Mertine Moore Brown
~ Designer ~
I am a survivor of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. My journey included radiation and chemotherapy, the loss of my hair, and a month living at the National Institutes of Health—all while raising my young son, who was five years old at the time. Years later, during the COVID pandemic, I suffered a fall that resulted in a brain aneurysm. I overcame that as well. Today, I am here—healthy, energetic, and deeply grateful. I live an active life rooted in exercise, clean eating, reading, and a genuine love for living fully. I give all thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whose grace and strength continue to carry me forward. This is why I am still standing, and why I continue to move ahead with purpose.
This fall marks another powerful milestone. Fashions by MooreWrap will be featured in a major exhibition with photographer Taryn Simon at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, opening September 18, 2026, and running through March 14, 2027. The exhibition will present a composite of photographic works, and we are honored to be included among such visionary storytelling. We are incredibly excited for this opportunity and look forward to experiencing the photographs as they come together in this historic space.
This fall marks another powerful milestone. Fashions by MooreWrap will be featured in a major exhibition with photographer Taryn Simon at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, opening September 18, 2026, and running through March 14, 2027. The exhibition will present a composite of photographic works, and we are honored to be included among such visionary storytelling. We are incredibly excited for this opportunity and look forward to experiencing the photographs as they come together in this historic space.
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Copa: Where are you from?
Mertine: I’m a Washingtonian—born and raised in Washington, D.C.— one of eight children in a family rich with creativity, faith, and resilience. I’m one of six sisters, with two brothers anchoring either end of our tribe. Copa: Who inspired you and influenced your life?
Mertine: Our father was a Methodist minister, and our mother, Mary Lacy Moore, was a gifted musician and a true entrepreneur before the word was widely used. She was an organist and pianist for churches, weddings, funerals, directed choirs, and taught piano lessons from our home. She built a life—and a livelihood—through talent and discipline. We experienced joy early, and loss early too. My father passed away at just 44, only eight months after earning his Master’s degree in social work from Howard University. My mother was 39, raising eight children between the ages of three and fourteen. Her strength shaped my understanding of excellence, responsibility, and grace. My parents met at Howard University, my mother in the School of Music, my father in Ministry. Howard isn’t just part of my story—it’s the reason I exist. Copa: At what time did you embrace the love of fashion?
Meritine: Fashion has always lived in me. My sisters and I produced neighborhood fashion shows—modeling, styling, imagining. One of my sisters made our clothes, which made it all feel real. I went on to model professionally in Washington, D.C., and later in New York City with Wilhelmina Models. At the time, I didn’t imagine myself as a designer—I was simply living fashion. Years later, I discovered my high school yearbook, where I’d written that I wanted to be a fashion designer. I laughed—because I didn’t officially become one until just ten years ago. The thought of becoming a Fashion Designer had never entered my mind (or so I thought). While living in New York, I worked as a Fashion Stylist with Essence Magazine, which introduced me to extraordinary designers—many creating brilliance from small home studios. I began representing them across categories—leather, couture, knitwear, ready-to-wear—and that experience became my foundation. |
U.S. Capitol
Map of Washington, DC
Copa: What would you say has been the most popular garment you’ve designed so far?
Meritine: MooreWrap. It’s my first design—and my signature. MooreWrap is a transformational jumpsuit, dress, or gown that can be styled multiple ways. One garment. Infinite expressions. It adapts to a woman’s body, her mood, her lifestyle. It’s elegance that flows with you. |
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Copa: What type of materials do you like to work with best?
Mertine: Spandex—specifically a smooth, luxurious blend. It’s essential to MooreWrap because our signature wings are the magic. They wrap effortlessly around the shoulders, waist, hips, over your beautiful hair, allowing the garment to transform.
We’ve also worked beautifully with cotton, and upcoming collections will explore linen, silk, and even fleece. I’m excited to continue expanding into fabrics that honor both elegance and comfort.
Mertine: Spandex—specifically a smooth, luxurious blend. It’s essential to MooreWrap because our signature wings are the magic. They wrap effortlessly around the shoulders, waist, hips, over your beautiful hair, allowing the garment to transform.
We’ve also worked beautifully with cotton, and upcoming collections will explore linen, silk, and even fleece. I’m excited to continue expanding into fabrics that honor both elegance and comfort.
Copa: Please tell our readers about your latest collection.
Mertine: We’re preparing to unveil MooreWrap Resort/Cruise Collection and introduce MooreWrap children’s line. These collections celebrate movement, travel, and freedom—designed for women and girls who live beautifully and boldly. |
Copa: What is your philosophy for your signature collections?
Mertine: Class. Elegance. Comfort. Excellence. MooreWrap was born from necessity. While representing designers, I kept asking for a garment I could wear two or three times a week and always look and feel polished. Nothing was quite delivered. Finally, my husband said, “Why don’t you design it?” And in that moment, MooreWrap was born. 
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Copa: How can we get in touch with you?
Website: MooreWrap.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-460-GOLD (4653)
Website: MooreWrap.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-460-GOLD (4653)
Copa: What does the future hold for Mertine Moore Brown?
Mertine: The future is about impact. We are immensely talented, and my vision is to help remove the barriers that limit access to sustainable careers. One of my goals is to create jobs for women affected by domestic violence and returning citizens. Independent contracting. Ownership. Dignity.
I also plan to collaborate again with the many gifted designers I’ve represented—offering controlled production and reliable delivery so we can build excellence together.
Mertine: The future is about impact. We are immensely talented, and my vision is to help remove the barriers that limit access to sustainable careers. One of my goals is to create jobs for women affected by domestic violence and returning citizens. Independent contracting. Ownership. Dignity.
I also plan to collaborate again with the many gifted designers I’ve represented—offering controlled production and reliable delivery so we can build excellence together.
Designing Legacy, Wrapped in Elegance
“I design for beauty—but I build for legacy.”
Mertine Moore Brown
MELM People Relations
www.MELMPR.com
Media Excellence...Lasting Mpressions
202.460.4653
[email protected]
“I design for beauty—but I build for legacy.”
Mertine Moore Brown
MELM People Relations
www.MELMPR.com
Media Excellence...Lasting Mpressions
202.460.4653
[email protected]
