Contests

Win One Of These Sellout Convertible Sweatshirts!

November 21, 2020

After launching her first clothing collection this past March, Ana Gutierrez, founder of Vancouver-based La Monarch, released a leisurewear line inspired by quarantine and our new work-from-home lifestyle. To say that the resulting convertible sweatshirt ($120) and joggers ($95) were a hit is an understatement: they near-sold out in just two weeks! We chatted with Ana about the La Monarch range, and what sneak-peek pieces she’s planning to add to the line. —Vita Daily

Hi Ana! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.

I’m the founder and designer of La Monarch, a Vancouver-based fashion brand. I’ve been working in the industry for over 15 years, with fashion jobs in Mexico, New York, Milan and Vancouver, and currently I’m studying fashion law; I finish the certificate this month! I basically work all day, every day, designing and developing new designs, checking production, marketing and even doing some accounting. Although I’m busy, I always make sure to give myself some “Ana Time” and I go for long walks along the seawall or around the city. I’m also a foodie on the side and love to try out any new restaurant.

When and why did you launch La Monarch? Does the name hold special meaning?

I launched La Monarch this past March—the week of the lockdown to be exact! I had always known I wanted to have my own brand and business, but, TBH, I was comfortable having a steady paycheque. Thankfully, I have a strong community around me who motivated me to finally go for it, and, well, here I am, fulfilling my lifelong dream. I grew up living between Canada and Mexico, which resembles the Monarch butterfly’s yearly migration between the two countries. Therefore the name.

What products do you currently offer, and what makes them unique?

We currently offer versatile womenswear; I design items that can be worn or styled in different ways to achieve a completely different look with just one piece. For example, the Reversible Bell Sleeve Blouse can be worn with the buttons to the front, creating a deep V-neck, or buttons to the back for a boat-neckline. Recently I launched the leisurewear collection, inspired by our current WFH situation. The sweatshirt can be styled as a crewneck or off-shoulder by using the snaps along the seams. And, just between us, there will be a new unisex style launching very soon, so keep tuned for that!

Sustainability is a big piece of the puzzle when it comes to style these days. What measures does La Monarch take to preserve the environment?

I built the company considering the best sustainable practices (within our means) advised by a sustainability specialist located in the U.S. All our fabrics are dead-stock or in-stock materials sourced from mills close to our factory, our manufacturer has excellent working conditions and care for their employees, and all our packaging and shipping materials are 100 per cent compostable! There’s still a lot of work to be done and improve on, but I believe that even the smallest efforts end up making a big impact.

How else do you give back as a brand?

I donate all our fit and production samples to Dress for Success Vancouver, an organization close to my heart; I’ve volunteered there for more than three years. It’s priceless knowing that these pieces could potentially have an impact in helping a woman in need build her career and a stronger future.

What La Monarch piece are you currently rocking on repeat?!

I’m currently living in three pieces; every day I wear The Convertible Sweatshirt and Joggers. If I have to dress up a bit, I wear the Open Vest with a pair of jeans—this piece really elevates any outfit!

lamonarch.ca

Win! A Convertible Sweatshirt From La Monarch!

We have a winner! Congratulations Nicole D. of Ajax, Ontario, who will receive a Convertible Sweatshirt from La Monarch!

share:

  1. Amber olak

    November 22nd, 2020 at 1:18 pm

    Convertible sweatshirt

    Amber_olak

  2. Allison Germain

    November 22nd, 2020 at 1:24 pm

    These days, comfy sweats are my fave. I’d love to with this convertible sweatshirt. @allisongermain

  3. Marilyn Massoud

    November 22nd, 2020 at 2:13 pm

    The convertible sweatshirt sounds awesome. @mmsittie

  4. Tara Dreger

    November 22nd, 2020 at 2:33 pm

    Love this convertible sweatshirt! So innovative. @favouritesforfun

  5. Iris N

    November 22nd, 2020 at 2:50 pm

    I work in healthcare so I wear scrubs at work and after I shower when I get home I love to get into my sweats. I would love this convertible sweatshirt. @muckymoo2 on IG.

  6. Julie Bolduc

    November 22nd, 2020 at 2:59 pm

    I really love the Convertible sweatshirt it is perfect for cold days @jejkbold

  7. Janet M

    November 22nd, 2020 at 3:52 pm

    I love comfy pants and a sweatshirt @asherares

  8. Stephanie LaPlante

    November 22nd, 2020 at 4:52 pm

    My favorite WFH outfit is my leopard print tights and comfy tshirt.

    @stephy905

  9. Ray G

    November 22nd, 2020 at 5:51 pm

    Leggings paired with a comfy top! @prettyrainbow5

  10. Rae Graham

    November 22nd, 2020 at 7:46 pm

    The Convertible Sweatshirt and Joggers is the perfect outfit for this chilly weather!

  11. Carole D

    November 22nd, 2020 at 8:20 pm

    Love this convertible sweatshirt! innovative @carolecraftycorner

  12. Brittany

    November 22nd, 2020 at 9:23 pm

    I LIVE in comfy clothes! I can never have enough! These are to die for!! @brittany_ellis1111

  13. Wanda Tracey

    November 22nd, 2020 at 9:52 pm

    The convertible sweatshirt has my heart in a knot. I just think it is so super cute. #lamonarch

  14. Rose

    November 23rd, 2020 at 7:33 am

    Jeans and a comfy sweater

  15. Emily B

    November 23rd, 2020 at 8:52 am

    Jeans and layered sweatshirt over tee. It’s cold here!
    @emilyisland

  16. Tabby72

    November 23rd, 2020 at 9:17 am

    Jeans and a comfy sweater! @tabby_1972

  17. Cheryl Germain

    November 23rd, 2020 at 9:29 am

    My new Sherpa-lined joggers and long-sleeved zippered Merino wool blend top. @cfgermain

  18. Winnie Tong-Luo

    November 23rd, 2020 at 2:12 pm

    Sweatshirt and sweatpants! @sweetsweetpapaya

  19. David Mc

    November 23rd, 2020 at 2:15 pm

    WFH outfit is comfy jeans and a sweatshirt.
    IG handle @davedranged

  20. Terry

    November 23rd, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    Leggings. @terry.schipper

  21. l p

    November 24th, 2020 at 9:45 am

    WFH: sweats are the most comfortable right now.
    thanks
    @leepcat5

  22. Emina

    November 24th, 2020 at 11:22 am

    Hoodie, joggers, and slippers, from Ontario @_emina.g

  23. Jennifer C.

    November 24th, 2020 at 2:46 pm

    A tee & leggings. Instagram: @photogirlj

  24. klp

    November 24th, 2020 at 3:34 pm

    jeans and a comfy flannel shirt
    @klp5ca

  25. Suzie B

    November 25th, 2020 at 3:05 am

    I work in scrubs all day; but once I’m home it’s yoga pants and a cozy sweatshirt ! @sbabij

  26. KaLei

    November 28th, 2020 at 2:46 pm

    has to be comfortable so it’s usually sweats. thnx
    @weelkesr

  27. kcf

    November 28th, 2020 at 7:51 pm

    things that are comfortable but somewhat stylish.
    @kcfp5

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