Monarch XVII was created because I, CEO Renee Banks-Jackson, saw a fault in how we shop and feel in clothes. So often, I would shop either online or in-person and see the mannequins and models lavishly displaying outfits that were trendy and appealing. Of course, I bought those outfits believing that they would make me look just as fabulous and sexy. When I got the chance, I would try on my new treasures, full of excitement and beaming with hope. Then, looking in the mirror, I realized that it was not flattering on me, I did not look sexy, and I felt far from the confident-looking model with the perfect body and million dollar smile. 

 

In 2022, I watched a show called “Queer Eye” that Netflix recommended. Blissfully ignorant of what the show was about, I binged the entire series. One member of the show that stuck out to me was Tan France, the fashion designer and stylist. Though he has his own opinions, he encouraged each person to be the inner version of themselves they wanted to be. In addition, he styled people based on their body shape, not necessarily their body size.

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What I realized was that knowledge for how to style based on shape is not directly shared with consumers. Fashion brands and even influencers exploit this innocence by showcasing outfits on specific body shapes, enticing them to buy from them in order to achieve the look they are presenting. The results are that most consumers do not look like the prototype displayed and subsequently lack confidence in their own natural assets, fail to find outfits that suit them in a way that make them feel  beautiful, and limit fashion concepts to one body standard. 

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I wanted to create a brand that supported all body shapes and also empower the customer. I, along with other people, will religiously shop at stores that can provide me with products that make me look and feel good. Why can’t my go-to store also teach me how to be my own stylist? Why can’t my go-to store also preach empowerment to their customers as well as their employees? Why can’t I find clothes that make me feel like a goddess, empress, royalty? Why can’t I find a store that does all the above? I wanted this reality of myself and everyone who feels the same, thus was the creation of Monarch Fashion Boutique.