Mona Moore's Insanely Cool Shopkeep on the Rising Accessories Designers to Know Now

When you say the name Mona Moore out loud, it sounds exactly like the French phrase mon amour, which means "my love" — and if you've ever visited the designer accessories haven in Venice, you'll agree that it perfectly describes every single cool-girl essential inside. (In fact, the shop takes its name from Mona Lisa and Mary Tyler Moore.) Tomorrow, the luxury boutique officially unveils its new permanent space on Lincoln Boulevard — right around the corner from another stylish stretch, Rose Avenue) with a private grand opening party hosted by Rodarte designers-turned-filmmakers Kate and Laura Mulleavy.

Founded by Lisa Bush, Mona Moore is known for its insanely artful collection of footwear, bags, and accessories from cult-cool labels like Anne Demeulemeester, Haider Ackermann, Comme de Garcons, Robert Clergerie, Laurence Dacade, Maison Margiela, The Row, Vetements, and many more. After debuting in the U.S. on Abbot Kinney in 2009 (it first opened in Canada in 2002), the shop decamped from the now very commercialized stretch two years ago with fellow fashionable neighbors Pamela Barish and Liseanne Frankfurt. All three took over legendary interior decor shop Obsolete's former space on Main Street and joined forces as III Luxury Collective, only a half-mile away from their previous digs.

Ahead of Mona Moore's grand reopening (there's still time to RSVP for tomorrow's stylish soirée!), we sat down with its incredibly cool shopkeep (who just so happens to live in a dreamy abode designed by iconic LA architect Barbara Bestor) to find out what inspired her to swap spaces in Venice, the independent designers that everyone should have on their radar, why she loves the Mulleavy sisters, and more. Scroll through the gallery above for a peek inside the new shop and read on below.

What prompted you to relocate from Main Street to Lincoln Boulevard?

I adore the Main Street space but have always dreamed of buying a building that could be the permanent home of Mona Moore. My friend and mentor, Ray Azoulay, did that for his business, Obsolete, and I was inspired. I didn't think it would happen so fast, but when I saw the old garage for sale on Lincoln I could see we could turn it into something amazing. I made an offer and things started rolling. A little over a year later and we are moving in.

What do you love about Venice that has inspired you to keep Mona Moore there?

I love contrasts; I don't like when things are too homogeneous. Venice is still unpretentious, and yet we have world-class restaurants. I love that Venice is still gritty and the idea of "gowns and garages." Being so near the Pacific Ocean is wonderful too, my daily commute is right down PCH from Topanga. Hard to complain about traffic when the vastness of the Pacific is right beside you.

What are some upcoming in-store exclusives or designer collaborations that you can tell us about?

I'm very excited to be working with Molly Goddard. We are also bringing in Attico, Blazé, and Vivetta, three small designers based in Milan. Excellent quality and a playful attitude. We also carry Visvim, the cult Japanese line. Every detail of their clothing has a specific reason and a story behind it.

Rodarte designers (and now filmmakers) Kate and Laura Mulleavy are hosting your grand opening party — what do you love about them?

I have long admired Kate and Laura, to me they are the ultimate cool girls. So smart and creative and they do exactly what they want. Strong, independent, so hard working but you get the feeling that to them what they are doing is like play, having fun together making beautiful things.

Mona Moore
208 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
(310) 452-4070
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10am to 6pm
Sunday: 12 to 5pm