Monday Blues, a fashion designer, initially became famous in 2022 after posting a video of herself upcycling Starbucks burlap bags into a custom-made pantsuit.
Famous photographer Johnny Cirillo recorded her breathtaking ensemble on his @watchingnewyork profiles on TikTok and Instagram, bringing the world a unique blend of sustainable fashion and creativity.
The designer’s outfits included the original printed coffee labels from the burlap bags, as well as hand-stitched elements and her logo.
Cargo pants with two utility pockets on each side and a knee-length blazer with an unfinished hem and sleeves completed the look. She told Cirillo that she designed her outfit while homeless on a train in Chicago.
She was inspired when she saw some burlap coffee bags on display at Starbucks, a company that promotes recycling and reusing its products. She approached the baristas, who generously gave her the sacks for free.
She told the photographer, “The backstory is, I actually created this while homeless on a train in Chicago.” “So I made this by hand.”
The designer has decided to keep using recycled coffee company bags to manufacture her magnificent apparel and to extend her brand abroad.
Monday Blues, who is still homeless in New York, wants to continue creating and growing her business in order to show people how far perseverance and drive can take them when they pursue their dreams.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help fund her job and promote her company. “Monday has had a myriad of obstacles from individuals who broke her only sewing machine to being homeless, but that didn’t stop her,” the statement on the page read.
It said, “After recently going viral on TikTok for her infamous coffee burlap set, she has gotten a tremendous amount of orders and support, growing her brand quicker than she could have imagined. All of the proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to Monday’s luxury fashion brand. She makes all of her pieces by hand, adding a special touch that most luxury brands no longer offer.”
It continued, “The money would go towards mass production (as she wants to make more of her clothing accessible to a wider range of people), new sewing machines, pay for overhead, custom pieces for celebrities and influencers, outsourcing fabrics from small businesses, and most importantly, permanent housing. Monday is deeply appreciative of all of the support the power of the internet has enabled her to have. Any donations, even $1, could go a long way for her. We invite you to be a part of Monday’s story – Lift voices, stand up for the overlooked, be remembered.”