In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mikayl Trinidad threw caution to the wind and launched Monohomme Studios. The young designer's works are characterized by intricate embroidery, sheer cut-outs, and genderless silhouettes. Think your classic denim jackets or button-up tops but revamped with an ornate touch.
Monohomme Studios perfectly encapsulates Mikayl's deep-rooted sentiments for fashion. There are no concepts of "menswear" and "womenswear" with his work, as anyone can don his pieces regardless of how they identify. This ethos reflects the designer's boundless view on his craft, and in turn, his career.
Ahead, read our exclusive interview with Mikayl as he reveals the inner workings of his brand, and what inspires him and his pieces.
Preview Exclusive: Mikayl Trinidad on How He Launched Monohomme Studios
Did you always know that you wanted to be a fashion designer? When did your interest in fashion start?
"When I was a kid, I used to play with my mother’s clothes when she [wasn't] around. Playing with clothes [brought me joy] at such a young age. So when I went to college, I started [thrifting] clothes [and making them into outfits] I would wear in the campus. During that time, Vice Ganda was my fashion icon."
How would you personally describe your designs? What kind of person would be seen wearing them?
"Monohomme Studios is continuously evolving as a brand. It caters to people of [all] colors, sizes, fashion styles, and genders. I’ve been developing the use of lace fabrics with floral prints, stones, and patterns, which I think has become the signature style of my brand. The elegance of lace when put on denim is like putting color into people’s lives."
What are the main inspirations you pull from when creating your designs? Can you walk us through your thought process when designing?
"I grew up from a household where buying new clothes was never a thing. My grandma could only afford to buy us new clothes every Christmas. I always uphold that experience and I turn it into motivation every time I create new designs."
"Every design I make reflects pieces that I would want to wear myself, but instead of wearing them, I let other people wear them. It’s like seeing myself in another point of view. In processing a design, I always like to imagine the whole look, and when I feel that it’s worth creating, I will do everything to make it happen. [I pay attention to everything,] from the kind of fabric, to the silhouette, and to its wearability."
Is there one rule or value you always stick to when making your creations? What pushes you to keep pursuing your craft?
"I always believe that fashion is for everyone regardless of their gender. I think fashion is a lifetime commitment. It’s like I breathe and live for fashion. From that kid who could only afford to have new clothes during Christmas time, I am now making wonderful pieces for other people. That childhood experience really pushed me to pursue my craft forever."
What's your message to your fellow young designers?
"I’m a late bloomer in fashion. I only started my brand during the pandemic with a little amount of money. I gave up my corporate job [without] knowing what to do after. But I still decided to pursue what I think I am good at."
"To other designers out there, never ever give up on your craft. If you come up with a design, it’s either you make it or enhance it. Throwing your design away is never an option. As long as there’s one person who trusts your vision, [you] just [have to] keep on creating wonderful pieces."
Monohomme Studios' pieces are made to order. Shoot them an email at studiosmonohomme@gmail.com. You can also follow them on their Instagram account @monohomme.studios.
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