O.C. Musician Debuts New Line
When Save Ferris frontwoman Monique Powell isn’t belting it out on stage with her bandmates, the Orange County, Calif., native is designing for her new couture label called M Squared.
Powell started the Los Angeles-based urban clubwear line with partner Matthew Nouri El almost a year ago. The line, which she describes as “glam-rock sport,” was first created when Powell took her own clothing apart and reconstructed it into a new silhouette.
“I put out the first season’s collection and it was totally fun, mainly the kind of stuff I was wearing on stage,” said Powell. “I approach the designing process the same way I approach music. It comes when it comes; I don’t try to push it.”
M Squared features separates for men and women in a variety of textures, including stretch velour, terry cloth and cotton blends. The collection, which is made up of T-shirts, skirts, slacks and jackets, features such logos as “Pop Trash,” 1970s patchwork pieces and hand-painted treatments, along with rhinestone and floral embellishments.
The line is currently sold at Blest in Los Angeles.“Each of the pieces are one-of-a-kind with a distinctive California feel,” said Clint Catalyst, store manager.
For Fall, the line will be more Rickie Lee Jones–style, said Powell. Seventies-era suits and berets will be the look of the collection. The collection will consist of 12 pieces with retail price points ranging from $20 for a T-shirt to $45 for a dress jacket.
Powell is also designing a junior contemporary collection called August, which will be sold at lower price points. She said it’s a multifunctional line that will include fashion, hair and beauty accessories. Powell said retailers Hot Topic and Torrid have expressed interest in the collection. —Claudia Figueroa
