About Mertine
TDG Designer’s Goldfinger
As a seasoned Fashionpreneur, I am Mertine Elizabeth Moore Brown, bringing over 45 years of unparalleled experience in the fashion industry. With accolades such as being handpicked by Wilhelmina Models International and serving as a fashion stylist for Essence Magazine, my journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Through my esteemed company, TDG Designer's Goldfinger, I’ve had the privilege of representing a diverse array of talent, from designers to models across the nation. With a keen eye for style and a dedication to excellence, I’ve curated numerous successful fashion productions, leaving clients delighted with the results.
As an alumni Designer in Residence with Macy’s Washington, D.C. Fashion Incubator Program, I’ve honed my skills and vision, always striving to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
At TDG Designers Goldfinger, our mission goes beyond fashion—it’s about creating meaningful opportunities and making a positive impact in our community. By fostering manufacturing opportunities, we aim to provide much-needed jobs in the DMV (District/Maryland/Virginia) area, supporting our local community and economy.
Furthermore, giving back is at the heart of what we do. A portion of all proceeds from our endeavors goes towards supporting domestic violence safe homes, underscoring our commitment to social responsibility and empowerment.
Join us on this journey as we blend fashion with philanthropy, making a difference one stylish step at a time.
What Is MooreWrap?
MooreWrap isn't just clothing—it's an expression of your essence. It embodies elegance, fluidity, and versatility, effortlessly complementing your unique silhouette. Slip into MooreWrap and feel the transformative power as it wraps you in comfort and style. With its playful charm and undeniable allure, you'll find yourself reaching for MooreWrap day after day. Whether it's a jumpsuit, dress or gown, MooreWrap isn't just wrapped—it's embraced as a full-body experience. Join Mertine in embracing the magic of MooreWrap and elevate your everyday style to new heights. Mertine wraps MooreWrap every day!
MooreWrap Defines the Goddess in You!
Indulge in the luxurious embrace of MooreWrap—a divine expression of your unique essence that envelops you in comfort and style. Feel empowered as the Goddess within you is celebrated with every sumptuous fabric and tailored detail, making it a must-have addition to your wardrobe.
Mission
MooreWrap is MADE IN AMERICA
At MooreWrap, our commitment to American craftsmanship runs deep. For too long, the fashion industry has relied on overseas production, resulting in high costs and lengthy lead times. Inspired by visionary designers like Donna Karan and Norma Kamali, TDG is reshaping the narrative by bringing manufacturing back home. This photo of a Bangladese factory haunts me every time I see it.
TDG journey began with a vision to create meaningful job opportunities right here in the DMV. The initial prototypes of MooreWrap were lovingly crafted by talented local seamstresses, ensuring top-notch quality control at every step. But our mission extends beyond fashion—it's about empowerment and social justice.
As a Black owned business, we understand the importance of supporting our community. That's why a portion of our proceeds goes towards aiding women affected by domestic violence and reintegrating returning citizens into society. We believe in reparations and strive to address the systemic inequalities that have plagued Black Americans for generations.
In the face of adversity, we're guided by the words of Bryan Stevenson, Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative & author of JUST MERCY book & film, the opposite of POVERTY is JUSTICE.
Through the MooreWrap Kickstarter funding campaign, we invite you to join us in building the MooreWrap Training and Sewing Academy, where aspiring seamstresses and tailors will receive the training they need to succeed.
Dreams can be transformative, and we're here to make them a reality. With your support, we can create a future where talent and determination triumph over adversity. Together, let's sow the seeds of change and empower our community to thrive. Join TDG Designer’s Goldfinger on this journey as we redefine fashion and champion equality for all.
Inspiration
Diane von Fürstenberg was a large influence in my life because of her iconic wrap dress. We met briefly when I lived in New York City. She told me to call her. I never followed up.
Diane von Fürstenberg, born Diane Simone Michele Halfin on December 31, 1946 to Romanian-Greek parents, is a Belgian-American fashion designer known for her iconic wrap dress. A trailblazer in the fashion industry, she launched her eponymous label in 1970 and achieved immense success with her signature dress. When I became a designer just 10 years ago, I thought constantly of her wrap dress.
