Classic silhouettes, neutral colours, quality materials, and iconic patterns ― these, amongst others are what you should be on the lookout for when you invest in pieces that don’t just look good today but will continue to make you look stylish for years to come.
Audrey Hepburn once said, “Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.”
The famous Belgian star actress is often called the ultimate icon of timeless elegance and effortless sophistication. She captured a classic style that’s all about simplicity, grace, and refinement, made even more memorable by her work with designer Hubert de Givenchy.
Her signature look — think about sleek silhouettes, minimalist black dresses, tailored trousers, and ballet flats, redefined femininity ― opting for a soft, poised charm over the flashy trends of her time. And when Monica Enechojo Obaje, the fashion wiz behind the brand, Moniuq declared that her approach to the clothing scene had been greatly influenced by the iconic Audrey, we understood what she meant.
Indeed, fashion fads may come and go, but some styles will not fade away. Like a favourite book or an old record that never loses its charm, you find yourself revisiting time and again.
This is what timeless fashion embodies: clothing with enduring charm, unaffected by the rapid shifts of passing trends. The essence of timeless style is found in pieces that transcend seasons and years, crafted to be just as stylish now as they will be in the future.
Now, hold onto this thought.
You know that feeling you get when you pull out an old outfit and realise it’s as fabulous now as it was five years ago? A complete opposite of trendy styles that often have short lifespans, timeless pieces promise lasting value.
Think of Moniuq’s structured blazers or elegant dresses as a way of being a part of this dialogue.
Established in 2017, the brand has captured the hearts of many, by balancing classic elegance with vibrant African energy, infusing each collection with a harmony of colour, form, and spirit that celebrates the African woman.
Inspired by her sister and style legend Audrey Hepburn, Monica has built a brand that honours feminine strength and sophistication. With Audrey’s influence, she elevates African aesthetics to a universal appeal, making her brand a prime example of timeless style.
Monica has also proven that true style isn’t about flashing labels or chasing trends – it’s about letting the clothes serve the person. This ethos is embedded deeply in her brand’s DNA.
For her, timeless fashion isn’t just about enduring design – it’s about empowering choice. Just as Hepburn embodied grace and refinement, Moniuq strives to empower individuals to express their unique style through classic, quality pieces that stay relevant year after year.
Even so, while Audrey brought international allure, Monica’s sister added the cultural vibes. By merging Audrey’s elegance with traditional African elements, Monica has crafted a brand that is both globally relevant and deeply rooted in African heritage.
This blend of influences allows Moniuq to celebrate African femininity in all its complexity, empowering women to express themselves confidently through their attire.
Monica’s ability to draw from Audrey’s timeless appeal while embracing her African identity positions Moniuq as a brand with universal relevance. Remember what we said about one of the ethos of timeless fashion? Colour!
When we talk about colours in the context of timeless fashion, we’re not talking about blinding hues or loud, attention-seeking shades. True timelessness in fashion colours is all about subtle, neutral tones that embody elegance and versatility.
These shades — come in rich burgundies, deep navies, classic blacks, soft beiges, and warm greys, reminding us of nature’s lasting beauty and the kind of sophistication that doesn’t need to scream too hard to leave a lasting effect.
Neutral colours have a quiet power; they’re adaptable, flattering, and appropriate for almost any occasion. Unlike trendy, bold colours that quickly date an outfit, neutrals have an enduring appeal.
They blend seamlessly with any wardrobe, allowing pieces to be reinvented in countless ways over the years. In a sense, they are the backbone of timeless fashion, bringing a grounded elegance that remains relevant regardless of passing trends.
With these colours, the focus stays on the cut, craftsmanship, and quality of the garment — traits that are truly a garment’s agelessness.
In 2021, Monica launched an array of enduring designs. Now, based on certain standards ― that you are already aware of, let’s break down our reasons for classifying these pieces as “vintage”.
One thing that truly sets Moniuq apart from its contemporaries is its brilliant use of colour, signalling that the Moniuq woman is here to be noticed. And this audacity isn’t just for show — it’s symbolic.
Our first dress is a striking blend of elegance and subtle flair, set in a rich, deep burgundy that’s both luxurious and earthy — a colour that resonates in African fashion for its warmth and cultural depth.
