MONA Swims: The print you wear that doesn’t wear you
iving you a first look at the new season of MONA Swims from East London based duo Sophia Heffer and Carla Johnson; set to be the go to swimwear label for 2014. MONA is back by popular demand after selling out the entire stock of their debut collection. Now launching their SS14 range and their own online store, the pair have continued to produce sophisticated swimwear and leggings of a high standard, all cut and made entirely in the UK. Every detail of the AELLAI collection (meaning whirlwind), is inspired by wild nature and rugged sea coves, folklore and mythology, the result being a dark twist in bikini’s, swimming costumes and their signature Sea Legs leggings. The flattering high-waisted briefs, halter necks and structured bustiers mix bold reptile prints with breath taking colour pallets, designed to enhance each individuals unique beauty. Each piece has it’s own one off placement on MONA’s original print designs, so no two pieces are the same.
MONA was born in 2012 after fashion hair stylist and colour expert Sophia joined forces with award-winning textile artist and silk matrix Carla. Both Sophia and Carla have combined their careers with global travel and cultural exploration, and after meeting in Ibiza in 2005, friendship and creativity blossomed. They both yearned for on trend swimwear that would create the perfect hourglass silhouette on the varied body shapes of themselves and their friends, making the wearer feel like a ‘Sea Goddess’. A quick scan of the MONA Instagram feed (pictured below), shows they’ve achieved their goal. The Mona creations have been featured in Glamour magazine and style spotted on ladies in Ibiza hot spots and at various festivals including The Burning Man in Nevada Desert.
Imagery from MONA’s lookbook, shot in Norway by photographer Roger Renburg on Vogue model Preeti Dhata. The shoot was a meeting of creatives including Holly Silius; make up artist and creator of exciting new nail trends, rust and corrosion inspired jewellery designer Jayne Fowler, Hackney born trend setter and stylist to the stars Issie gibbons, and of course the MONA team. Shop Mona Swims here.
