“My clothes are so comfy, you can take naps in them. I literally do take naps in my clothes!”
That is just one way that Mona Malik of Designs By Mona describes her handmade tunics. She has been keeping herself busy designing her spring/summer clothing line since her recent move to Toledo from St. Louis with her husband, Dinos and her two active boys Zain and Zach. Moving to a new city and not knowing anyone has been challenging for Mona and her family. Working previously in real estate, she knew that she did not want to continue that profession in Toledo. “Real Estate was depressing because of the market” she says. Mona needed an outlet so her designing that started out as a hobby and has become a sort of therapy for her.
When Mona was 20 years old, her mother gave her a handheld sewing machine and she began making bizarre and abstract things out of old curtains and scarves. “Growing up having sisters, everything was hand-me-downs and I hated that. I wanted everything to be unique.” Since her move, Mona says that when she has a design in mind, she has to find the right fabrics to compliment it. Laces are very forgiving, soft and never go out of style. Light fabrics like chiffon flow with your body. “I design what I like. I cater to women of all sizes and my designs are very versatile.” With her sister sending fabrics and trimmings all the way from Pakistan, Mona told her sister: “Let’s do this. We are both into fabrics and lace and so it kind of became a family business.”
Mona’s designs has been featured in many local fashion shows and most recently she had a successful trunk show at Ragazza Boutique. The word about her luxurious tunics has spread through out the city and into the surrounding areas. Women enjoyed fruit and sandwiches while shopping inside Ragazza’s modern setting. Her tunics are never duplicated so women can be sure that their wardrobe is as unique as they are. Each of Mona’s designs can be worn by women of all sizes. “We can be sexy no matter what size we are!” says Mona. The combination of sheer fabrics with the lace and pops of “bling” make them perfect for summer weather.
Loren and I had the pleasure of photographing two beautiful tunics before her trunk show debut. These were absolutely perfect wardrobe choices for our model, Angela Horgos. We loved the details that Mona puts into each and every design making them classic and fun!
Mona also donates proceeds from the purchase of her clothing to Covered, a faith-based outreach and support group for women in the sex industry. Human Trafficking is a cause that Mona has become very passionate about and is helping to raise awareness. “The statistics are scary for human trafficking” says Mona. “It has become my mission; I think that is my calling.”
You can see more Designs By Mona at the GLAMOUR fashion show hosted by the Daughters of Penelope at the Greek Orthodox Community Hall in Toledo September 27th, 11am-3pm. Tickets are $30.00 (luncheon included). Please contact Faye @ 419-472-0661 or Cathy @ 734-847-7882 to purchase tickets for the fashion show.
Mona Malik, Designer: Designs By Mona