Monique Lhuillier is a fashion designer most prominently known for bridal wear.
Background
Lhuillier was born to Michel J. Lhuillier, a Vietnam-born Filipino businessman of mixed French descent, and Amparito Llamas, a Filipino society figure and former model of Spanish descent. She grew up in Cebu City and studied at Saint Theresa"s College, continuing on to the Chateau Mont-Choisi finishing school in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Career
She owns a couture fashion house based in Los Angeles, California, as well as another store on Manhattan"s Upper East Side. While searching for a gown for her wedding, she was surprised by the lack of fashion-infused bridal options, and started her first bridal collection in 1996. Her husband Tom joined the company as Chief Executive Officer. She opened her first retail store in 2001.
In 2004 she drew wide notice for her wedding dresses for Britney Spears and Emmy Awards dresses for Jamie-Lynn DiScala and Allison Janney, among others
She opened a Los Angeles "flagship" store on Melrose Place in 2007, and added a New York store in 2012. Her collections now include ready-to-wear, evening gowns, bridal, bridesmaids, linens, tableware, fine paper, and home fragrances.
Lhuillier has become especially known for her celebrity wedding and red carpet gowns. Her list of clientele includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Stewart, Hilary Swank, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Katy Perry.
Membership
Monique Lhuillier was invited to be a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2003.