Mon Amour - 35 Years of Beauty and Elegance

Text: Violeta Tsacheva, photos: Mon Amour archive

Dedicated to fashion, art, and photography, designer Polya Milanova launched her brand Mon Amour 35 years ago and has remained true to her style for decades, with devotion and professionalism. Her vision of allowing every woman to express herself through her dress is reflected in every bridal or formal gown she creates. Her annual collections carry the spirit of timeless classics, distinguished by elegance, attention to every detail, and entirely handcrafted workmanship. Her satisfied clients number in the hundreds – not only in Bulgaria, but all around the world.

– Do you remember your first bride?

– Unfortunately, I do not remember the first one. But I do remember my first prom client – Maya, from the First English Language High School, with quite voluptuous curves. She put me to the test and challenged me as a young designer to create a unique custom dress that would slim her silhouette while making her feel comfortable and elegant. She was a polyglot, intelligent, humorous, ambitious, and Bulgaria soon became too small for her development. We became friends. I continued creating special, striking outfits for her for various occasions. Later, she married an American ambassador in Kenya, once again wearing my bridal gown.

– How is today’s bride different from the bride of 35 years ago, when you started?

– A bride has always been filled with a special emotion. Then and now – she flies, dreams, wants to be unique and unforgettable, to have the perfect dress and wedding. The difference lies in the upbringing of generations. Today’s bride has become much more informed, learning from forums and websites, and often does not listen to professional consultations, which everyone needs at such a moment. But not everything fashionable suits every figure. Fashion has completed a full cycle over these 35 years, and now models I once created and pioneered are fashionable again.

– Do you have clients who now bring their daughters to you?

– I have several generations of satisfied clients and I enjoy strong continuity among them. After all, my career as a designer began when I was 25 years old. Word-of-mouth advertising is very important, and happy clients bring new ones. Recently, I have also been creating more everyday and business dresses, so many former clients have returned to order them. Over the years, I have also specialized in creating shaping outfits for women with less standard sizes, and especially during the last 10 years, I have focused my efforts in this direction.

– Every year you present new collections. What is trending in your latest one?

– The ethereal quality of chiffon and tulle dresses made from lightweight fabrics. Designs that create movement, airiness, and freedom, suitable for beach weddings, relaxed ceremonies, and garden parties. The upper parts feature my signature sculpting corsets with flawless lines, hand-embroidered 3D lace with metallic threads, and floral or baroque motifs. Instead of heavy trains, we use striking veils that complete the bride’s look. Raglan sleeves and shawl collars are characteristic, with references to the 1960s inspired by Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, and Claudia Cardinale. I have also focused on shorter dresses, asymmetrical short-long “butterfly effect” gowns, and full-circle chiffon dresses suitable for smaller weddings, which today’s times have imposed.

– Are there fashion trends in the fabrics you use as well?

– Yes, there are many new fabrics that I enjoy using, such as satin georgette, marocain, mikado, heavy silks, elastic fine satins, silk French chiffons, and many new types of lace.

– Where do you find inspiration?

– In the little things. Usually, my clients inspire me, and for them I can work miracles, as long as they trust me. I never spare time or effort to do my work well. I am consistent in what I do, and difficulties motivate me rather than discourage me. My mission is to make women beautiful and happy. Our communication is chemistry, and for me it should not happen at any cost, but should bring joy and satisfaction to both sides. I like being different and being an innovator in creating designs and production techniques. That is why I search for unusual fabrics and experiment. Some fabrics are created specifically for my collections, by my own order and concept, for one-of-a-kind dresses.

– What is new in formal dresses?

– We create different types of formal dresses. Cocktail models for various events that are elegant, refined, colorful, and detailed with striking sleeves or fabrics. Prom dresses are very diverse – this year tulle designs, chiffon dresses with slits, and “Mermaid” silhouettes are fashionable. What characterizes all our dress lines is that they sculpt the body beautifully. The proposals for mothers of the bride and groom, as well as wedding guests, are aimed more at women aged 40+. For them, we have introduced and created a special collection of shaping dresses, available in sizes from L to XXXL.

– You also create many stage costumes. What is different about making them?

– They are made from specific fabrics and are more artistic in design. They are crafted from interesting, high-quality materials and with technology adapted for opera singing. They can be used for a long time, easily altered to expand or tighten, and cleaned repeatedly. I have famous singers who have worn the same dress on stage for 25 years, and it still remains актуal – a timeless classic that never goes out of fashion. I am happy that many artists, journalists, and singers wear “Mon Amour” dresses.

– What is your greatest pride after these 35 years?

– My pride is my wonderful brides, prom girls, and all the happy clients who keep coming back to me – admirers of my work as a designer. I am proud that despite all the highs and lows I have experienced over these 35 years, I have remained true to myself, my clients, and my style. I do not follow fashion – I create fashion and trends. I am consistent in my creativity and have never given up; I continue to be constructive, creative, and innovative. I am always full of ideas waiting to be brought to life.