Four words immediately come to mind when I think of Monique Lhuillier, sophisticated, friendly, passionate and inspiring. Monique Lhuillier made a personal appearance at Nordstrom’s Flagship store in Seattle in their new Bridal Suite. She came to meet with brides to be, offer style and wedding advice and celebrate her new line of elegant bridesmaid’s dresses exclusive to Nordstrom. Wearing a dress of her own surrounded by pillows with her monogram I had the pleasure of sitting down and visiting with one of the world’s most prominent designers in couture bridal and formalwear, Monique Lhuillier. We talked fashion and style, how she began, what inspired her and how she was enjoying her visit to Seattle. Lhuillier’s gowns are worn by the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Taylor Swift, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Hilary Swank.

After making our introductions and comparing shoes we visited about the first article of clothing Lhuillier ever designed, it was a dress for her Barbie! While attending school at FIDM (the Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandising) in Los Angeles she designed her first wedding gown as a school project. It wasn’t until when she herself was engaged that she realized there was a lack in the style of bridal wear, so what did she do? She decided to design her own! It is very clear she is passionate about what she does, explaining that she enjoys getting up every day knowing that she is helping women feel feminine, elegant and beautiful on their most important occasions. When getting married and walking a red carpet one must always look and feel fabulous!

As a young and hopeful fashion writer myself, I asked Lhuillier if she had any advice to offer other aspiring entrepreneurs and fashion designers, she responded that the most important thing she felt was to remain true to your heart. To hold strong in your beliefs and that hard work pays off. As she said this I took detailed mental notes!

It’s usually non-stop in life of Monique Lhuillier, from traveling to New York City, attending runway shows to designing her next collection, I asked her what she did to de-stress and treat herself. Lhuillier shared that she treats herself to weekly massages that are very relaxing and on Sunday’s she turns off her phone and devotes the day to spending time with her family.

I was anxious to know what currently is inspiring Lhuillier as she is working on her new Resort Collection. Lhuillier said she is inspired by soft colors such as the color pink, corals and fun patterns. The collection will be on a runway in New York City very soon!

Finally I had to ask how she was enjoying Seattle, this was after all her first visit! Lhuillier walked around Pike Place Market, had a coffee at the first Starbucks, lunched at Etta’s and enjoyed the Seattle Art Museum (SAM).

It was a treat to have this wonderful opportunity to visit with such a distinguished woman. I believe it is important for all women, men too to have a role model that they can look up to and aspire to be similar to, Monique Lhuillier is without a doubt one of my role models I admire and hope to be like one day.