In a world where fashion is ever-evolving, Brian, the creative mind behind Misterag, is making waves with his unique take on the classic durag. With his brand’s strong cultural ties, innovative designs, and an undeniable passion for self-expression, it’s clear that Misterag is more than just a fashion label—it’s a movement. We sat down with Brian to discuss his journey, challenges, and what the future holds for durags and hair accessories in fashion.

Chiki: Good morning, Brian! How are you doing today?

Brian: A bit sick, but I’m good. How about you?

Chiki: Sorry to hear that! I’m just a little tired from my journey, but I’m managing. So, at what point did you realize that your interest in durags was more than just a hobby?

Brian: I guess it all started when I began getting paid for designing durags. People were showing love and support, and I found myself more and more connected to journalists, artists, and even CEOs. That’s when I realized this could be something much bigger than a hobby.

Chiki: That’s awesome! And all of this while you were still in school?

Brian: Exactly. I’m still a student.

Chiki: That’s crazy! If you don’t mind me asking, where are you from?

Brian: I’m based in Liège, Belgium, but I’m originally from Kinshasa, Congo.

Chiki: So, was it your studies that brought you to Liège, or have you been there for a while?

Brian: I’ve been here for a while, mostly because of family.

Chiki: That’s cool. Now, let’s talk about your brand. What’s the story behind the name "Misterag" and your brand’s aesthetics?

Brian: At first, it wasn’t anything serious. I just wanted to create a concept around durags and started an Instagram account because people kept asking me to borrow mine or inquiring about them. I had a lot of durags at the time. Step by step, things got bigger than I expected! The name was originally "Mister Durag," but my friend who made the logo suggested "Misterag," and I was like, "Hell yeah, let’s go!"

I also wanted to make sure that my brand had a deeper meaning. In the beauty industry, textured hair often faces issues like misrepresentation, harmful chemicals, and diseases that aren’t often talked about. I wanted to bring new ideas, accessories, and solutions to the table. Misterag is about influence and legacy, starting from the history of slavery, where durags were originally used as a form of punishment for Black women.

Chiki: That’s powerful and meaningful. What were some challenges you faced when launching the brand, and how did you overcome them?

Brian: In Belgium, accessories like durags aren’t very well known, so I had to look to English-speaking cultures for inspiration. I didn’t know many people in the industry, so I did a lot of things on my own. At the beginning, people didn’t always see or understand my vision.

Also, gathering models for studio sessions was tough. I had to gain girls' trust because they weren’t always used to working with a guy in a predominantly female domain. But now, both boys and girls reach out to me about participating in my projects, which is amazing.

And, of course, my African parents were not too thrilled about it at first. [Laughs]

Chiki: It’s never easy to bring a vision to life, especially when you’re going at it alone.

Brian: Yeah, at first, my parents had no clue what I was doing, and honestly, that was okay. I never planned on being "successful" right away.

Chiki: That’s the beauty of trusting yourself and your true friends—they’ll support you in the end! Were there any cultural or historical influences behind your designs and patterns?

Brian: Definitely. The U.S. plays a huge role, especially hip-hop culture, Black history, the Harlem Renaissance, and Africa. Some hairstyles and habits are different from those in America, and I’m inspired by both African and African-American cultures, as well as the experience of Africans in Europe.

Chiki: What does wearing a durag mean to you personally?

Brian: It’s a lot of things—fashion, hair accessory, a piece of history, and of course, business. A durag is a textile that changed my mindset and routine. Sometimes, I just like the way it suits my outfit. It feels cool knowing that I made it myself. There’s something special about wearing something that was once just an idea in my mind.

Chiki: That’s really interesting. What do you think is the future of durags and hair accessories in fashion?

Brian: I think the future is bright. Things are growing and evolving in a really creative way. For example, Balmain featured durags in their 2024 fashion show, and Rihanna wore a durag on the cover of Vogue in 2020. She even wore a crystal-encrusted durag for an event a few years ago. I believe we can create this accessory with various materials, and as long as the meaning behind the durag remains, it’ll continue to be a powerful fashion statement.

Chiki: Do you ever think you’ll incorporate your Congolese culture into your durags and accessories, perhaps through styling or design?

Brian: Oh, for sure. Why not? I’ve thought about it already. One day, I plan on making something that blends Congolese culture with the materials and styles worn in specific cultural contexts. I’d love to work with other Congolese artists to bring that vision to life.

Chiki: That sounds amazing! How do you hope your products make your customers feel?

Brian: Satisfaction is the word I use. It’s a pleasure to see their faces when they unpack their items or when I answer their questions. Their perceptions matter to me, and it makes me happy when they feel good about their purchase.

Chiki: What were you doing before starting Misterag?

Brian: [Laughs] Honestly, nothing special. I was just living my life—going to school, doing sports like karate and fitness, hanging out with my friends, listening to music, watching series. Just living.

Chiki: That’s calm. Well, Brian, it’s been a pleasure speaking with you today. We can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll continue to do with Misterag.

Brian: Thank you so much! I really appreciate it, and I hope to keep pushing forward.

From humble beginnings to making a global impact, Brian’s journey with Misterag is proof that fashion can be more than just about what you wear—it can be a powerful tool for cultural expression, change, and legacy. Keep an eye on this rising star, as Misterag’s story is only just beginning.