Her vitae is impressive. In 1958, she attended the Pensionnat Cuche boarding school in Lausanne, Switzerland. 1961, she then moves to study at Stroud Court, a girls' boarding school in Oxfordshire. Diane von Fürstenberg moves to Madrid to continue her studies in Spanish at the University of Madrid. In 1966, Diane von Furstenberg continued her education at the University of Geneva, specializing in economics. During this time, she meets Prince Egon von Fürstenberg, the nephew of Fiat car boss Gianni Agnelli. After graduating, she moved to Paris and worked as an assistant to Albert Koski, a fashion photographer's agent. She leaves Paris for Italy to apprentice with textile manufacturer Angelo Ferretti at his factory, where she learns about cut, color, and fabric. In 1969, she apprentices with Italian textile manufacturer Angelo Ferretti. She marries German aristocrat Prince Egon von Fürstenberg, who introduces her to the world of high society, which later influences her fashion career. They first moved to Costa Smerald, Sardinia in Italy to enjoy the life of high society. After moving to New York, she begins producing her own line of jersey dresses with an initial investment of $30,000. She becomes a regular at Andy Warhol's studio. 1970, she launches her label and presents her first collection at the Gotham Hotel in New York City. The label is an early success, and she adds cosmetics and fragrance lines to her portfolio. Gives birth to son Alexandre von Fürstenberg. 1971, she welcomes her second child, daughter Tatiana von Fürstenberg. 1972, she separates from her husband Von Fürstenberg.
Diane von Furstenberg creates her famous wrap dress, which becomes a defining symbol of power for an influential generation of women. The dress sells over a million units in less than two years. Launches Tatiana cosmetics line and fragrance in new Madison Avenue beauty boutique. Meets media mogul Barry Diller, whom she later marries.
Employs 100 people and earns $133 million a year, selling 25,000 wrap dresses a week. Gives herself a sixteen-room apartment on Fifth Avenue for her 30th birthday. The Wall Street Journal publishes a cover story on her, and she appears on the covers of Interview and Newsweek.
1977, Von Fürstenberg publishes her first book, "Book of Beauty: How to Become a More Attractive, Confident, and Sensual Woman. 1978, she also sells her dress design license to Puritan Fashions Corporation. 1979, she launches Diane Von Fürstenberg Style for Living, a furniture and home furnishings collection for Sears that will generate $100 million over seven years.
1981, she creates Volcan d'Amour fragrance. 1983 she sells her cosmetics line to Beecham Pharmaceuticals for $22 million, further distancing herself from the DVF brand. She divorces Prince Egon von Fürstenberg, but continues to use the family name. 1984, she moves to Paris to live with writer Alain Elkann and designs knitwear and nurses' uniforms for Ballantyne.
1989 Diane's annual income drops to $1 million as her brand becomes passé. Her career is revived by the uncool medium of home shopping TV channel QVC, on which she appears to sell her new clothing lines.
2001, she Marries media mogul Barry Diller. 2005, she receives the Andre Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award. 2006, Von Fürstenberg receives the CFDA's Lifetime Achievement Award and is elected president of the influential council. She oversees influential projects such as the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and the CFDA Fashion Incubator.
Forbes lists her as the 68th most powerful woman in the world. Diane stars in a fashion reality TV show, "House of DVF," where eight young women compete for a job as brand ambassadors for her company, demonstrating her continued influence in the fashion industry.
2016, she receives an honorary doctorate from The New School and designs shirts for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. 2019, she launches her podcast #InCharge with the goal of empowering women. 2020 Von Fürstenberg is named a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor for her contributions to fashion, women's leadership and philanthropy.
Von Fürstenberg remains an active philanthropist, serving on the board of Vital Voices and as a director of The Diller - von Fürstenberg Family Foundation. She continues to shape the fashion industry with her iconic designs and influential role in the CFDA.
I’m sure you now understand why Diane von Furstenberg is still such an inspiration to me. I look forward to meeting her.
Book with Mertine
Fashionpreneur Mertine Moore Brown is available for fashion events. MooreWrap also hosts private MooreWrapanista parties.