With its sheer floral pattern, the blouse adds a soft, feminine touch, quietly complementing the solid burgundy skirt. It feels modern, yet grounded in classic African aesthetics where floral motifs share the same meaning as growth and beauty.
The design plays with irregular prints for the top, featuring a cascading ruffle on the side of the skirt that adds movement and little drama. It’s a smart choice that takes the look from simple to statement-worthy.
The long sleeves are sheer, adding a hint of allure without showing too much skin, perfect for occasions where you want to feel glamorous yet composed.
Moving to the next ― the choice of material, another key criterion of continuity in fashion.
The designers’ fabric’s decision seems deliberate: the sheer, airy fabric on top contrasts the heavier, more structured skirt, giving the dress a balanced flow.
The combination is visually interesting. Another exciting aspect of this choice of material is that it is sure to flatter every woman’s body, irrespective of her size.
Made from a quality fabric like crêpe, and since it is famous for its slight stretch and textured surface, think of this outfit as a gentle hugger and flattering fit on that delicate body of yours ― that’s if you are a woman who understands how to steal attention without causing unnecessary drama.
Even though we don’t often give much thought to designers’ models, we just couldn’t take our eyes off Moniuq’s style influencers, especially because she looks impeccable and complements the outfit beautifully.
She brings poise and grace, embodying the “less is more” attitude that’s becoming a hallmark in contemporary African fashion.
Any area for potential improvement? We don’t think so.
Perhaps opting for alternative footwear in a bold, bright shade like white would have added that extra flair, elevating the look to a new level. We call that ‘Walking on sunshine and slaying at the same time’.
Overall, this dress feels like a modern ode to African fashion; blending heritage-inspired design elements with a contemporary twist. It’s refined and chic with a touch of the je ne sais quoi charm that speaks to elusive charm or special quality.
It’s that certain something you can’t quite put into words, but you definitely notice when you see it. In a word, timeless!
‘Sheer is the new black, bold, daring, and unapologetically revealing. It’s about embracing confidence and letting the fabric speak for itself’.
Since sheer fashion is the new modern staple, this outfit is the perfect illustration for ‘I’m too cool for the ordinary’. Let’s start with that top.
A fishnet fabric that feels like a mesh dream come true, this see-through top is all about mystery and intrigue, giving us a peek of skin without giving away too much. It’s like a fashion flirt – just enough to keep you hooked!
And that rusty red colour? Genius! It’s warm and rich, adding a sense of adventure without doing too much.
Did you notice the skirt?
High-waisted with an asymmetrical hem, the “I don’t do boring” kind of skirt’s fabric is a navy, slightly shimmering material flowing with just the right amount of weight.
It’s a bespoke mix of elegance and edge, making it look like she’s gliding instead of walking. Oh, that irregular hemline? It reminds us of why we are here ― trendy but timeless, adding a playful twist to the designer’s intention. It’s all about the movement, making it perfect for twirling, strutting, or just dramatically walking out of a room.
The colour combination of deep red and navy is understated yet soothing, proving that sometimes opposites attract in the best way. It’s like the outfit sat down with a colour wheel and had a dialogue with “something classic and interesting.” The navy bakes the look, while the red adds some icing that’s sultry and sophisticated.
Still about the model’s look? We think this is sleek, with minimal fuss, letting the outfit do all the talking. Those strappy black heels are not doing bad. However, a chunkier heel could add a period to the ongoing conversation.
If there’s any room for improvement, maybe a touch of jewellery wouldn’t hurt. Something simple but eye-catching, like a solid bracelet or bold earrings, could give the look a little extra sparkle.
In an ever-evolving fashion world, Moniuq’s commitment to timeless elegance is a refreshing constant. Whether it’s a perfectly tailored dress or a bold, head-turning colour, Monica’s designs remind us that fashion doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful.
Just like Audrey Hepburn’s enduring style, Moniuq’s pieces are about being unapologetically yourself. In fashion, as in life, it’s the pieces that feel truly you that have staying power, and Moniuq’s creations are made to be cherished, not just worn.
For Monica, Audrey Hepburn isn’t just an inspiration — she’s a guiding light. Following this path, her brand has captured the attention of influencers like Mercy Johnson and Juliet Ibrahim, who recognise Moniuq as more than just a label; it’s a declaration of pride and power.
As her clothing line continues to grow, it’s clear that this is only the beginning of a legacy that, like Hepburn’s, will endure for generations to come.
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