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Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier

Designer. Los Angeles

If you've watched an award show pre-game, like, ever, you're probably already acquainted with Monique Lhuillier. In fact, that name has become an almost automatic response to that ubiquitous, “what are you wearing tonight?” question. Having dressed everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to Nicki Minaj, Lhuillier is best known as a red carpet regular for her signature sweeping gowns. So it was no surprise to us that when we walked into Lhuillier's spectacularly decorated L.A. home we found the most warm, sophisticated and feminine aesthetic that’s completely in tune with Lhuillier's design philosophy.

From the moment we arrived we were overcome with the most amazing scents emanating throughout Lhuillier's home—seriously, every room smelled like heaven—which she chalks up to a serious luxury candle habit, revealing her namesake brand, Le Labo and Diptyque among her favorites. Lhuillier also went ahead and styled a few TC-approved vignettes (see: yellow dress) around her home, too.

Mouths agape, we got the tour of Lhuillier's insane master bedroom, bathroom and of course, her even more unbelievable walk-in closet, where we found two rolling racks filled with some of the designer's favorite pieces. Among the treasures was a dressing table with stacks upon stacks of boxes in our favorite color (Hermès orange, of course). Showing us some of the gowns most recently worn by her celebrity clients, it became clear that each of Lhuillier's designs are crafted with couture-like detail that makes each piece entirely unique. And although, to some extent, the designer has become the poster girl for her own label, that doesn't mean it keeps her from appreciating other designers; case in point, she's a major Phoebe Philo and Céline fan (but who isn't?). She's also amassed a seriously enviable Birkin collection, telling us that she got a bit of an early start, "I bought myself my first Birkin when I was eighteen, during a trip to Paris."

Though she’s quickly expanding the M.L. empire (we got a sneak peek at her newly launched shoe collection), Lhuillier revealed that she's not entirely satisfied yet. She’s keeping her fingers (and toes) crossed for the day Michelle Obama wears a Lhuillier original –we’re keeping our fingers crossed for that day, too.

All, Various Designers

I have always wanted to dress women from head-to-toe. When designing my footwear collection I used a lot of the signature elements I use in my Ready-To-Wear collection, like lace, leather and delicate details.

Read More

All, Various Designers

I just launched my first shoe collection for Spring/Summer 2013 and I’ve been wearing them non-stop. My favorite styles are the black lace ankle cuffs and the blue python lace-up sandals—they are sexy and feminine, but with a bit of an edge.

Read More

All, Various Designers

Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

All, Various Designers

All, Various Designers

All, Various Designers

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

My collection has a mix of femininity and elegance with a strong sense of silhouette, which is very flattering for a woman’s shape.  Feeling confident you are at your best is essential for red carpet dressing. I would really love to dress Keira Knightley, as well as Michelle Obama.

Read More

Dress, Monique Lhuillier

Shoes, Monique Lhuillier; Clutches, Yves Saint Laurent; Dresses, L to R. Monique Lhuillier, Monique Lhuillier, Givenchy Monique Lhuillier, Monique Lhuillier, Monique Lhuillier

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

I moved to California in 1988 to go to design school and never left.  I love the lifestyle here.  The weather, the scenery and the rhythm suits me and my family perfectly!

Read More

All, Monique Lhuillier

Shoes, Fendi; L to R, Clutches, Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Monique Lhuillier, Marchesa; Dresses, Monique Lhuillier

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

All, Monique Lhuillier

I bought myself my first Birkin when I was eighteen, during a trip to Paris.

Read More

All, Hermès

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

I really enjoy dressing women, making them feel beautiful and giving them confidence. There are so many things I love about being a designer: I love seeing a collection come together and watching it come down the runway after months of work. I love when someone tells me they’ve worn one of my bridal gowns. You can always see the joy in their face, and it means a lot to me to be a part of the most important day of someone’s life. I also really love seeing a celebrity in one of my gowns on the red carpet. There are so many dresses to choose from, and it still gives me a thrill when an actress chooses something I’ve designed. The biggest highlights of my career so far have been the relationships I have formed with people I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with.

Read More

All, Monique Lhuillier

In my home I use a lot of soothing colors, like light greys and beiges to make the space feel serene, welcoming and luxurious. To accent the monochromatic palette I add accents of color with bright artwork and accessories. More than anything, I want my house to feel inviting and reflect my personal sense of style.

Read More

Jacket, Monique Lhuillier; Shoes, Unknown Designer

iPad Case, Christian Louboutin; Shoes, Unknown Designer

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

If I wasn’t a designer I would be an interior decorator. I love creating beautiful and interesting spaces. A friend of mine from the Philippines has a company called Celestina. She finds stunning shells from the island to create these unique bags.

