Monet De Haan is one of the main characters of the show, Gossip Girl (2021) who is known
for her power and striking looks who most embodies the nuances of the original Gossip
Girl era into the modern age. She is passionate, cunning, elegant, and confident in nature
with a regal, polished, preppy, and daring style that commands the room just as she does.
Hailing from old New York Money, she is modern royalty- the daughter of pharmaceutical moguls
Camille and Greyson de Haan, but strives to pave her own path in the world without any
desire to follow in her family's footsteps. With her eyes on the prize at all times, Monet
is the ultimate Queen bee of the show despite not being the face of her friendship power
trio, she is the one who pieces together the image, develops plans at a moment’s notice,
and sets the itinerary. Monet has a natural power, understands garnering influence, and
is the mastermind serving as a PR consultant to her friend Julien alongside their friend
Luna, Monet’s partner-in-scheming.
Monet is skilled at not just piecing together moments but has a keen eye, the skilled ability
to recognize quality, and is sharp with details that apply to all parts of life, from schemes
and planning posts to events and style. An example of a look that encapsulates this is
when she sports the lioness_official Fontana Pretoria Blazer in Blue, Tory Burch Burch
Chain Trim Mini Skirt, Louis Vuitton Game On Coeur Monogram Heart Bag, and finished
off the look with a camera Hanging on her neck that she keeps on her at all times as
well as a Rhinestone Bow Tie. More often than not, Monet opts for chokers and bow adornments,
a nod to her status even when sporting a simple white turtleneck that usually would not be
styled in this manner.
Throughout time, the meaning and symbolism of chokers have evolved, a standout chapter
of history that relates to chokers of high adornment is during the Victorian era when
fashion and jewelry evolved dramatically. Alexandra of Denmark had slight scarring on
her neck and she reignited choker trends as a prestigious garment to Victorian women of
high caliber began to match their tiaras and brooches to chokers, even if the accessory
was not traditionally to be worn for years to come.
Though not the face of the group, it is evident Monet
is the on top and the mastermind behind the operations. Traditionally, this type of character
is the one in the spotlight, but Monet does not covet this. With her looks, resources,
eye for visuals, and assertive demeanor one may think that Monet would take on a social
role that is higher ranking, but instead, she chooses herself to opt for the side role.
She flaunts her power and when in the mood rules with an iron fist, but Monet unlike
many Queen Bee types is not set on the overall rule and has to consistently hone this,
THAT LIKE EVERYTHING BUT YOUR OUTFIT WAS CAREFULLY CHOSEN, THE WAY THE LIGHT HITS THE PRXOMITY
TO THE TRASH THE WAY PEOPLE HAVE TO TURN THEIR HEAD UNCOMFORTABLY TO THE LEFT TO TAKE US
ON.
OKAY SO EXPERIENCE IS FIRST DAY, JUNIOR YEAR- SO JUST BACK UP A BIT
rather is looking into the future. With her eyes on a social media management internship,
Monet hones her skillset and expertise to be who she wants to be with a firm grip on
the present.
In her first look, she set the tone with her statement Balmain look and as the mission
statement of Balmain goes, “to always dress women in the right look for the right moment.”
We will see how her fashion is always suited to and goes beyond the moment to capture her
aura, command, and visually project just as she does. I’ve gone over the specific details
such as brands of this look in a video The Psychology of how you dress & First Impressions
a Style Analysis of the first episode. Her aura is captured in
the first scene, Julien reaches out and looks to her for guidance on what to wear and she
dismisses the suggestion stating she was previously photographed wearing it. When they meet at
school she has her camera ready, Luna helps both girls, and ensures a picture-perfect
moment for Julien. This is telling of their group Dynamic.
Monet has a deep understanding of power and the nature of people, social stratification
is the concept that people are ranked in differing hierarchies while some are to be considered
more important, influential, and powerful than others.
Typically these groupings are based more on socioeconomic factors or cultural traits that
are cherished such as wisdom or beauty, but this is a modern high school ecosystem so
it is a bit less nuanced although those factors are still present to some extent and play
a role. The cultural beliefs reinforce the groupings, in Monet’s case she sees how
Julien seeks to influence and her close friend Luna has differing knowledge
and skillsets that complement the areas that are not in her focus. They together form a
friendship that in media and cultural tropes are best known as the power trio, but their
dynamic falls into the Freudian Trio.
This specific type of trio contains two foil characters and one balance. The three characters
psychologically operate in positions that in psychoanalytic theory are the three parts
of the human psyche. Because they have one another, their individual traits that differ
grow to be more prominent and powerful because they keep one another in line. The Id will
lean towards chaotic nature with instinctual despite and
the superego will adhere to lawful
nature with a high focus on internalized morals or ideals, and the ego will have the most
neutral nature that strives to please the id's desires in the realistic and socially
appropriate manner that suits the superego.
Monet is the id of the group who comes off more cold with logic with sharp and stark
style since she is blunt and straightforward
YOU WITH SOMEONE WHO LOSES IS BAD FOR BUSINESS. I DIDN’T LOSE ANYTHING. AND EVERYTHING WILL
BE FINE SO LONG AS YOU WIN.
while Julien, the superego is more emotional
and looking to please while moving up in ranks, hence dressing in trends, and Luna the ego
accommodates both with equilibrium while sporting neutrals and soft garments.
