Make no mistake: Monique Lhuillier has mastered the art of designing the bridal and red carpet gown. After all, she has dressed some of the most iconic women of our time, including Emma Stone, Taylor Swift and First Lady Michelle Obama. For spring 2015, however, the renowned fashion designer shifted her focus from night to day. Inspired by a trip to the Bahamas, Lhuillier sought to recreate the reflective qualities of water for her spring 2015 ready-to-wear line—an iridescent silk voile skirt here, a cellophane-like silk Mikado dress there. And of course, no Monique Lhuillier collection would be complete without flirty garden-party dresses with floral appliques and ample amounts of feminine sparkle.

For our “Spring Forward” issue, we recently sat down with Ms. Lhuillier herself to ask about the departure of her latest collection, her favorite spring fashion trends and which trend she’d most likely bring into her home (think translucent).

Previews Inside Out What have been some of your favorite spring 2015 trends so far?

Monique Lhuillier Two of my favorite trends for spring are florals and metallics. I love how florals are reinvented every spring to keep them fresh. In my spring 2015 collection, I created 3D floral details on tops and jackets, as well as abstract floral prints on both day dresses and evening gowns. I also experimented with metallics and iridescent fabrics in my spring collection. Metallics can really spice up your wardrobe and add a modern twist to a classic silhouette.

Previews Inside Out We’re seeing a lot of blush this season, too—a color you have been designing with for years—how would you tone down the color’s sweetness for everyday?

Monique Lhuillier I think blush is a perfect color because it looks great on everyone. I treat it as a neutral in my collections. I like to balance soft, feminine pieces with edgier pieces, for example pairing a blush top with leather leggings or a modern shoe.

Previews Inside Out You are, of course, known for your beautiful evening gowns and bridal collections. For spring 2015, you shifted your focus to daywear. Can you tell us a little more about why you decided to make that change?

Monique Lhuillier It is a category I had wanted to expand, as I want to dress the Monique Lhuillier woman earlier and for all of the events in her life. I added more separates to my spring collection to allow women to purchase individual items if they just need a quick wardrobe update. Daywear allows a woman more versatility, and pieces can be dressed up or down. I also designed shoes with a chunky Lucite heel, which add a whimsical touch to an outfit for day or evening. 

Previews Inside Out Out of all of your ready-to-wear looks, which one do you feel is the most “now,” or the most evocative of spring?

Monique Lhuillier My spring collection is filled with pastels, florals and luminous metallics that are all perfect for spring, but one of my favorite dresses from the collection has a liquid satin top and layers of different-colored tulle to create the effect of a sunrise. It’s very subtle and looks as if the tulle is all different colors. I also think tea length is great to keep a dress from feeling overly formal and to show off your shoes! I paired this dress with beautiful rose-gold strappy heels from my collection. 

Previews Inside Out And of course—nothing says spring like a floral print. How did you re-envision the florals in this year’s ready-to-wear collection?

Monique Lhuillier Florals can be seen throughout my collection, from floral-patterned lace and beaded floral prints to three-dimensional florals on peplum tops and jacket collars. I have been creating abstract, graphic floral prints for both daywear and eveningwear, as well as hand-painted floral prints that are translated into my ready-to-wear.

Previews Inside Out What are some of your favorite springtime pastimes, and what are you wearing as you enjoy them?

Monique Lhuillier I love to take weekend trips with my family, especially to places close by, like Montecito. We have lunch outside and visit the antique shops. For a weekend getaway, I like to wear a floral top and tailored shorts from my spring collection.

Previews Inside Out Lastly, if you could only bring one spring 2015 trend into your home, what would it be? 

Monique Lhuillier Lucite is one of my favorite spring trends. It is something I translated from my home décor into my spring 2015 collection. I have an amazing Lucite desk and dining room table. The Lucite base on the dining room table gives the effect of a floating table, and the Lucite heels in my spring collection make a woman look as though she is walking on air.

 

Monique Lhuillier has been capturing the essence of sophisticated luxury in the fashion world since 1996. Recognized internationally as one of the foremost fashion designers, she was inducted as a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2013. More information on her eponymous brand can be found here.