Every piece begins with a story.
Before the garments, before the collections, there was a journey – one shaped by curiosity, uncertainty, growth, and quiet determination.
This is a reflection of where it all began, and the path that continues to shape Maison de Megan today.
Do you know that feeling – when it seems like a world full of possibilities lies in front of you, yet you cannot seem to choose just one?
That was me in 2018.
I was faced with one of the biggest decisions of my life: what I wanted to do with my future. And to be honest, it wasn’t easy. I wanted to be everything… a veterinarian, a marine biologist, even an astronaut. But eventually, I found myself drawn to the one path that made me feel the most alive.
Fashion design.
This is the story of my journey in fashion over the past eight years.
2018
We all know that show – the one where families gather, emotions run high, and someone searches for the dress they’ll wear on one of the most important days of their life.
That’s where it all began for me.
At the time, I didn’t fully realise it, but something about those garments stayed with me. The craftsmanship, the detail, the care behind every piece – it made me feel something no other career ever had. I knew I wanted a life where every day felt different, where I could create something meaningful.
When the time came to choose my subjects for Grades 10 to 12, my mind felt scattered in every direction. But everything became clear when I discovered Stadio School of Fashion.
From that moment, it felt certain.
Attending their open day in Hatfield, Pretoria, was more than just a visit – it felt like stepping into a version of my future. Something shifted in me. I was inspired, excited, and completely certain that this was where I belonged.
That was the beginning of my journey into research, inspiration, and discovery.
One of my biggest inspirations at the time was Hayley Paige, a designer featured on Say Yes to the Dress. I was drawn to her passion, her creativity, and the joy she brought into her work. She was fearless in her expression and unafraid to stand up for what she believed in.
I started collecting images of her designs, building scrapbooks filled with inspiration. I studied her work, her process, and began sketching my own designs. I even created wedding dress ideas for my friends – despite us only being 15 at the time.
Something had changed in me.
A spark had been lit, and for the first time, I felt certain about what my future could be.
This was only the beginning.
2019-2021
I completed high school with my desire to pursue fashion design still quietly but firmly rooted within me.
During those years, I immersed myself in learning as much as I could with the resources I had. I followed established designers and fashion houses, observing, studying, and absorbing every detail. At the same time, I began teaching myself how to sew.
What started as simple experiments slowly became tangible creations – bags, shirts, dresses. I even attempted to make a coat. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a step forward, and that mattered.
There were moments of doubt.
Watching friends pursue careers in medicine and accounting sometimes made me question my own path. Their journeys felt secure, defined. Mine felt uncertain. But even in those moments, something within me remained steady.
I knew this was what I wanted.
And more importantly, I knew there was nothing lesser about choosing a creative path.
As the end of high school approached, one goal remained unchanged: I wanted to study at Stadio School of Fashion.
I completed matric with five distinctions, and with that, a new chapter of my life was ready to begin.
2022
My first year.
Although I had seemed determined for years, the truth was more complex. Beneath that determination was a quiet struggle with self-belief.
Starting this new chapter was exciting – but internally, it was challenging. I questioned whether I was truly capable, whether I belonged in this space I had dreamed of for so long.
I remember arriving early on my first day – something that felt very true to who I am. I sat and waited, taking in the moment, knowing that this was the beginning of something significant.
That day, I met someone – let’s call her Z. A simple conversation, but one that made a difference. Without it, my first day might have passed in silence.
We were given our first task: to create paper hats and present them. It was a small assignment, but it marked the start of everything – new experiences, new challenges, and a completely new environment.
As the year unfolded, I began to understand myself more clearly.
I discovered my strengths – working with computers, understanding theory, analysing concepts. But I also became aware of my weaknesses. I struggled with the more physical aspects of design. Draping fabric felt unfamiliar, and coming up with innovative ideas did not come easily to me at first.
There were moments when my work didn’t reflect what I had envisioned. I remember looking at my designs and feeling as though they lacked the refinement I saw in others.
And yet, something unexpected happened.
Over time, other students began approaching me for help and advice. It caught me off guard. I hadn’t realised that I could offer value to others while still feeling uncertain within myself.
It was a quiet reminder that growth isn’t always visible from the inside.
At the end of the year, we prepared for our annual fashion show – my first time ever being part of something like that.
The theme was Utility Wear, using only white and grey fabrics. We were encouraged to experiment with silhouette and structure.
I created a knee-length dress with gathered detailing at the hem, voluminous sleeves, functional side pockets, and an asymmetrical overlap that fastened across the chest.
Looking back, I may have been critical of my work at the time – but standing there, being part of that show, I felt something deeper than perfection.
I felt proud.
2023
My second year began with a sense of growing confidence, but as the months passed, new challenges tested my commitment to fashion design.
There were moments where I questioned whether I had chosen the right path. At one point, I even considered transferring into graphic design. However, that path wasn’t available to me – and in hindsight, I’m grateful. It forced me to stay, to push through, and to continue discovering what fashion truly meant to me.
