Starting out as a print designer Carla Johnson transitioned into the luxury swimwear market and launched MONA SWIMS. Manufacturing each piece within Europe each style is carefully curated and the silks are sustainably made in her hometown of Dublin. Strong in Style caught up with Carla about her inspirations, New York Fashion Week and where the brand name comes from.
What made you start MONA SWIMS?
I was a print designer in London for many years, designing prints for the fashion industry all over the world. So I developed a strong signature style. I travelled a lot and went to international festivals where I found a real gap in the market for modern high fashion prints on Swimwear. When I combined my prints with retro shapes the swimwear became a fashion statement and it excited me to start a brand.
Where does the name MONA SWIMS come from?
MONA is a Sea goddess in Irish Folklore. I was an Irish girl living in London and it felt important to keep the collections connected to my roots.
Tell us a little about the brand and your brand ethos?
Luxury, sustainable, High-Fashion Swimwear and Beachwear that can be worn on or off the beach. Made in Europe, fusing intricate print-work, expert craftsmanship and a uniquely dark and surreal aesthetic. Collections are stylish and fused with an enticingly dramatic atmosphere. MONA is a bit like an alter ego – a dark siren, borne out of Irish folklore.
Where do you get inspiration from for the designs and your unique prints?
The Suijin Collection is inspired by Japanese Culture and Mythology. Suijin is the Shinto god of water in Japan. The term Suijin refers to the heavenly and earthly manifestations of the benevolent Shinto divinity of water.
There is a running sea inspired theme throughout my collections, my signature vivid, abstract prints combined with desire, moods and cultural setting. My signature prints are usually inspired by different types of fish skins or sea shells from the oceans depths – shining fish scales, cool damp sands, iridescent flashes that are all ultra-wearable, with monochromatic or with a sophisticated colour palette.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM THE COLLECTION?
My new favourite Swimsuit piece is The Farrah Swimsuit in Metal Shell. But i’ll probably wear the new Vivienne Kimono in Vixen Print every other day when not on the beach as it’s so versatile and perfect on or off the beach.
HOW SHOULD SWIMWEAR MAKE A WOMAN FEEL?
Confident, stylish and utterly beguiling. Ready to live their best life. But also, it should be a continuation of their unique style so they should feel their very best.
WHERE IS NEXT ON YOUR TRAVEL WISHLIST?
I’m currently planning a Roadtrip down the west coast of America doing Pop ups with MONA, so I’ll be spending a lot of time in L.A. and then Tulum in Mexico also.
IF YOU HADN’T STARTED MONA SWIMS WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING NOW?
I would probably still be designing prints in London for the fashion industry or a large Fashion House perhaps somewhere in Europe. Or possibly dabbling in interiors ….. Before MONA I was commissioned a lot for interior projects in London that I really enjoyed
WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
Showing the Collection in New York at NYFW last September and then at Paris Fashion week last February. They were Epic moments.
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