Vintage finds & runway dreams: monacco dunn's story

Ahead of the Vogue Vintage Market, collector Monacco Dunn isn't just showcasing treasured garments; she's crafting narratives. In the chill of the Swedish woods, surrounded by her finds, this artist and model reveals a life interwoven with forgotten fabrics and unexpected paths.

From parisian silk to parisian runways

Dunn, originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, found a unique childhood in the isolated town of Deep River, Ontario, a place steeped in fairy tales and the artifacts of her grandfather's travels. This formative environment ignited a fascination with storytelling and a penchant for the past.

“This dress is very old. I bought it in Paris. It is silk and silk satin probably from the ’20s or ’30s,” she shares, gesturing to a piece that embodies her aesthetic. The allure isn’t just in the material; it’s in the history whispered within the threads.

Her journey isn't a straightforward path to high fashion. Dunn’s relationship with fashion began with imaginative play, transforming into a deliberate pursuit of unique pieces. A pivotal moment arrived when a family friend, a woman with purported psychic abilities, predicted Dunn's runway success.

The prediction proved remarkably accurate. A casting at Dries Van Noten, where the designer himself lauded her in a black velvet gown, set her on a course that has taken her across continents. It's a testament to the power of intuition and a willingness to forge one's own identity.

She describes her daily wardrobe as a curated collection of vintage finds—never jeans, rarely t-shirts. Instead, flowing gowns and layers of history define her personal style, a deliberate departure from contemporary trends. She embraces the unexpected, often styling pieces intuitively, a reflection of her artistic process.