Meet the Designer - Mona Steck
Mona Steck has created an exquisite line of linen for the table, bed and bath. She started her company, Settings by Mona, in 2000. Her collection is fresh, elegant, fun and is regularly featured in many national publications, such as Elle Decor, Victoria Magazine, House Beautiful and Elegant Bride. Since all of the tablecloths are made here in the United States, Settings by Mona also offers custom sizing in most of their designs!
I recently asked Mona Steck a few questions:
How were you inspired to become a designer of such beautiful tablecloths?
My love of both fashion and entertaining started at a very young age. My first career in fashion as at 18 years old, working as a runway model in New York City, Paris, Milan and Tokyo. I was fortunate enought to work with legendary designers such as Karl Lagerfeld and Georgio Armani.
Working and living in Europe and being exposed to couture, with the luxurious fabrics, expert tailoring, innovative designs and their extreme passion and attention to detail really inspired me to remain in the industry long after my modeling career was over.
How does your product reflect current trends - or traditions - in entertaining?
Traveling is a big part of my life. I am alsways on the lookout for the next interesting and handmade piece to bring back. When traveling throughout Asia, and India in particular, I was completely inspired by their use of color, the old work techniques they use such as hand-embroideries and beadwork. These techniques are passed down from generations. So much of what I do is handmade, not mass-produced.
I am an avid collector of hand-carved and inlay furniture, to hand-embroidered fabrics, to hand-painted china. What I never really found were fun, fashionable, fabulous linens that were handmade and well designed and executed. I saw plenty of the traditional hemstitched linens throughout Europe...
But where were all of the whimsical, fashionable, chic linens that told a story?? Where were the linens that truly enhanced a table setting and took it to the next level? Where was the "couture" for the table? I couldn't find what I was looking for, so I was inspired to create my own!
What makes your products unusual, so versatile and of a higher quality than others?
I use more organic fabrics such as cotton organza (organdy), which is machine washable. The beauty of organdy is that it is sheer and appeaers to be delicate to the eye and touch, but is actually quite durable. I also use pure linen and cotton/linen blends because they drape and wear so well.
What has been one of your favorite places that you have visited?
Italy, India and Morocco (Impossible to pick just one!)
Is there somewhere that you have not visited that you hope to see one day?
I plan to visit Cambodia on my next trip as the temples of Ankor Wat fascinate me.
Is there anything that you want your customers to know that they may not have realized?
We pride ourselves on the attention to every detail. In addition, each and every piece in the collection is completely hand sewn and made. Even our packaging is hand embroidered and sewn!
