Distinctly Monique

Showcasing an artistic expression of a woman who is “eccentric and elaborate”, the world-renowned fashion designer, Monique Lhuillier came to town recently with her first fashion show followed by a trunk show of her Fall 2016 collection at Fifty One East store in Lagoona Mall.One of the foremost luxurious brands in the United States, Monique Lhuillier is an icon in the fashion industry famous for her bridal, ready-to-wear dresses and accessories. The Filipino-American designer has dressed celebrities such as Emma Stone, Blake Lively, Sandra Bullock, Anna Kendrick, Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon, Drew Barrymore, Jessica Alba, Kristen Bell and the First Lady Michelle Obama among others.“While remaining sophisticated and ultra-luxurious the collection takes cues from actress and style icon, Talitha Getty. Guests were able to see a rich colour palette and textures of cherry, teal blue, rose pink and basil contrasted by caramel and dark amber tones,” Lhuillier told Community in an interview while elaborating on her Fall 2016 collection.“Because the collection is a nod to early 1970s muses, fanciful prints are aplenty, including metallic tapestry lame, paisley printed jacquard and watercolour roses,” says the designer.Dresses in the ready-to-wear collection, she adds, are elegant to the limit of being luxurious yet comfortable with fabrics such as guipure lace, to blend dark colours with lacquer floral embellishment. The footwear collection includes high-heeled ornate floral caged sandals that make a statement when worn with crystal socks and evening sandals accessorised with mink details, giving the Monique Lhuillier woman playful and whimsical options, no matter the occasion.“My collection is made at my atelier in Los Angeles and because we produce everything in-house it allows us to use the highest quality fabrics and to oversee everything from start to finish,” says the designer.Speaking about achieving a harmony between bright colours and embroidery, Lhuillier says it is all about balance. Adding floral details and intricate embroidery to simple silhouettes while more architectural daywear looks are created with bold colours and clean lines.  “I think women want to be more playful with fashion and feel more individualistic when putting looks together,” says the designer.Lhuillier believes she always had a natural inclination for clothing and the fantasy of special occasions, especially weddings, which have always inspired her. Her first source of style inspiration was her mother who sparked her interest in fashion. She then moved to Los Angeles to attend Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandising. After graduating, when it was time to plan her own wedding, she was looking for a wedding dress that felt timeless and romantic, with a modern twist. The selection proved to be limited and the whole process was far from easy. “I realised there was a void in the marketplace I could fill.  A year later in 1996, I debuted my first bridal collection to a few retailers and magazine editors. Now, 20 years later, we have expanded into ready-to-wear, tabletop, accessories, fine jewellery, fine paper stationery and have many exciting collaborations to come,” reveals Lhuillier.“I am lucky to be able to go to work and do what I love every day. It is amazing to see my designs come to life on the runway, and even more amazing to see them worn by real women, whether they are wearing them day-to-day or for their most special days,” says the designer.Lhuillier says she is always looking to expand, especially in Qatar, she intends to dress the woman earlier in the day for her whole lifestyle. She is featuring daywear separates and more and more special day dresses. Her retail partner Fifty One is opening a free-standing accessories store which is an opportunity to showcase more of Monique Lhuillier shoe and handbag collections.  She has recently just launched sunwear and is now working on “some more exciting new projects on the horizon” that she is set to announce very soon. Monique Lhuillier designs capture the essence of sophisticated luxury by provoking femininity, allure and glamour that have made her renowned in the world of design. Monique’s innate sense of style is prevalent throughout her ready-to-wear, accessories and bridal collections. The designer appreciates that luxury can be whimsical and playful, allowing the brand to become a destination for women who understand the art of fashion. Her craft and techniques defy the conventions of day versus evening dressing.