Tiffany Nicholson [IG] photographs the Monse Pre-Fall 2022 Lookbook, styled by Delphine Danhier. Models Elaine Palacios and Liz Kennedy deliver the power-punch graphic fashion statement that’s a strong mix of black, white, pumpkin and aqua.

In a moment when shrouding ourselves in head-to-toe black feels like defeat, Monse shows us how to avoid total sobriety. The mix of graphic stripes, pleats, tailored jackets and workout-inspired pieces is modern-woman to the core./ Hair by Amira Jannah; makeup by Jamie Harper

Sustainability at Monse

It’s regrettable that the website featuring the Monse collection doesn’t utter the word sustainability. Apologizing in advance if we are missing it, AOC can’t find one word that acknowledges even an attempt to take one small action that reflects environmental and/or ethical brand awareness. We returned a second time and went through all the FAQS and About Monse sections, checking ourselves to look beyond the word ‘sustainability’.

That’s sad because I really like this Monse Pre-Fall 2022 Collection. The designers were forced to use deadstock materials in their Spring 2021 collection — and discussed that fact publicly — but it appears that as COVID lifts, any discussion of sustainability has fallen by the wayside.

Powerful Design Fusion

The talented duo of Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim are the founders of Monse in 2015, as well as co-creative directors of Oscar de la Renta, where they met in 2009. The duo returned to de la Renta in 2016.

Garcia grew up in the Dominican Republic, birth home of Oscar de la Renta. Laura Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea and moved to Calgary, Canada at age nine. Bound by the confines of school uniforms, Kim says a core degree of pragmatism infuses her design vision. In her own words, ““Fernando loves drama and fantasy, and I like reality.”

In a fashion moment when a hint of dangerous sensuality is welcome, Monse delivers. Rarely do designers deliver clothes that are sliced and diced without looking contrived or lacking in ‘flow’.

Perhaps the skill comes from Garcia’s architectural degree background. Whatever the source, Monse nails fresh shapes in exciting ways. ~ Anne