Loving Yourself Plain & Simply Through Aesthetic Apparels From HillTop By Muna

Muna Rilwan, an experienced Interior & Graphic Designer, who had always dreamed of establishing her own brand, initially had no idea how or what it was going to be. What she was sure of, was that, she wanted it to be more than just a business; but rather something which has a positive impact on the community. With this in mind, the realization hit that in the Maldives, there is not a lot of apparels products which are easily accessible to locals; being either too expensive, or of low quality. Muna immediately knew this was the area she needed to shine in. Whilst researching and brainstorming last year, she came up with the concept of ‘plain & simple’ apparels design. This is the story behind the launch of ‘HillTop by Muna’ in June 2020; the newest apparels brand in the Maldives which made its entrance to the Maldivian fashion industry with the launch of its re-usable, surgical-grade face mask, ‘Breathables’.

Hilltop by Muna was established with the main objective of providing high quality, affordable apparels and accessories to Maldivians. The brand is exemplified through its core value – less is more. With this at the heart of all their products, their goal is to create plain and simple products which is done so in partnership with a world renowned manufacturer. Even though it is a start-up, HillTop by Muna already stand outs in terms high quality products by adhering to world class manufacturing standards fitting for a designer label. Furthermore, the practice of absolute sustainable and ethical production gives them an additional plus point in this business.

Whilst their manufacturing processes is outsourced, everything else from designing to delivery is personally handled by Muna who gets occasional help from her family and close friends to whom she is extremely grateful towards.

Recently, they made the headlines by making a significant mark in the Maldivian fashion industry by launching the first local made active-wear label, MOVE by HillTop, along with the introduction of the first collection under the label; ‘Power Up’. Being also the biggest stride reached by the brand, an active-wear label was introduced with the aim to empower others on a journey to achieve self-empowerment – especially towards the many men and women struggling with body image due to various reasons – by encouraging them to power up and work for the best version of themselves through self-love, growth and a healthy lifestyle. Having started her own fitness journey 5 years ago, the brains behind these aesthetically pleasing apparels, Muna, personally connects the priority to an active-wear line over other possibilities as active-wear is very close to her, but also because health and fitness is taken very seriously in her family.

All products from HillTop by Muna will be available for purchase through their website. When orders are placed, Muna, personally packs the items and make them ready for delivery. Orders are sent off once a full payment has been made whereas delivery is expected to be completed within 2 to 3 business day. Usually though, deliveries are completed within 24 hours.

HillTop by Muna aspires to be internationally recognized in the future as a leading apparels brand in the Maldives. Muna notes that customers can expect more colors and designs. As they grow, they will definitely cater for more body shapes and sizes than present. Additionally, they also plan to launch new apparel lines such as casual wear, formal wear etc. in the coming years and will become more than just an active-wear line in accord with its big dreams and goals.

However, for Muna, HillTop is already a lot more as it embodies who she is as a person reflecting the values she was brought up with; such as the main concept of the brand ‘less is more’ and the importance of doing business with a purpose. She would like to thank her family for instilling those values in her. 

(Photos: HillTop by Muna)