If you have been following the diary series, you know it usually takes you into the life of some of my favorite creative. Their diaries are usually documented over a trip, experience or frame of time.
It will now also take you into some of my experiences; events, trips and more.
First up is my time at the Monki Store launch party. Monki is a Scandinavian story concept brand launched in 2005, goes on to become an international chain in 2009 and open their first concession in Selfridges in December 2011.
The story based fashion concept brand speaks of Monki creatures, celebrating personal style and a mix of street style and a distinct Scandinavian minimalism.
I am invited to attend the launch of their first stand alone store in the UK on Carnaby Street.
Read on for my experience.
I get a lot of invites to events, so it is always nice if one stands out from the pack. This one from Monki is inviting me to their new store launch and is inspired by compasses, shipwrecked carousels and treasure. A theme that I noticed that their look book and The Travel Issue (current issue of the brand’s magazine) explores.
Would it not be fun if all maps were this pretty? It came with the compass inspired invite.
Last week I was invited by the brand to a gifting session. I pick these, some jewellery and a maxi white blouse. I like the proportions of the faux leather skirt. It is the print of the blouse that draws me to it. My one rule when it comes to clothes is really a question -Is it me and can I see myself wearing it more than once and liking it forever?
Today for the party I am wearing the print blouse and the racer circle skirt over a pair of MaxMara pants.
Next up I pile on my jewellery. The faux leather choker and bead necklace are courtesy of the Monki gifting session. There is something tribal but in a urban way that appeals to me. I think I am a product of those two worlds and unconsciously find myself being drawn to anything that combines the two successfully. I have been wearing them since the session.
Added to that mix is this gift from Silver Boleyn M necklace by fine jeweler Wendy Brandes. I have been wearing it constantly since I received it over New York Fashion Week. There is a delicate strength about it that resonates with me.
I add these two designs by Maria Francesca Pepe. The M necklace was a gift from the designer. I tend to wear both necklaces most of the time. I think our jewelry becomes our own little personal stamp or signet as it were, they end up sharing our journey.
My car is here so I quickly threw on some vintage shoes, wrap a scarf into a head wrap, spritz on some perfume, wear a bright orange lip and shrug on a coat.
I love Carnaby Street and find that the street sign always lifts my mood. There is so much creative history here and think Monki could not have picked a better street to have their first UK store on.
The first thing I spot when I get to the Monki store is this huge green Monki creature. It is right outside the store and it is huge. What a welcome! I’m realizing that graphics are central to the story based Monki approach.
Before I walk in I snap these onlookers who are peering into the store window with fascination. I am forever inspired by people watching. You can learn a lot by just stopping and watching people interact with others or with things.
I walk in and it is a Monki wonder world. Compasses, balloons of Monki creature friends and a huge carousel is upstairs. It is quite something. The little girl with the big imagination in me could have a lot of fun with it. The imagination is a powerful thing.
I am introduced to Monki’s head of marketing Nor Toma by the lovely Florence. It is a pleasure to meet her and I congratulate her and the brand on the new store. Here are Nor and I.
I go downstairs to get a drink and cannot help but take a photo. What a great turnout the launch has had.
If there are balloons to be found in a space, I will gravitate towards them!
I quite like how my orange lips bounce off the silver.If only I could take this wonder wall of round silver balloons with me home…
There is a sense of revelry in the air and treats being offered guests makes it feel like one big carnival meets happy fair.
These Monki creature balloons create a fun feeling of being watched. They are dotted all over the store.
I am a magazine head. Yes, there I said it. I picked up Monki’s current magazine edition, The Travel Issue at the gifting session and read it shortly afterwards. Nevertheless I find myself seeking a peek when I spot this display of them. It is a strong publication in the sense that captures a definitive feel of the brand while remaining aspirational.
All too soon and I have to dash off but what an experience it has been. Happy store launch Monki!
I leave but not before I take a shot with and of this happy Monki balloon sign. Like I said, If there are balloons to be had in a space, I will gravitate towards them…
More on Monki here.
Catch up on the diary series.