Read More

Jackets, Monique Lhuillier; Shoes, L to R. Yves Saint Laurent, Unknown Designer, Unknown Designer, Christian Louboutin,

Dress, Monique Lhuillier

Dress, Monique Lhuillier

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

Bag, Fendi; Dress, Monique Lhuillier

Shoes, Stella McCartney

Some of my most memorable moments (so far) include dressing: Julie Bowen and Ginnifer Goodwin for the 2012 Emmys, Eva Longoria for the 2012 ALMA Awards, Blake Lively for the Charlie Rose Show, Jennifer Garner for the LA premiere of ‘Argo’, Drew Barrymore for the 2012 SAG Awards, Reese Witherspoon for her wedding, Jessica Chastain for the N.Y.C. premiere of ‘Coriolanus’, Mandy Moore for the 2011 Academy Awards, Catherine Zeta Jones for the 2011 Golden Globes, Kristen Stewart for the 2010 Academy Awards, Gwyneth Paltrow for her Hollywood Walk of Fame unveiling, Mila Kunis for the 2009 Emmys

Read More

All, Monique Lhuillier

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All, Various Designers

I have always wanted to dress women from head-to-toe. When designing my footwear collection I used a lot of the signature elements I use in my Ready-To-Wear collection, like lace, leather and delicate details. All, Various Designers

I just launched my first shoe collection for Spring/Summer 2013 and I’ve been wearing them non-stop. My favorite styles are the black lace ankle cuffs and the blue python lace-up sandals—they are sexy and feminine, but with a bit of an edge. All, Various Designers

Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

All, Various Designers

All, Various Designers

All, Various Designers

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

My collection has a mix of femininity and elegance with a strong sense of silhouette, which is very flattering for a woman’s shape.  Feeling confident you are at your best is essential for red carpet dressing. I would really love to dress Keira Knightley, as well as Michelle Obama. Dress, Monique Lhuillier

Shoes, Monique Lhuillier; Clutches, Yves Saint Laurent; Dresses, L to R. Monique Lhuillier, Monique Lhuillier, Givenchy Monique Lhuillier, Monique Lhuillier, Monique Lhuillier

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

I moved to California in 1988 to go to design school and never left.  I love the lifestyle here.  The weather, the scenery and the rhythm suits me and my family perfectly! All, Monique Lhuillier

Shoes, Fendi; L to R, Clutches, Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Monique Lhuillier, Marchesa; Dresses, Monique Lhuillier

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

All, Monique Lhuillier

I bought myself my first Birkin when I was eighteen, during a trip to Paris. All, Hermès

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

I really enjoy dressing women, making them feel beautiful and giving them confidence. There are so many things I love about being a designer: I love seeing a collection come together and watching it come down the runway after months of work. I love when someone tells me they’ve worn one of my bridal gowns. You can always see the joy in their face, and it means a lot to me to be a part of the most important day of someone’s life. I also really love seeing a celebrity in one of my gowns on the red carpet. There are so many dresses to choose from, and it still gives me a thrill when an actress chooses something I’ve designed. The biggest highlights of my career so far have been the relationships I have formed with people I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with. All, Monique Lhuillier

In my home I use a lot of soothing colors, like light greys and beiges to make the space feel serene, welcoming and luxurious. To accent the monochromatic palette I add accents of color with bright artwork and accessories. More than anything, I want my house to feel inviting and reflect my personal sense of style. Jacket, Monique Lhuillier; Shoes, Unknown Designer

iPad Case, Christian Louboutin; Shoes, Unknown Designer

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

If I wasn’t a designer I would be an interior decorator. I love creating beautiful and interesting spaces. A friend of mine from the Philippines has a company called Celestina. She finds stunning shells from the island to create these unique bags. Jackets, Monique Lhuillier; Shoes, L to R. Yves Saint Laurent, Unknown Designer, Unknown Designer, Christian Louboutin,

Dress, Monique Lhuillier

Dress, Monique Lhuillier

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

Top and Shoes, Monique Lhuillier

Bag, Fendi; Dress, Monique Lhuillier

Shoes, Stella McCartney

Some of my most memorable moments (so far) include dressing: Julie Bowen and Ginnifer Goodwin for the 2012 Emmys, Eva Longoria for the 2012 ALMA Awards, Blake Lively for the Charlie Rose Show, Jennifer Garner for the LA premiere of ‘Argo’, Drew Barrymore for the 2012 SAG Awards, Reese Witherspoon for her wedding, Jessica Chastain for the N.Y.C. premiere of ‘Coriolanus’, Mandy Moore for the 2011 Academy Awards, Catherine Zeta Jones for the 2011 Golden Globes, Kristen Stewart for the 2010 Academy Awards, Gwyneth Paltrow for her Hollywood Walk of Fame unveiling, Mila Kunis for the 2009 Emmys

All, Monique Lhuillier