to make a contribution. The idea was simple and was welcomed with much appreciation. With her fashion background and the good-hearted will of the founder of Maflo, they collaborated to make the charity collection.
The founder of Maflo is widow Ms Florence Bergner Foyab who resides in The Netherlands as did Mary. Even though their meeting of minds took place then, Maflo had been founded and Registered in Rotterdam along with chairperson Bob Henson, in 2007. Mary herself had founded her label under the name, “Mixed African Fashion Couture” in 2009.
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About M.A.F. Couture
M.A.F. Couture “Mixed African Fashion Couture” was founded in 2009. In a description of what Mary’s brand is she said it is “an international lifestyle brand offering smart, affordable luxury and bringing newness and style to life with an entirely new touch”. This brand is aimed at diverse classes. It is also a fusion of the boldest and most vibrant ethnic fabrics like Kente, Java, Chitenje, to name a few.
Mary cuts these into frills, motifs, and deconstructs and manipulates shapes to merge them into contemporary synthetic and natural fibres. The outfits are accentuated with bold, chunky, colourful beaded jewellery and playful shoes. Each collection is different and yet her signature in them stays the same. That signature is that of African Fashion as Mary interprets it, mixed with the vibrant influences that define a true creative.
Mary has participated in various fashion shows in London, Germany, Paris, Holland, and has made an impact in Greece and the United States. In Mary’s own words; “Every cent made out of this collection goes straight to the foundation……so please guys when the collection officially comes out please don’t hesitate to support.”
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About Foundation Maflo
Foundation Maflo was created after Florence visited her childhood primary school in Cameroon. She too was moved to action by what she saw and needed to help the Aids orphans left to tend to themselves or sent off to relatives too poor to send them to school.
With the help of a strong Parents Teachers Association and other well -wishers, funds have been sourced and continuously trickle in under the vigilant eye of accountants so each cent can be accounted for.
This money buys stationery, uniforms and pays fees as well as caters for other necessities that arise. All this is in aid of educating and building hope for a better future. “For the seventy children currently on Maflo’s list an average amount of 50 euros per child per year is needed,” says Mary.
There is nothing nobler than beauty with a purpose, so if this message touched you as it did Mary and Florence, hopefully, you too will do everything for the kids.
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Photo Credits
Models: Miguelina Mota, Maja Apinsa, Shanice Doekhi, Shenny Cijntje, Maybelline Victoria
Photographer: Erickson of Picture This Design & Photography
Designer: M.A.F.COUTURE (Mary Tataw E)
Make Up Artist/hairstylist: Mary Tataw Eyere