From creating clothes for Barbie dolls to crafting them for real-life Barbies, Detroit native Tania Monet says she was born with the designer gene and it shows in her Tania Monet Couture line.
With the help of her TM Glam Squad models, Monet’s cinematic inspired style and love of fashion has already been showcased across the metropolitan area, including the Detroit Princess Fashion Show, Rip the Runway, Motor City Fashion Week and, the most recent Fashion X-plosion at Bert’s on Broadway. Mixing together a recipe of fantasy, couture and glamour can only equal Tania Monet Couture.
What makes your clothes fashion forward and hot?
The elegancy of my clothes. I'm not really into hip-hop -- although I can do it -- I make more elegant, professional business wear, sort of like “Breakfast at Tiffany's.” I love the style of the 1940s and 1950s.
How do you think of your new ideas? What’s your inspiration?
Sometimes I dream them. I keep a sketch pad by my bed so I can sketch it right away or sometimes when I'm sitting somewhere something will just pop into my head; I just vision it. My next clothing line was inspired by my grandma because she was my inspiration growing up; a great seamstress. I want her to see everything she taught me.
What’s a big fashion 'yes' right now and coming up into the fall season?
The ‘bubble’ style dresses are Big right now are -- tops, shirts; they've taken over and still will this fall. Really, though, it's what a designer likes, feels and what the clients likes.
What about a fashion 'no’?
Booty dresses. You can wear a short dress, but it can still be tasteful and classy. I also think leggings and platform shoes may die soon, too.
What’s your clothing style?
I love color so I incorporate a lot of that into my clothes, you won't see much gray, black or browns. I also love dynasty style and the ‘30s and ‘40s looks. When people went out back then they dressed up; they dressed sharp. When you're going out you should dress-up. Elegant and beautiful; that's my style.
What’s next?
My 2008 fall line, so coming up there will be tweed suits, capes, hats, gloves, boots, evening wear, lingerie wear and even a wedding dress. Prices start at $40 and up, depending on what you want. Also, my fall fashion show in October. I want to put myself on lock-down so I can put my total self into that October show.
How many fashion shows have you done so far?
Oh, I'd probably say about 200 shows total. The next one will be Saturday, July 12 at the Kat Walk Theater, located at 227 Iron Loft 133 in Detroit. It’s a fundraiser for diabetes, as well, from 8 p.m.-midnight, tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door and attire is fashion forward.
Where can we find your looks?
At 1 Lafayette Place Suite 1517, Detroit. And, they're one of a kind.
