interview
Alexis Monsanto Brings “Chinoiserie” to Life on the New York Fashion Week Runway
Alexis Monsanto is no stranger to turning heads. With a career spanning decades—from launching the Positano label in the late ’90s to revolutionizing fashion presentation with the first-ever 3D fashion show in 2011—Monsanto has consistently stayed several steps ahead of the curve. Today, his work stands firmly at the intersection of heritage, innovation, and red-carpet glamour.
His most recent showcase at New York Fashion Week by Art Hearts Fashion, titled Chinoiserie, proved once again why he is a name synonymous with bold artistry. Inspired by oriental art and ancient symbols, Monsanto’s collection wove storytelling into fabric with remarkable intricacy. “It’s all about oriental art, some are artifacts from the burial site of Emperor Qin,” Monsanto shared. “We used fabric manipulation like origami, laser cutting, and even designs that transformed into dragon scales and basket weaving.”
The details were nothing short of exquisite. Think embroidered cherry blossoms, lotus-inspired lace, dragons and phoenixes symbolizing longevity, and hand-painted oriental art on an empress cape by artist Nanette Catigbe. The result was a seamless blend of historical richness with modern couture—where every garment carried a cultural imprint as much as a fashion statement.
But Monsanto’s vision isn’t just about spectacle. He understands the urgency of sustainability in fashion and continues to adapt eco-conscious practices. “Some fabrics we used are natural fibers. Processes from mills have less carbon footprint, and the factories we used are green friendly,” he explained. It’s a subtle but significant reminder that luxury and responsibility can, in fact, go hand in hand.
The collection itself expanded across categories: luxury sportswear, after-six ensembles, men’s formal looks, and his signature red-carpet gowns. True to his ethos of inclusivity, Monsanto is dedicated to designing for clients of all shapes, sizes, and ages. While runway samples come with practical size limitations, he ensures each design can be graded to fit diverse body types—because fashion, after all, should celebrate everyone.
And though the runway made for a spectacular debut, Monsanto sees Chinoiserie slipping gracefully into real-world wardrobes too. A shrug reimagined as an all-year-round staple, a maxi dress styled for both resorts and summer cityscapes—his designs balance drama with wearability, proving couture can live beyond the spotlight.
From West Hollywood’s Melrose Avenue to the global fashion stage, Alexis Monsanto continues to fuse cultural artistry with cutting-edge design. With Chinoiserie, he didn’t just present a collection—he gave us a living canvas of history, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty.