UM. WE LOVE YOU- BUT WE ARE APPALLED. VULERBILITY IS THE DISEASE OF THE MASSES. ALRIGHT? YOU’RE
ROYALTY, STRONG, INDESTRUCTABLE, OH I’M DEFINETLY THAT. DID SHE JUST TURN DOWN VOGUE?
THERE WAS NO VOGUE, I JUST WANTED TO SEE HOW FAR GONE SHE REALLY WAS.
Monet has the most elevated decadent looks out of the group that is rooted in high fashion
is not just a modern manner, but one that is rooted in heritage and prestige from fashion
powerhouses such as Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, and other prestigious brands. Her personality
dictates the eras by which a piece is preferable, for example, Money is noted to favor old-world
Chanel. For evening wear, Monet is also noted to prefer vintage high fashion from brands
such as Versace.
Though socially savvy, Monet does not follow the status quo of classics or trends, opting
for fashion that is regally rooted, yet fashionable and dynamic. An example of this is in the
first episode where she attends a fashion show sporting a Christopher John Rogers purple
Cropped Double Breasted Blazer and Pleated Cropped Trousers suit. She also loves to make
a power suit moment,, an ensemble that embraces intellect, strength, and vigor with a feminine
edge.
Her staple garments include mini skirts, bodysuits, oversized sweaters, heels, and blazers as
well as bows, chokers, or neckties for accessories. Monet also is fond of print play, her ensembles
have a strong sense of style and she has the confidence to mix prints, patterns, and textures
that furthers her visual dominance without overwhelming the eye. For instance, the EUGENIA
KIM Sabrina Wool Baker Boy Cap is adorned with Mixed-finish chains, crystals, and a
strand of pearls then paired with a plaid Bomber Wool Blend Jacket. Her wide range of
mind is captured in a wide range of embellishments.
Embellishments are never worn in a garish manner, but in one that is well suited to
her. She wears the pieces, not vice versa. Her use of logos is minimal and she implements
them as an accent rather than a focal point. For example in episode three, the Chanel bow
brooch and belt, though the notable Chanel motif of the double C is on display, elevate
and bring personality to an outfit as well as drawing the eye around the look. In this
specific case, the bow brooch not only abides by dress code but creates a further display
of the face while the belt highlights the waist and brings together the finishes off
the look, unifying and allowing for a simple and understated look to become visually dominant
and suit Monet’s magnitudes.
She herself is very aware of her versatility,
independence, and competitive nature.
I CAN’T END UP WORKING WITH MY MOM IN BIOTECH, I JUST CAN’T.
Many
of her looks have similar silhouettes, pieces, and tones that remain in the realm of Ivy
League Style- an elegant and cultivated, quieter confidence in style. I’ve gone in-depth
on this style of dress in “The Guide To Preppy & Ivy League Style | Wardrobe Curation:
Women/Menswear” if you are interested in this specific fashion. She maintains a regal
color palette but pushes boundaries with the execution of her looks. Monet does not need
to exert dominance through clothing, because she already has a captivating, magnetic, and
strong presence, hence her clothing is an extension of this.
When she dresses up her clothing displays this rather than projecting or conjuring up
traits that are not there. For example, in episode 2 she wears a Rasario Strapless Ruffled
Lamé and Velvet Gown, Embellished Velvet Envelope Clutch, Chanel choker with minimal
heels. The look is glamorous and superior in nature through the use of fabric and construction,
but it's very self-assured and captures this balancing act of nature.
GO INSIDE, FIRE THE SILVER BULLET. NO. WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO. I’D ALWAYS SAY NO. YEAH
BECAUSE IT’S GROSS. YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND.
She is glamorous,
charming, and powerful but this is controlled in the same manner Monet possesses where she
takes on the side role with Luna to ensure Julien’s growth of influence.
Monet has natural power and effortless dominance that trumps this entire dynamic, but instead
she channels it into formulating a career path. All girls of the trio agree to take
part, but when Julien begins to challenge this, the id, ego, and superego power struggle
of nature begins. Monet attempts to reinstate order with JC
on top. Luna and Monet initially stay close and there is still an equilibrium is still
present between the two girls, sharing the same goal in spite of the fact Julien no longer
would like to go on how she was before. When no longer appreciated no longer seeing that
this can be salvaged, Monet decides to take her future back into her own hands. As Luna
Feels betrayed and there is a lack of mediating. which concludes Monet’s storyline in part
I.
From this, we can see Monet’s strong will and presence is one that not just exerts power,
but is the power that she can channel in numerous ways. Her intelligence and skills are sharp
as she looks, she is not one to back down and cast aside her goals or to have her work
undervalued. Her curation skills are not only applied to Julien with Luna, but this is present
in her lifestyle and fashion.
The restrained opulence offers the nature of luxury without obvious implications, she
holds back and the spotlight shines where she chooses it to go with her conscious prosperity
and power, that is about to be unleashed. Her underhanded tactics with a lack of balance
have brought her to this point in the show which will carry on in part II. If interested
in her character and her style development of part II once released please let me know
in the comments. I hope you enjoyed this video, if you did please subscribe, like, turn on
notifications, and comment. Thank you so much for watching.