Flattering, casually elegant and wearable art styles designed to make women look and feel great - regardless of age or size.
Joyfully handcrafted in Austin, Texas.
About Monika
After moving to the States in the eighties, I started creating clothes that have everything women want in clothing: they are comfortable, they are easy to care for, they look great, they are fun to wear and they are very flattering. When we wear colors, textures and styles that are right for us, our eyes light up, our body posture changes, our voice gets stronger. We feel beautiful and we have fun.
Many of the clothing items are handpainted with utter joy.
Over the last 27 years I have enjoyed working with many thousands of women while living and creating in some of the most gorgeous places in the US and on Maui.
One of those places was in Colorado. I had a boutique there for 13 years at the Hot Springs Resort. The boutique was a fun place with a relaxed atmosphere where women felt safe to play, to try out, and also to stretch quite a bit. Or to simply come in, have an espresso, hang out and feel good. Many lives got touched and transformed in that boutique - including my own.
After 13 years of living in one place, my restlessness took over. One of my clients bought the boutique and my husband and I moved to Austin, Texas.
Again I have been meeting incredible women who love wearing Monika Astara clothing and jewelry designs. And I love working and playing with them to find the outfits or pieces that make them feel beautiful.
About the Fabrics
We wash and dry almost all the fabrics before cutting them out and making them into garments.
That way you can safely machine wash and dry most of the clothing pieces. Even the handpainted ones.(For more details, please click here on Care Instructions.)
Most fabrics are from US sources.
We use a lot of eco-friendly sustainable tencel fabrics in different textures.
Some of the natural rayon fabrics are handmade in Bali.
Some other fabrics (e.g. saris) are from India.
All fabrics have a great feel.
About the Jewelry
Creating statement jewerly is definitely my passion. I love getting beads and artifacts from all over the world and turning them into necklaces, bracelets and earrings that are bold and artsy or have tribal and ethnic influences. They make you feel strong, vibrant, passionate, grounded. Very fun.
Then there are days when it feels just so relaxing and meditative to work with smaller beads and create casually elegant jewelry for everyday wear. Of course I still add my original, unique touches - like handforged clasps and focal pieces, unusual color combinations and textures.
It is so easy to change your look, create a mood, or add some drama to your wardrobe and life with Monika Astara Jewelry.
Not sure what to get? Call me or use the CONTACT button on the right - I'd be delighted to help you choose a piece that you will love. Or design one especially for you.
For a personal consultation, to get more info, or to receive our newsletter,
please contact us.
Or call (512) 470 2553.