This was the year I was introduced to upcycling, as well as an organisation called Clothes to Good – a space dedicated to textile recycling and empowerment. It opened my eyes to a completely different side of fashion, one rooted in sustainability, innovation, and purpose.
We were challenged to collect a bag of LEVI’s denim and transform it into a new collection. What seemed simple at first quickly revealed itself to be both physically and creatively demanding.
From this, I created a panelled sleeveless top and skirt, and a padded overskirt – each piece built through careful reconstruction. I also explored new techniques, including macramé, which I used to create a braided denim bag with a handcrafted strap.
This experience pushed me beyond my comfort zone and taught me that creativity often requires patience, experimentation, and resilience.
2024
My final year of study marked a significant shift – not only in my technical ability, but in my confidence.
This was the year I was introduced to corsetry and tailoring, and I found myself completely drawn to the precision and structure they require. For the first time, I felt aligned with what I was creating. Constructing my first corset and tailored jacket was both challenging and rewarding, and it was in this process that I began to trust my own capabilities.
I was also introduced to CMT (Cut, Make, Trim) work, where I collaborated with other designers by developing patterns and sewing samples based on their concepts. This experience refined my technical skills and taught me the importance of discipline, accuracy, and adaptability.
During this time, I worked closely with a fellow designer, Nndivhuweni Manyage, whose dedication and vision pushed me to grow further. His work, particularly through his brand Manyagè, continues to inspire me.
Beyond the classroom, I gained valuable industry experience. I completed an internship at FrontierCo, where I was exposed to Pringle of Scotland, Guess, and Aldo. I worked on graphics for Guess garments, assisted in sample presentations, and observed model castings. This exposure gave me insight into the professional structure of established fashion brands.
At the same time, I worked at The Big Bridal Pop-Up, assisting brides in finding their wedding dresses – an experience that deepened my appreciation for the emotional significance of fashion. This is also where I met Gerdi from Dednam Couture, which later led to further opportunities within the industry.
I also worked with Carike Nel Designs, gaining additional hands-on experience and insight into different design approaches.
Throughout the year, I attended guest lectures from industry professionals, where I met Barbara Pella from AMA WEAR – a connection that would later become an important collaboration.
For my final collection, I returned to upcycling, creating a three-look range defined by intricate panel work and organic lines. The collection explored movement and playfulness while maintaining structure – something that would later influence my design direction.
The final fashion show was a moment of reflection. Being backstage, surrounded by creativity, I realised how far I had come.
In November 2024, I officially registered my brand: MAISON DE MEGAN.
This moment marked more than just the start of a business – it marked the beginning of a vision. A fashion house built to inspire women to feel confident, graceful, and entirely themselves.
I also completed my Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design with 12 distinctions – an achievement that reflected not just ability, but persistence.
2025
Starting my own brand brought both excitement and uncertainty.
In the beginning, I explored everything – custom designs, alterations, pattern-making, and personal projects. While this phase was overwhelming at times, it became a crucial period of discovery. It allowed me to understand not only my strengths, but also what I truly wanted my brand to represent.
I began preparing for my first expo, which introduced me to the realities of presenting a brand publicly. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking to showcase my work under the name Maison de Megan for the first time.
During this time, I also expanded into digital pattern-making, recognising its potential to reach beyond physical boundaries. This decision led to an unexpected and meaningful collaboration.
Barbara Pella from AMA WEAR reached out to me to assist with digital patterns and garment samples. Through this work, I was introduced to adaptive fashion – designing garments that support women who have undergone breast cancer treatment.
This experience reshaped my understanding of design. It taught me that fashion is not only about aesthetics, but also about sensitivity, inclusivity, and purpose.
Working with custom clients further developed my technical and problem-solving skills. Each body is different, and each garment required a unique approach. From creating custom mannequins to working with diverse fabrics and silhouettes, I learned to adapt and refine my process.
One of the most meaningful projects of the year was designing a matric farewell dress for a client. Being part of such an important moment reminded me why I chose this path.
This year was filled with both challenges and growth – but above all, it was formative.
2026
This year marked a turning point.
After a year of exploring multiple directions, I realised that I no longer wanted to be everything to everyone. I wanted clarity – both in my brand and in my design identity.
I became increasingly drawn to refined, couture-inspired design. Influenced by designers such as Tamara Ralph and Tony Ward Couture, I found inspiration in craftsmanship, elegance, and attention to detail.
With this in mind, I began developing a more focused creative direction.
I prepared for a new showcase and created a collection titled Éclat Silencieux – “Silent Glow.”
This collection reflects a shift toward minimalism, elegance, and quiet luxury. It represents the essence of Maison de Megan: garments that do not demand attention but instead hold presence through refinement and intention.
Conclusion
As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude – for every lesson, every challenge, and every person who has been part of it. Each moment has shaped not only my work, but who I am as a designer.
What once began as uncertainty has slowly become clarity, and what started as a dream has now taken form.
I am incredibly proud of how far I have come, but even more excited for what lies ahead. This is only the beginning of Maison de Megan – a journey of growth, refinement, and purpose.
And I cannot wait to see where it leads.
