Connecting with your heritage through fashion and design can spring forward a well of inspiration. In her collaboration with Monos, Julie Sariñana of Sincerely Jules taps into this abundance, allowing her Mexican-American identity to infuse each thoughtfully designed piece. As Sariñana shares anecdotes of her upbringing straddling two vibrant cultures, it becomes clear that this collection is more than just a handsome display of bags – it’s a life story. To be a fashion influencer is to be a storyteller, weaving narratives with fabric and form. And for Sariñana, the world is her canvas. From the bustling streets of Los Angeles to the sunbaked plazas of Mexico, Sariñana’s travels serve not only as inspiration for her own style but as a means to inspire others to express themselves authentically.
Sariñana’s ascent to fashion influencer stardom began in 2009, when she founded her blog, Sincerely Jules, amidst a whirlwind of commitments. At the time, she was immersed in her Visual Communications studies at FIDM, honing her skills through an internship at WGSN, lending her talents to celebrity stylists, and navigating the demands of a full-time job. Though the pressure was immense, Sariñana discovered in her blog a sanctuary of creative expression and a wellspring of inspiration that propelled her forward. A decade later, with a global following exceeding 7 million, Sariñana remains grounded and deeply appreciative of the transformative power her online platform has wielded. She has remained authentic through every stage of her journey, letting her heart guide her to projects and partnerships that truly resonate.
There is a saying that every landscape tells a story, and in the case of our Sincerely Jules collection, it tells two. These luggage pieces are a visual journey through the contrasting yet complementary worlds that have shaped Sariñana’s inimitable style – the verdant magnetism of Mexico and the sleek sophistication of Los Angeles. “I was raised in LA, but I was born in Mexico. My culture is all about colour; to me, colour signifies being lively, bold, and confident,” Sariñana explains. “I’m constantly inspired when I travel back to Mexico, surrounded by so much colour, joy, and passion.” The refined Hybrid and Metro silhouettes suggest a contemporary Los Angeles lifestyle, while the earthy tones of Cactus Green call to mind the resilient beauty of the Mexican landscape, and the rich Adobe Brown speaks to the warmth and groundedness of family traditions. These colours are not merely aesthetic choices – they are love letters to the past, present, and future of Sariñana’s multicultural identity.
By creating pieces that can be mixed, matched, and styled in infinite ways, our collection with Sincerely Jules empowers travellers to be the architects of their own aesthetics. It reimagines packing not as a chore but as an opportunity for creative self-expression – a chance to curate a visual travelogue that reflects your unique journey. “Having the opportunity to travel the world for so many years has truly helped me grow and see how people have a different approach to life,” Sariñana begins. “Experiencing that firsthand has been humbling and eye-opening; it’s helped me understand the world better. It’s helped with my way of thinking, being more open-minded, taking risks and trying new things, understanding every culture and appreciating them more closely. Travelling gives me a new window to see the world in the most rewarding and gratifying way.”
In using fashion as a vehicle for personal growth and connection, we spark conversations, forge bonds, and leave a trail of inspiration in our wake. With each Adobe Brown or Cactus piece that moves through an airport, Sariñana’s message of authentic self-expression travels too, painting the world a little brighter, one traveller at a time. And isn’t that the magic of fashion and of travel? The ability to bridge gaps, to find common ground between seemingly disparate identities? When we pack a suitcase, we’re not just carrying clothes - we’re carrying the sum of our experiences, the patchwork of places and people that have made us who we are.
In this limited edition collection, that patchwork is woven from the golden deserts of Mexico and the glistening roads of Los Angeles. It’s a tale of two styles, two cultures, and two worlds – all coming together in one chic, globe-trotting aesthetic. It is a reminder that our differences, when celebrated and combined, create something far richer than any single identity could alone.
