Monica’s Stylist Reveals How the Singer Made a Major Fashion Transformation
You can’t talk '90s R&B without including singer/songwriter Monica. Recently, the singer's name is also mentioned when you talk fashion transformation and owning your style.
While scrolling through the “So Gone” singer’s Instagram, which is filled with stylish lookbook images, it is clear that she should be known for more that her amazing singing chops. She has developed an incredible sense of style!
While the 36-year-old mother of three dresses to impress each time she steps out on the scene, we can’t forget that Monica has a glam squad and an on-point stylist that knows exactly how to find fashion that will have us all taking note.
Meet Ade Samuel. She is the fashion stylist that meets the demands of her clients by staying current with fashion trends, keeping her ears to the streets and sharing her vision with her clients to create the next fashionista “it girl’ trending.
We spoke exclusively with Samuel to get the inside scoop of her participation in Monica’s transformation and what we can expect in the future.
“My inspiration for Monica's [style transformation] was ‘Old Monica.’ Today's runway trends are often so inspired by the '90s, early '00s and Monica was one of the prominent influences during that time. We took that flare and fashion forward approach when discussing where we want to see this era and generation flow in the eyes of her life now,” Samuel shared with BET.
“As a wife, mother and also someone who still remains youthful and sexy, we decided to continue to have fun with Monica's fashion while staying one step ahead, whether it's with the colors we chose to wear, the textures or even silhouette that keeps her looking fresh.”
Don’t get it twisted, just because Monica has a stylist doesn’t mean she is a stranger to knowing trends.
“Monica has a great sense of fashion and researches a lot, she is very in tune with what is happening in the world of fashion and, because of that, we agree on looks by having great fashion dialogue,” Samuel admitted.
Samuel continued, “Creatively, we have in-depth conversations to understand each other's perspectives on what similarities we share and any differences. It's actually a fun process! I love when my clients are involved with the process because often times I can see and hear the passion and I love that!”
The native New Yorker developed many strong relationships in the fashion industry due to her ability to use what she learned from industry professionals and taking the fashion inspiration she saw while people watching to build her visions.
With loads of experience and expertise, you may think the collaboration with Monica started with Samuel reaching out to the Grammy Award-winning artist with her styling portfolio, but it was actually the opposite.
“She found me on Instagram,” Samuel shared excitedly. “The power of social media is amazing! I was always a fan of Monica's music and growing up during the era where R&B was so prominent in our music culture, I was especially drawn to her as one of the artists to follow. Her voice is so angelic that it was an automatic yes when I was approached to work with her.”
“The universe is so perfect. You really never know who's watching!,” she added.
Great point! And it sounds like this is only the beginning of the impeccable fashion we will see on Monica.
When asked what kind of style moments we can expect in the future, she told us, “A lot of surprises! We are looking to have fun with her fashion and continue to grow together and take a lot of fashion risks.”
Monica is definitely looking oh so fly!
