In an exclusive interview conducted by Advaith Krishnan, Editor at Large, the enchanting Monica Meneguzzi unveils the tapestry of her illustrious journey through the world of fashion and style. From her childhood dreams of couture, fashioned from her grandmother’s cherished heirloom blankets, to her rise as an icon of individuality and elegance, Monica shares her story with poise and sophistication. Rooted in the timeless allure of Italian heritage, she offers profound insights into her passion for haute couture, the art of personal style, and her invaluable wisdom for aspiring models.

You’ve had an incredible career as a model. Can you share with us how your journey began and what inspired you to pursue this path?

I have always been fascinated by the top model icons of the 90s and I have always had a great passion for fashion. I remember that as a child I took the blankets from my grandmother’s sofa, wrapped them around me as if they were a long dress and then performed a beautiful parade in the living room at home. One fine day, I entered a clothing store with my mother, the owner, without hesitation, asked me to participate in a fashion show she was organizing in a nearby town. I was enthusiastic, my mother a little less. I was 16 and it all started from there. Since then, fashion has become a passion that has only grown.

Fashion is a constantly evolving industry. How do you keep up with trends and stay relevant while maintaining your unique style and identity?

In my opinion the key word is personality, respecting yourself and your style. A good method to be in harmony with your body and discover your style is undoubtedly image consultancy. It is a process that becomes engaging and fun, because it allows us to explore the proposals of the various stylists to find what best enhances our body and our appearance. Furthermore, we can also discover our own unique style, breaking the mold and choosing to be eccentric when we want, both on special occasions and in everyday life. The important thing is to establish an authentic connection with our own image, so that we always feel at ease and confident in ourselves.

As someone who represents Italian elegance on a global stage, how do your roots influence your personal and professional life?

The “Bel Paese”, known for its fashion (with Milan as the world capital), good food and extraordinary art, has undoubtedly had a positive influence. Italy is synonymous with elegance, style and tradition, and this environment enriches a model’s aesthetic sense, helped me develop a unique and authentic vision of beauty.

What are some of your favorite luxury brands or designers that you feel truly resonate with your style, and how do they reflect your personal fashion philosophy?

It’s difficult choice.. the first name I thought of was King Giorgio Armani for its elegance and refinement, Salvatore Ferragamo, Alberta Ferretti, Fendi, Versace, the eccentricity of Dolce&Gabbana…

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to two artisan entrepreneurs located in Italy, whose creations you can admire in these photos. I’m talking about Gabriela Rigamonti Jewels designer and creator of the Vicenza brand and Agnieska Kolano, stylist and creator of the Koko Agnes brand located in Taormina. If you have the opportunity, visit their social and web pages, they will amaze you!

Visit Here: Gabriela Rigamonti / Koko Agnes

Many people admire your confidence and grace. What advice would you give to aspiring models or anyone looking to build their confidence and self-worth?

I advise aspiring models to never lose sight of who they are. To strengthen your confidence and self-esteem, it is essential to embrace your uniqueness, appreciating what makes you special. It is very important to take care of your psychophysical well-being, through a balance between body and mind. Healthy eating and physical activity are two excellent allies, so surrounding yourself with positive people, practicing gratitude, recognizing and celebrating even small successes also contributes to building a stronger and more confident self-image.

As our interview concludes, we convey our sincere appreciation Monica Meneguzzi for sharing her extraordinary journey and invaluable insights. On behalf of Team Victor Franklin, we wish her enduring success and the brightest fortunes in all her future pursuits.