Mee.Mi – Whakato

Meemi is an extension of Whakato's commitment to conscious design.

While Whakato explores the materials of the future, Meemi turns its attention to those already in circulation. With Meemi, we are reimagining overlooked textiles through considered upcycling and celebrating the beauty of what already exists.

ABOUT US

Named after our beloved dogs, Meethi and Mirchi, Meemi is a design practice that reimagines discarded materials through thoughtful upcycling.

Driven by a curiosity around textile waste and the overlooked realities of the fashion industry, Mee.mi explores new ways of working with existing textiles. Through experimentation, sculpting, and material exploration, discarded fabrics are transformed into functional pieces that celebrate craftsmanship, creativity, and circularity.

Mee.mi began with the materials closest to us. At our neighbourhood tailor, piles of fabric offcuts revealed an opportunity to rethink what we consider waste. These remnants became the starting point for a practice built around reclaiming, experimenting, and creating new value from materials that already exist.

Each Mee.mi piece is locally handcrafted in limited quantities, commissioned editions, or as one-of-a-kind creations, with care given to quality, detail, and longevity. By keeping textiles in use for longer, Mee.mi hopes to shift the way we view waste and discover new possibilities in materials that might otherwise be overlooked.

Your funsies

A world of small strange lives

FAQ

What makes each Mee.mi piece unique?

Every Mee.mi piece is created from reclaimed textiles, which means no two materials are exactly alike. Variations in colour, texture, weave, and previous life are part of the character of each piece, making every creation truly one-of-a-kind.

Why are some pieces not restocked?

Because we work with reclaimed materials, availability depends on what we find and how much material is available. Some designs may return in a new form, but exact replicas are rarely possible.

Can I request custom pieces?

We occasionally take on commissions depending on the availability of materials and the scope of the project. Please reach out to us with your idea, and we would be happy to explore the possibilities.

Do you accept old textiles for upcycling?

We are always interested in exploring new materials. If you have textiles you would like to give a second life, get in touch with us and share more details.

How long does it take to make a Mee.mi piece?

Each piece follows its own process, from sourcing and experimenting with materials to construction and finishing. Since every creation is made thoughtfully and by hand, timelines can vary.