MONICA MORALES

For our first edition of the PL Muse series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Monica Morales, a long-time collaborator and friend of the PL fam. Monica, a highly accomplished fashion stylist and creative director, has made a name for herself in the Australian fashion scene with her eclectic style and maximalist vision.

Follow along as Monica shares how she started her fashion journey, her top 5 wardrobe must-haves, pinch-me career moments, and more.

PL: How would you describe your style?

MM: I'd say currently it's sitting at super chill maximalist with a dash of glam and sparkle.

PL: Tell us about your journey on how you became a stylist?

MM: I've known I wanted to be in fashion since I was a kid, always obsessing over clothes and accessories. Initially, I thought I'd pursue a career as a fashion designer. So, once I finished high school, that's what I studied, and for the first few years of my career, I worked as an assistant designer. However, what I loved most about being an assistant designer was all the research and moodboarding of concepts, being on shoots, and working with models. I thought it was magical! When I was about 24, I decided to switch out of design and move into styling. I began by assisting and working as a junior stylist, which I did for around 3 to 4 years. It was tough, requiring a lot of hustle. It wasn't a direct path like design, but I loved creating visuals and being on set. I also learned a tonne during this period. By the time I was around 28, I felt I could start working more independently as a stylist. I began to transition more into the space where I am now, a freelance fashion stylist.

PL: What are 5 essential items everyone should have in their wardrobe to tie together a look?

MM: Even though I'm definitely a maximalist, I really believe everyone should have a capsule wardrobe base, and you can build fun stuff into that.

1. An oversized black boyfriend blazer.

2. A really nice pair of relaxed blue jeans.

3. Some good quality T-Shirt bodysuits in white or black.

4. Luxe baggy sweat pants in grey or red.

5. Some statement metallic jewellery.

PL: If there was a house fire and you only had time to save one item from your wardrobe what would it be?

MM: Lol I know this is a frivolous question but honestly, I'd just grab my iPhone and Macbook and get TF out of there!

PL: What’s been the biggest ‘pinch me’ moment of your career so far?

MM: There have been a lot of moments but honestly looking back at my career for me it's that I’ve been able to work all over the world shooting in countries like Puerto Rico, Indonesia, Greece, Italy, UK, USA & Japan. Whenever I'm styling overseas I always feel this deep sense of “wow I can't believe I'm here, working!”. It's a feeling that never gets old and I'm very grateful.

PL: What’s a piece of advice you wish you’d heard when you first started professionally styling?

MM: It’s financially hard at the start for the first few years when you don't live at home and have to support yourself. Interning or free assisting work is essential at the beginning and even paid assisting work isn't super lucrative. But if you are savvy and determined it will work out.

PL: What is your favourite off-duty look?

MM: Always a baggy tee, baggy jeans (Acne's are the best), some Jordan's and layers and layers of jewellery.

PL: What’s something you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing?

MM: Hmm, maybe just anything that felt inauthentic or too basic. I have some things in my wardrobe that I'm sure a lot of my friends would rather die than wear but for me, they are my most favourite pieces. I also feel super uncomfortable wearing anything too basic. While the base of my outfits can sometimes be basic, there's always things I add and style to elevate the look, making it feel like me.

PL: Do you collect anything?

MM: Jewellery! And maybe blazers.

PL: What’s your favourite song?

MM: Burn - Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign

PL: What’s your go-to comfort movie you like to rewatch again and again?

MM: The Harry Potter series or the 1997 Selena Movie with J Lo.

PL: What’s your signature perfume?

MM: Glossier You, with a dash of Tom Ford Soleil Blanc. I love mixing scents.

PL: Your favourite place on earth?

MM: Anywhere my parents are 🥰

PL: Place you haven’t been to that you'd most like to visit next?

MM: I still can't believe I haven't been to RIO, Brasil! Its my next over seas shoot destination for sure.

PL: If you could own any piece of art, irrespective of value what would it be?

MM: I was going to say something abstract and colourful like a piece by Olivier Rasir or similar but if I could own anything and money wasn’t an issue, I'd own the Mona Lisa! Then resell it and just sit back and live the bougiest life.

PL: A book or podcast you’d recommend?

MM: I drive alot for my job so I listen to alot of Audiobooks. I just finished listening to Down The Drain by Julia Fox. I was hooked on this book, the scenarios were so wild my jaw was on the floor for most of it. It's like listening to those crazy get ready with me TikTok's - but a whole book of it, WILD!

PL: And finally if you had to choose your favourite pieces from PL which would they be?

MM: Right now on high rotation are any of the Spike Bag collection and also the Frilled Satin Bag in Hot Pink from the PL x Zandra Rhodes collab. I'm obsessed with both, they make such strong but unique statements.