African Transplant Designer Shares Her Story
Adele Masengo Ngoy left behind a successful career as a college professor and couturier to the elite in the Democratic Republic of Congo to come to the United States as a refugee and single mother in 2000. Fast forward to today and the designer has made a name for herself throughout New England. Recently, she was featured on the new TV Series, Elevating Voices, celebrating diverse business owners in Maine.
People travel from throughout the region to visit Antoine’s Tailor Shop, out of which her brand, Adele Masengo Designs, was born for her unparalleled talent of creating authentic designs from scratch for weddings, formal wear, business attire, and more, inspired by her unique training and heritage.
Prior to coming to Maine as a refugee and single mother in 2000, Ngoy attended fashion school and worked as a professor in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
When Ngoy first arrived in the United States, she did not speak the language or know the community and felt lost in her ability to pursue art. She eventually learned English and re-established herself as a designer, founding Adele Masengo Designs and purchasing Antoine’s Tailor Shop and Formal Wear.
Bringing over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry, Ngoy has made a name for herself in Maine and is sought out for her unparalleled talent of creating authentic designs from scratch, which she has done for women of all shapes and sizes, worldwide. Known for her ability to perform intricate alterations, Ngoy designs custom wedding dresses, formal wear, business wear, and everything in between.
“Maine feels like home for me,” Adele shared. “I’ve been here 20 years. I have a lot of friends, a lot of connections, and I love Maine. The people in Maine are just special people. They are warm, welcoming. I think Maine is a great place, no I know.”