STYLE ANALYSIS: MONET DE HAAN, THE QUEEN BEE OF CONSTANCE BILLARD’S GOSSIP GIRL REBOOT

It is undoubtedly known that the “dark academia”, and “old money aesthetic” are becoming a mainstream trend that we see in today’s fashion. With the rise of dark academia and the old money aesthetic, two iterations of the preppy style, it is not surprising to see it trending on TikTok. And what better way to talk about than introducing the character off HBO Max hit show Gossip Girl, Monet De Haan.

Monet De Haan in Christopher John Rogers

Monet de Haan, a character on the hit HBO show, Gossip Girl, the reboot, portrayed by Savannah Smith. Now if you haven’t watched the show, what are you doing? Go now and watch, it’s entertaining and plus the wardrobe is very pleasing to look at. But anyways, staying on topic, Monet de Haan is a very prominent character in the show even though she is not seen very often, her presence is very much felt.

In the show it is evident that Monet is the queen bee of her friend group between Luna and Julien, even though Julien is the front runner who is dubbed the queen. However, it is evident that Monet has natural power and commands that power through her influence and mastermind skills she has as Julien’s PR consultant. Without the stereotypical role that would be presumed for Monet and their friend Luna, Monet is a very independent person that thinks for herself and has her own best interests at heart. She is not afraid to step out of line nor project her authority over others and in her wardrobe we can clearly see why she is the queen bee and not just a minion.

In the first episode Monet is seen at her dinner table with a butler at her beck and call while she is wearing a tweed two piece cropped jacket and skirt, by the brand Balmain. This outfit already set the tone for what Monet embodied as it captured her aura and visually commanded the audience to see just who she was without having to say a word. It embodies what the old money aesthetic is, a classic style with elegance.Throughout the series it is apparent that Monet comes from a prestigious family, seeing as she is one of the richest students at Constance Billard St. Jude's School. With this in mind it is not far-fetched that Monet’s style would embody the ‘old money aesthetic’.

The ‘old money aesthetic’, is an aesthetic based around a wealthy, classic style. Old money refers to people who have inherited their wealth instead of working for it. Monet’s style is reminiscent of the old money aesthetic with hints of preppy fashion as she encapsulates it with her own personal style which is rooted in prestige and heritage.

Monet has a decadence to her that I think she embodies naturally as seen in her wardrobe. In many outfits Monet is seen sporting a broach. Now broaches May seem old, and out of style however with Monet it fits her style of prestige and old money aesthetic seeing as that is in fact her life and the way she grew up. In her friend group Monet’s style is the most prestige as she has the most decadent looks out out her friends. Her style is rooted in high fashion that is more embedded with heritage rather than just the modern style. For instance, in many of Monet’/s looks she is spotted wearing high fashion brands like Chanel, Gucci, Balmain, Valentino, and so many more high fashion power houses. Like her personality, these brands are powerful and commanding with their influence over people and things. Monet is rooted in the elegant, opd money aesthetic where she prefers a for example old world Chanel or a vintage high fashion brand. Though Monet is very stylish she does not follow the status quo like everyone around her. Instead she opts for fashion that is regally rooted and can stand the test of time with timeless pieces that won’t go out of style.

via @monetdehaan on instagram

It is evident to point out that Monet's wardrobe staples are everything that the “old money aesthetic” embodies, such as mini skirts, blazers, heels, oversized sweaters, bodysuits, broaches, chokers, bows, or necklaces as an accessory. She is also seen throughout the show wearing a powerful suit that embodies her aura and personality perfectly as it embraces her power, strength, and feminine beauty. In her wardrobe she is also seen mixing patterns, whether that’s prints,or textures. Her style undoubtedly dominates without overwhelming the viewer hence her personality which complements her outfits so well.

Monet de Haan is the richest girl at Constance Billard and she plans to stay that way whilst ruling Constance with an iron fist and an exquisite outfit to match her rulership.