The fact that this young lady is not yet a household name is a bit disturbing. For those that are obsessed with fashion like I am, Shala Monroque is a name you’re not hearing for the first time. She’s stunning, intelligent, considers Miuccia Prada and Margherita Missoni BFF’s, is the girlfriend of the most powerful – and certainly the richest – art dealer in the world, and most importantly, she’s a Black female who hails from the tiny island of St. Lucia. Monroque immigrated to NYC at just 18 years old and began working in hospitality as a hostess at well known hot spots Kittichai and Nobu. It was at Kittichai where she met her now boyfriend, Larry Gagosian and the rest is what we would call “fashion history”. Shortly after they began dating seriously, Monroque became friends with Prada and fast forward to present day, she is now wearing looks fresh off the runway, is the house’s official muse and can be seen sitting front row during the Fashion Week tour.

So what exactly does this privileged stunner, who has been accepted into New York elite, exactly do?

Well, according to her website, Shala’s Rabbit Hole, she is a writer, traveler, fashion enthusiast and consultant, but if you ask me, she is being way too humble. Monroque served as an Editor at Pop, an edgy fashion mag which was formerly edited by her bestie Dasha Dhukova and now has involvement with Dhukova’s new pet project Garage Magazine.  Not only does the fashionista act as Prada’s unofficial ambassador; hosting Miu Miu Musings at store locations across the globe, but she has also become one of Net-a-Porter’s print models. My fav role of Shala’s to date; being the first Black female to land on the cover of the prestigous Town & Country magazine (the bible for Waspy, Upper East Siders), which would normally be reserved for the likes of Aerin Lauder or perhaps Tory Burch. Shala is a class act and although we share the same year of birth, I want to be her when I grow up 😉

Photo courtesy of Town & Country Magazine

Photo Courtesy of Who What Wear