NOH NEE Dirndl à l'Africaine

There's no doubt about it– you can't have a Munich guide without talking about costumes. To be honest, it's not easy finding something exciting between the tourist pizazz and shop-soiled traditionalism– but it is possible, as proven by the label NOH NEE.

Entitled "Dirndl à l’Africaine", Rahmée Wetterich and her sister Marie Darouiche showcase a range of designs that can only be described as true works of art– not to hang on the wall, but to wear. Here, African fabrics with remarkable patterns in strong colours meet European-Bavarian tradition.

The demand for each individual Dirndl to be something special, highlighting the personality of the wearer, is given the utmost importance. Even when cut from the same fabrics, each of the models differs in the little details– pieced together from numerous patterned puzzle pieces, which the creative fashion designers constantly recombine in new ways.

And these ladies' success speaks for itself: Customers swarm in from all over the world to the two in the Glockenbachviertel. The few square meters between the only two changing rooms becomes a catwalk– for whosoever finds the perfect dress will want to show it off!

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"I believe the African theme and incredibly strong colours and patterns do something for the people," explains Rahmée. How much astounds herself sometimes. "Somehow we've created a room in the middle of Munich, in which you feel as if you're somewhere very different– and with that, struck a certain chord of longing."

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Because demand is so high, the small label has grown to offer more than just Dirndls: trousers, jackets, and fine tops can also be found among the ever-changing range. "We're always trying something new. First, everything goes on my 'test rack' in the store and we wait and see what happens," Rahmée laughs. "It’s just like in the kitchen– sometimes a risky ingredient works, sometimes it doesn't."

In order to strengthen the connection to Africa, she and her sister have decided to move a part of their production process from Munich to Benin– in the country they originally came from. There they work with an organisation that provides girls in adverse conditions an apprenticeship and with it, the chance at an independent life.

The line created through this project has been fittingly titled "Afriquia" and should be on the market in 2016. I'm absolutely certain that the first test pieces won’t hang on Rahmée's test rack for long!