What do Olivia Culpo, Kate Hudson, Maya Jama, Kendall Jenner, Irina Shayk, Taylor Hill and Camila Coelho all have in common, apart from being super successful A-listers? They’ve all been spotted in Mônot over the past couple of years, just like so many other movers and shakers.
As host of The BRIT Awards 2022, Jama recently brought a two-piece spring 2021 look by the New York-based label back into the spotlight. The black outfit with jagged edge crop top, thin straps and a full-length, fitted black skirt with cut-out detail at the top has previously been spotted on Olivia Culpo at the LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF Event and Lesley-Ann Brandt at “The Suicide Squad” premiere.
Meanwhile Jenner opted for a different black dress from the label helmed by Beirut-born Eli Mizrahi, who has become known for his signature seductive glamour. While attending friend and Instagram influencer’s Lauren Perez’s wedding, the supermodel looked stunning in a gown from Mônot’s SS22 collection. The slinky dress featured diamond shaped cut-outs across the bust and a drop-waist black skirt. Hudson also donned a leg-baring black cutout number, this time from the label’s autumn 2021 range, while in Venice for the Celebration of Women in Cinema Gala.
In fact, during the prominent event, the label was behind several standout looks, including those seen on Demi Moore and Soo Joo Park, who proved white and red are great alternatives, and Cindy Bruna, who went for a bodysuit. Countless other fashion lovers like Hill, Coelho, Shayk and Eiza Gonzalez have been snapped while proving trouser ensembles are a label strongpoint too.
The head-turning looks all have skin reveals, a hallmark that underlines the fact Mizrahi, who spent some of his childhood in Monaco, designs for go-getting, dream-achieving strong, smart and self-confident women, who like to be the centre of attention. (Think Lizzo and Cardi B, who are also on his clients’ list and considered as some of his “loud, opinionated, and outspoken” muses.) The 36-year-old creative’s contemporary, revealing, minimalistic and sophisticated designs are made to make women feel as great as they look in them. That’s why they also help more introverted wearers discover that courageous attitude. Mizrahi, a self-taught designer, just like Tom Ford and Nicolas Ghesquiere to name a few, is also coveted because he has made his couture-quality sexy, sleek and striking designs affordable. In essence, Mônot, which means one and many all at once, is on the perimeter of ready-to-wear and couture.
Mizrahi, who arrived in New York at the age of 13 as a political refugee, has been interested in fashion since he was a child. And while working on his first serious job, which involved doing celebrity endorsement deals, he found himself becoming more and more involved with fashion brands. While coupling various brands with Hollywood talent, the luxury consult began meeting VIPs in New York City and created a noteworthy network of friends and contacts. And after his father’s death, Mizrahi felt emboldened enough to follow his dreams and launched his brand in September 2019.
A flambouyant dresser, who is interested in architecture and loves travel, Mizrahi had some help finalising his looks for his first collection from an ESMOD professor in Beirut. His global search for a patternmaker allowed him to reconnect with the city once again and find inspiration in his roots. As the patternmaker didn’t do any sampling, they ended up reaching out to a community of female Syrian refugees for the craftsmanship. As a former political refugee, Mizrahi was more than happy to offer them work, which would subsequently benefit their families.
Needless to say Mizrahi’s autumn/winter 2020 collection, which he showcased at Paris Fashion Week, was a raving success. The stunning campaign, which was shot in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla by Luigi & Lango, also made waves. The charming and talented fashion designer picked fashion heavyweights like Amber Valletta, Candice Swanepoel, Kate Moss and Alek Wek, all with different ages, cultures and backgrounds, to star in it.
