BY ESTELLE PULESTON
In 2016, after 18 years of designing lingerie for major companies – including names such as La Senza and Adore Me – Canadian-born Monique Morin finally fulfilled a long-term ambition with the launch of her own label. Based in the US, this namesake brand was founded with a goal of creating empowering, size-inclusive pieces that bring out your best self and always look fabulous from every angle.
Before she forged her career in fashion, Morin had actually studied engineering and architecture. This is something she credits with giving her an edge as a lingerie designer, especially when it came to figure-sculpting, high-precision pieces such as bras and corsetry. “Lingerie became the perfect medium to merge structure, sensuality, and artistry,” she says.
Architecture and other visual arts influence how she thinks about form and silhouette in a more general sense too, but it’s with fabrics where her inspiration mostly begins. “The way a lace catches the light, or the drape of satin, can spark an entire collection,” she told me. She particularly likes to combine delicate, feminine materials with strong structural elements – an illusion-embroidery cinches for example, or a pearlescent-detailed tulle bustier outlined by solid boning channels and statement strapping.
Since the beginning, Morin has been focused on creating collections with a ‘strong identity’, and one of the things that sets the brand apart is its focus on 360 design; her lingerie frequently looks just as striking from the back as it does from the front – or even better, in the case of her popular corset lace-up bikini briefs.
Overall, the collection is a mixture of sexy, lacy pieces and other more casual, athleisure-inspired looks in soft TENCEL™ jersey and sheer-striped microfiber. But everything, even the ‘basics’, is interesting, featuring details such as unusual decorative strap placements, the occasional use of monowires, a sprinkling of zingy neon colors, and many layering pieces such as harnesses to round out a look.
If really pushed to pick a favorite piece – not an easy task, she loves them all! – then Morin says it would be the Moonstruck Lace Harness.
“I am deliberate about garment lines and how they contour the body, and this piece feels especially empowering,” she explains, “It captures the essence of my design philosophy: lingerie as a celebration of sensuality.”
Sustainability is also a key consideration for Morin. The brand uses deadstock from larger-scale manufacturers where possible, and sources its materials close to where the garments are sewn in order to cut down on transport-related emissions. She’s also incorporating new generation sustainable materials into the product range, such as lace made with Reveprene® recycled fiber nylon and elastic made with EVO®, a natural castor-based material.
Monique Morin lingerie encompasses sizes XS to 4X, and cup sizes from AA to G. Prices run from approximately $25 to $119, with a portion of proceeds from every sale going to organizations such as The Trevor Project, providing mental health support to LGBTQ+ youth, and WIN, supporting homeless women and children.
Contact information:
Website: https://moniquemorinlingerie.com/
Instagram: @moniquemorinlingerie
Email: support@moniquemorinlingerie.com
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