Cameroonian-based fashion brand OMÔL is a juxtaposition of fierceness and femininity
Founded by designer Nathalie Chebou Moth in 2020, Cameroonian-based fashion brand, OMÔL offers culturally-rich contemporary garments infused with an ethos of eco-consciousness and community upliftment.
African identity and craftsmanship is woven into the fabric of OMÔL and their aim is to spark a Pan-African fashion movement on the continent and beyond.
We chatted to Nathalie about her journey with the brand and aspirations for the future.
How does OMÔL champion sustainability in both its production and clothing?
Sustainability is embedded within our brand. We try to limit our impact on the environment by upcycling during our production process. We also don’t subscribe to the notion of having seasonal collections. As the brand was founded in Cameroon, seasonal dressing is irrelevant to us. Thus, all of our pieces are transeasonal, which reduces waste and allows for a more circular product cycle. Since 2022, Omôl has partnered with a Spanish textile platform that focuses on circular fashion. This collaboration helps us tackle the issue of transparency, traceability and assessment of our impact on the planet. We also aim to bring about social change through our brand. We work with local craftspeople and each of our garments are signed by the artisan who created it. This humanises our pieces and highlights the skills of our team.
What does ‘Made in Africa’ encompass and how does OMOL represent this?
‘Made in Africa’ represents luxury. It is a stamp of identification that represents the creative talents, design and
vision of people from Africa. When a project bears this African DNA, it transmits human, historical, and environmental values that make it undeniably richer. It comforts me that ‘Made in Africa’ is starting a new Pan-African movement that fosters support and collaborations between brands.
Is there an item or collection that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m obviously proud of everything we’ve created so far, but the collection I’m most proud of is definitely our 2023 collection: “OMÔL Means Mademoiselle”. Not only did it allow us to reintroduce ourselves, but this collection is a labour of love from so many African minds. The team we put together to deliver this collection is so eclectic that it shows in everything from the clothes to the music and visuals. Through this drop, we managed to bring together Congolese, Cameroonians and Ivorians on three continents.
Who is the ideal OMOL woman?
The OMÔL woman is irreverent and she forges her own path. Her lifestyle is rich and inspiring and she shares her wealth with the world.
What are your aspirations for OMÔL?
My aspiration for OMÔL is to keep carrying our African DNA and telling African narratives through fashion. We would love to create synergies and collaborate more with other creatives and brands. We do have a few upcoming projects that will go in this direction.
What led you to founding the OMÔL brand?
I am self-taught and I have always been passionate about fashion and craftsmanship. The brand emerged from my desire to create differently and showcase the country and continent where I’m from in a different light – an Africa that is creative and able to overcome the challenges imposed by the fashion industry.
What does OMÔL stand for as a brand?
OMÔL means Mademoiselle in my father tongue, Banen. This represents my cultural heritage and the idea of unapologetic femininity. We want OMOL to represent strong African women who know their worth and inspire others. We want to represent women outside of any male prism.
How does OMÔL champion sustainability in both its production and clothing?
Sustainability is embedded within our brand. We try to limit our impact on the environment by upcycling during our production process. We also don’t subscribe to the notion of having seasonal collections. As the brand was founded in Cameroon, seasonal dressing is irrelevant to us. Thus, all of our pieces are transeasonal, which reduces waste and allows for a more circular product cycle. Since 2022, Omôl has partnered with a Spanish textile platform that focuses on circular fashion. This collaboration helps us tackle the issue of transparency, traceability and assessment of our impact on the planet. We also aim to bring about social change through our brand. We work with local craftspeople and each of our garments are signed by the artisan who created it. This humanises our pieces and highlights the skills of our team.
What does ‘Made in Africa’ encompass and how does OMOL represent this?
‘Made in Africa’ represents luxury. It is a stamp of identification that represents the creative talents, design and
vision of people from Africa. When a project bears this African DNA, it transmits human, historical, and environmental values that make it undeniably richer. It comforts me that ‘Made in Africa’ is starting a new Pan-African movement that fosters support and collaborations between brands.
Is there an item or collection that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m obviously proud of everything we’ve created so far, but the collection I’m most proud of is definitely our 2023 collection: “OMÔL Means Mademoiselle”. Not only did it allow us to reintroduce ourselves, but this collection is a labour of love from so many African minds. The team we put together to deliver this collection is so eclectic that it shows in everything from the clothes to the music and visuals. Through this drop, we managed to bring together Congolese, Cameroonians and Ivorians on three continents.
Who is the ideal OMOL woman?
The OMÔL woman is irreverent and she forges her own path. Her lifestyle is rich and inspiring and she shares her wealth with the world.
What are your aspirations for OMÔL?
My aspiration for OMÔL is to keep carrying our African DNA and telling African narratives through fashion. We would love to create synergies and collaborate more with other creatives and brands. We do have a few upcoming projects that will go in this direction.
Read more in Glamour’s Spring Issue, now available in-stores or online, here.