Monique Williams-Rosss
"The Savvy Fashionista"
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa: Where are you from?
Monique: I'm originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Monique: I'm originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Copa: Which schools have you attended?
Monique: I graduated from Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk and studied Fashion Design & Merchandising at Norfolk State University and Bauder College.
Monique: I graduated from Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk and studied Fashion Design & Merchandising at Norfolk State University and Bauder College.
Copa: Have you always been a Fashionista?
Monique: Absolutely! I get my sense of style from my mother. I remember she always wore heels and dressed so chic and polished. I also noticed how she used to cleverly coordinate our clothes for school. In elementary school I got best dressed (thanks to her) and was later known as the ‘go-to’ person for family and friends for style and shopping advice. Also, my mother had a huge collection of albums that I would peruse and basically ‘study’ because I was amazed by the album covers and would analyze the hair, makeup and how the outfits were styled. I wanted to be THAT person!
When I was little my grandmother would give me the scraps from her sewing projects and taught me to sew by hand with a needle and thread, so I’d make clothes for my dolls. She was a sharp dresser too. She wore lots of hats, gloves and brooches, so yes, I guess I was ‘destined’ to be a fashionista.
Monique: Absolutely! I get my sense of style from my mother. I remember she always wore heels and dressed so chic and polished. I also noticed how she used to cleverly coordinate our clothes for school. In elementary school I got best dressed (thanks to her) and was later known as the ‘go-to’ person for family and friends for style and shopping advice. Also, my mother had a huge collection of albums that I would peruse and basically ‘study’ because I was amazed by the album covers and would analyze the hair, makeup and how the outfits were styled. I wanted to be THAT person!
When I was little my grandmother would give me the scraps from her sewing projects and taught me to sew by hand with a needle and thread, so I’d make clothes for my dolls. She was a sharp dresser too. She wore lots of hats, gloves and brooches, so yes, I guess I was ‘destined’ to be a fashionista.
Copa: When did you develop a sense of style?
Monique: I came into my own in junior high school. I liked to take chances and wear unique pieces that others may not dare to wear or I’d add trinkets, buttons or patches to my clothes or just restyle them. I’d wear clothes a certain way and notice others would copy or try to wear something similar. I believe sometimes style is not about ‘what’ you wear, but ‘how’ you wear it. My best friend and I used to make it our business to call each other to discuss our attire for school the next day and we’d borrow each other’s clothes to make sure we we’re straight. I mean we were wearing trousers, hats, brooches and heels in JUNIOR HIGH school! We took style very seriously. LOL.
Monique: I came into my own in junior high school. I liked to take chances and wear unique pieces that others may not dare to wear or I’d add trinkets, buttons or patches to my clothes or just restyle them. I’d wear clothes a certain way and notice others would copy or try to wear something similar. I believe sometimes style is not about ‘what’ you wear, but ‘how’ you wear it. My best friend and I used to make it our business to call each other to discuss our attire for school the next day and we’d borrow each other’s clothes to make sure we we’re straight. I mean we were wearing trousers, hats, brooches and heels in JUNIOR HIGH school! We took style very seriously. LOL.
Model: Aquiah Ma'at, Photographer: Sean Webb
Copa: At which time did you design your first garment?
Monique: My senior year in high school I went to vocational technical school for fashion design and clothing construction. That’s where I designed and constructed my first outfit. It was a pair of pink knit jogging pants with a matching tunic. Don’t laugh, we had to use whatever was available.
Monique: My senior year in high school I went to vocational technical school for fashion design and clothing construction. That’s where I designed and constructed my first outfit. It was a pair of pink knit jogging pants with a matching tunic. Don’t laugh, we had to use whatever was available.
Copa: How would you describe contrasts in styling?
Monique: Contrasting and experimenting with prints can be an interesting and fun way to make a bold statement if done right.
Monique: Contrasting and experimenting with prints can be an interesting and fun way to make a bold statement if done right.
Copa: Please explain the importance of the stylist on a photo shoot and backstage during a fashion show.
Monique: The stylist is key in making sure every detail is on point. For photo shoots; time is money and a lot of time can be wasted if garments have wardrobe issues and need to be fixed or adjusted. You are the extra pair of eyes, hands and feet for the photographer and must solve problems that possibly could show up in photos, so attention to detail is essential. A lot of preparation goes into having a seamless shoot. Another benefit to having a stylist is they can add elements to the shoot that enhance the photos and give it flavor like interesting accessories or styling that can take an outfit or an entire shoot to the next level.
Thanks to my internship as a Production Assistant at the Atlanta Apparel Mart and experience assisting a bridal show producer; I learned a lot of the ins and outs of working backstage as a stylist and fashion show coordinator. Backstage of a fashion show can be chaos, so a skilled stylist must be organized. This goes back to preparation and being a good communicator with models, show coordinators and other assistants. You also have to have a keen eye for style and details because you are the last point of contact before the model hits the runway so any wardrobe malfunctions or mistakes will be seen not only by the audience but in photographs.
Monique: The stylist is key in making sure every detail is on point. For photo shoots; time is money and a lot of time can be wasted if garments have wardrobe issues and need to be fixed or adjusted. You are the extra pair of eyes, hands and feet for the photographer and must solve problems that possibly could show up in photos, so attention to detail is essential. A lot of preparation goes into having a seamless shoot. Another benefit to having a stylist is they can add elements to the shoot that enhance the photos and give it flavor like interesting accessories or styling that can take an outfit or an entire shoot to the next level.
Thanks to my internship as a Production Assistant at the Atlanta Apparel Mart and experience assisting a bridal show producer; I learned a lot of the ins and outs of working backstage as a stylist and fashion show coordinator. Backstage of a fashion show can be chaos, so a skilled stylist must be organized. This goes back to preparation and being a good communicator with models, show coordinators and other assistants. You also have to have a keen eye for style and details because you are the last point of contact before the model hits the runway so any wardrobe malfunctions or mistakes will be seen not only by the audience but in photographs.
Model: Jamia LaKita, Photographer: Paul Greene
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Model: Aquiah Ma'at, Photographer: Sean Webb
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Copa: What is your philosophy of styling?
Monique: Dress for your body type and YOUR personality. Style should enhance your best self, not hide or hinder it.
Monique: Dress for your body type and YOUR personality. Style should enhance your best self, not hide or hinder it.
Copa: What is your personal style?
Monique: My style on any given day, depends on my mood. I like to switch things up. But I’d say, it’s classic, feminine, glamorous and edgy. For instance, I love to rock ripped jeans and a t-shirt with a boucle jacket and heels. I like to mix classic with hip to keep it interesting.
Monique: My style on any given day, depends on my mood. I like to switch things up. But I’d say, it’s classic, feminine, glamorous and edgy. For instance, I love to rock ripped jeans and a t-shirt with a boucle jacket and heels. I like to mix classic with hip to keep it interesting.
Model: Michelle Love, Photographer: Marvin Striggles
Copa: What does the future hold for Monique Ross and “The Savvy Fashionista?
Monique: Right now, I’m building The Savvy Fashionista brand and running my e-boutique, www.thesavvyfashionista.com, which features items all hand-selected by me and my savvy customers. The Savvy Fashionista will be doing more brand expansion, photo styling, video tutorials, virtual styling and personal wardrobe consultations.
Monique: Right now, I’m building The Savvy Fashionista brand and running my e-boutique, www.thesavvyfashionista.com, which features items all hand-selected by me and my savvy customers. The Savvy Fashionista will be doing more brand expansion, photo styling, video tutorials, virtual styling and personal wardrobe consultations.
~Copa