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Unconventional, Bold, and Sculptural. This is how our next highlighted emerging designer describes her pieces of designed art. The excitement I have for Indiana Fashion Week has been catapulted into the rushing desire to experience what they all have to bring to the competition! Monique Burts, of “Mo Gio”, and I had a few moments together, check out our dialogue:
Kevina (K): Monique, what is your perspective on fashion?
Monique (M): Turning anything into something fashionable! Whether it’s computer paper…
K: Wait, PC paper??
M: Yes, creating sustainable fashion. PC paper, cardboard, any old thing to turn into a new piece.
K: Wow, absolutely wonderful. So with that being said, in your opinion, what’s the next wave of fashion?
M: Sustainability. I’d like to be amongst the pioneers to take old pieces, such as the restoration done to a TOMS shoe, and recreate them. This actually started for me in college. While having low income, I’d go to Goodwill and get fashionable items to make, thus sustaining fashion.
K: I’m just so amazed how you say you make fashionable items out of old items.
M: *chuckles* Yes, yes!
K: So Monique, next question: what type of garment would you say best describes your
personality?
M: I’d have to say my first garment made at Herron School of Arts.
K: How old were you?
M: I was 19.
M: It was made of computer paper. It was fun, sculptural, colorful, and had a presence about it. That’s me. A walking exhibition. See, fashionable art can come from anywhere, you don’t have to spend thousands.
K: This is so true!
K: If you could meet any fashion icon, who would that be?
M: The Dutch fashion designer, Iris Van Herpen. I love her work. She works with 3D technology, dramatic shoes. I actually drove to Ohio in inclement weather to one of her exhibits. It changed my outlook on fashion. Inspiring.
K: And that’s awesome how you manned the weather to go see her exhibit in another state.So, where do you see your fashion career going in the next 5 years?
M: I’d like to break the platform for wearable artwork. Especially for young African American girls to express themselves in this way. I’d like to bridge the gap between sculptural and wearable art.
K: It was grand speaking to you and learning more about you! I’m excited to meet you in person!
M: Likewise, I’m excited as well, thank you all so much for this opportunity!
Monique is not only an artist in the land of garments, she is also an enthusiast and maker of visual art. In her spare time, she loves to paint, cook, binge watch her favorite TV shows and, most of all, spend time with family.
At the conclusion of our interview segment were laughs, and the high anticipation of seeing how this wearable, sustainable fashion will hit the runway on June 22nd! Get your tickets today — you don’t want to miss it! Go to https://indianafashionweek.com for more information or to purchase!