Twenty years! What a feat! Share with us your thoughts on what this means to you?

The last 25 years have been an amazing and humbling journey. We have established ourselves as a luxury brand not only for the modern bride but for all the special moments in a woman’s life. I am truly honoured to be part of her experience.

Since the pandemic, we are seeing weddings come back in a big way and we are busier than ever! Brides are getting married again and women are excited about attending special events. I am thrilled to see the business back better than ever! I plan to continue to grow the brand’s global presence, open more boutiques, develop new collaborations, explore new categories and touch as many women’s lives as I can. 

Speaking of the pandemic, what are the lessons learnt from business and in your personal life due to the pandemic?

The pandemic gave me the opportunity to slow down and remember what is most important to me. I also fell in love with California all over again and in a completely new way, I cherish it. Now, I am ready to create even more. During this period, I also worked on putting together my coffee table book which brought me a tremendous amount of nostalgia and so much enthusiasm for the future.

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From a business point of view, we learnt to connect with our clients and brides in a completely new way. We are working more digitally now and have been able to reach more international clientele as the world is more comfortable with a virtual selling experience.

The pandemic stretched me creatively, professionally, personally and mentally in very impactful ways, which has brought me very meaningful growth.

Let’s talk about bridalwear. You mentioned that you ventured into Bridal because of hope, love, promise and traditions. But after creating gowns for brides for 25 years, have you learnt something new about yourself or your craft?

I have learnt that it is important to stay true to myself and to only put out work that I believe in. When I design my collections, I allow my inspiration and vision to drive the designs, which I hope is clearly felt by the women who wear my gowns and all the other categories I touch alongside my team.

I have also realised how hard I’ve worked and the results that have come as a result. A strong work ethic, a deep commitment to the brand, passion and dedication have really pushed me through these past 25 years.

What does the 2021 Monique Lhuillier bride look like?

The 2021 bride embraces her own personal style and isn’t afraid to take risks. She likes to think outside the box and lets her personality shine through. Colour and print will continue to be an important part of my designs as well as more traditional fabrics like lace and tulle, designed in a modern way.

Many brides are surprised at the offering of colours and patterns we have in our collections. Oftentimes, brides visit the boutique with one vision and end up selecting something more fashion-forward and modern.

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How do you balance traditional influences with contemporary ideas in your design?

I believe that above all else, a dress should suit your body. It is not about trend, it’s about silhouette. A beautiful design is timeless and if you see my collections from even ten years ago, they are still relevant today.

For eveningwear, it is moving in a more relaxed direction. An evening dress doesn’t necessarily mean a gown. It can be glamorous, but easy at the same time. My collections have a range of styles that can appeal to all types of women and cele- brate many different important moments in life. 

Where do you usually draw inspiration from?

I always draw inspiration from my travels and my surroundings. The colours, textures, patterns, smells and tastes—it brings me life.

During the last year, I turned to nature and the wonderful memories I had with family and friends. Having loved ones close, it gave me optimism, hope and warmth which is the tone of the spring summer collection. I feel very fortunate to live in California and be surrounded with beautiful terrain, sunshine and colour on a daily basis.

Gorgeous, poetic sleeves are making a comeback in fashion. Do you think this trend is here to stay?

Yes, women love romance and bold ethereal shapes. My newest spring 2022 RTW collection is full of billowing sleeves and three-dimensional details. I love the romance of movement. My designs have an ethereal lightness to them, almost as if they are dancing on air.

You have done homeware and lifestyle collections, are there other projects that you are doing?

There is always something new happening with the brand! I am thrilled to announce my partnership with Kay Jewelers. We created Monique Lhuillier BLISS fine jewellery collection that was recently released on September 30. Two days before, on September 28, I launched my first coffee table book with Rizzoli which documents my brand’s 25-year journey. And I am releasing a special capsule resort-wear collection for the first time, of which I am very excited about.

The flowers on your latest collection represent a signature style you’ve brought with you over the years. How are you able to rework this into something beautiful and completely different? Every season we come up with a signature botanical print, inspired by some of my favourite flowers from around the world and offered in various colours and fabrics. Though my designs are timeless, I am constantly looking to re-invent traditional shapes and modernise them with each collection. 

Congratulations on your book. Why did you decide to create a book to commemorate your 25th anniversary? How did it come about?

It was important for me to highlight some of the most memorable moments in my career and the brand’s evolution. It was also meaningful to share my personal story and how I have arrived at where I am today.

I have had the privilege of celebrating some big milestones . . . Some of my favourites have been showing at both Paris and New York fashion week, dressing a-list women I admire such as Reese Witherspoon, Britney Spears, Michelle Obama and Taylor Swift, launching a fragrance, creating meaningful product collaborations, and so many more! In addition, I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the most talented teams in the industry and I wanted to showcase all the magical moments we created together. It is a true joy to see the evolution of a brand and to document that over the years.

How long did it take to do the book?

The entire process took one and a half years. We began gathering our most memorable assets in March 2020. I started looking through old photos and Polaroids from back in the Nineties! It was such a rewarding and nostalgic experience. Many people from my team have been with me since the start of my career, so watching us grow and evolve was such a treat. Looking back at all my collections through the decades was heart-warming and inspiring.

The book is an impressive chronicle of your work, life and creativity. What’s next?

Launching our bridal fine jewellery collection, expanding and refining our digital and in-store experience, global expansion with flagship stores around the world. I am also interested in entering the beauty space.

What’s the legacy or mark you would like to leave behind in the fashion industry?

To make women feel like the best version of themselves during the most important milestones in their lives. I want people to always associate the brand with beauty, femininity and confidence.

This story was originally published on Tatler Philippines' November 2021 issue. Download it on Magzter for free.

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