Meet Monica Rue | FUNctional Fashion designer & Fiber Arts creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Rue and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose my artistic/creative career because it was hard to locate colorful, festive and well fitting adult clothing for someone that was not only petite but athletic. So my way to fix that was to make my own clothing. And once I got started with that I couldn’t stop because I found something that was missing in the mainstream fashion world. And there’s nothing better than having a closet full of my own designs!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a big fan of mixing colors and patterns and creating a style that is comfortable and stylish but fun at the same time! I want to feel that I’m going somewhere special even if it’s just to a doctors appointment.

I’m am proud that fabric I designed was shared in an international magazine. I’m also proud that I get to share my love of creating with the next generation, by teaching art at a small local elementary school.

Getting where I am today wasn’t easy. The design world is really saturated with new people all the time . And many of those have access to lots of high tech applications more than I do. Even my sewing machines are simple, some even vintage but they work like nothing else! And I feel like they express my love of the unique and special things in the world. I take what I have and do my best designs by hand as a painter would with canvas. And those are my favorite designs.

I have learned that you can do lots of things on a simple budget with careful planning and good materials! And how to not waste fabrics by cutting it well and using even the smallest pieces for something beautiful! I would love the world to know that I put love into everything I make and I make all my items myself. That when they support my one woman business they are adding more color and flavor and fun to their world and our world. And there is a new kind of joy found when a customer returns to get more hand made items from me. Each piece is one of a kind just like I am and like they are.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oooh! If a friend was visiting. I would take them first to Fat Anthony’s for amazing burgers on day one and the Ramona Cafe for breakfast on day 2. And Pete’s BBQ for lunch for day 3, Carmelita’s for a great sit down Mexican meal. We’d head to Old Town San Diego and go and get candy and one of a kind tea. Ocean beach for site seeing and yummy food at Ocean Beach Meat Company. Of course a trip to San Diego Zoo is mandatory and a nice diversion. We’d take two days at Balboa Park. One for the park and the the second for the Japanese Friendship Garden. And definitely one day going to see sunset at Sunset cliffs! There’s nothing like seeing sunset there! Last day would be brunch in the morning (in the crown room) and English tea in the afternoon at the Hotel del Coronado!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to thank my master seamstress mother for teaching me about fabric and sewing at a young age. My pops who buys me excellent research books for my business. My sweet husband for lovingly driving me to LA’s Fashion district and to my shows where I sell my handmade items and for believing in me every single day and never letting me give up! My little sister who is always encouraging me to follow my dreams and stay true to myself and my unique style. And last but not least all my fantastic customers who buy my makes either for themselves or for loved ones.

Website: monicaruedesigns.com

Instagram: MonicaRueDesigns

Twitter: MonicaRueDesign

Facebook: MonicaRueDesigns

Youtube: Monica Rue Designs

Image Credits
Michael L. Rue and Monica Taylor-Rue