Very few people in the Caribbean are automatically known by their first name and Meiling (Esau) is the tour de force behind the premier fashion house, not only in Trinidad but throughout the Caribbean and South America. This reputation is the fruit of over 49 years of hard work, tenacity, creativity and always keeping true to her mantra of producing high quality products with superb design, craftsmanship and wearability. Since 1983, Meiling has worked closely with Emmy Award-winning costume designer, Peter Minshall on his Carnival productions and other artistic presentations. This collaboration has won her accolades, notably for her involvement in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta. She has also helped raise the bar in her work with the Miss Universe Pageant, which was held in Trinidad in 1999. Meiling is also a recipient of several Cacique Awards, her latest in 2010, for costume design. In November 2007, Robert & Christopher Publishers launched Meiling: Fashion Designer, the second book in a series on local, female artists.