Meet Monique Barton a.k.a Mons Monday: A Melbourne-based designer, model, cook, and writer—who is making waves with her sustainable and ethical fashion brand, Sabi the Label. From fashion to fragrance, Mons shares the story behind her creative journey, what inspires her work, and her favourite scent from ORB. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming ORB x Sabi content collaboration, launching sooner than you think...
For those who don’t know you, who are you and what do you do?
My name is Monique Barton, but most people know me as Mons Monday – my social media alias. I’m the founder and owner of Sabi The Label, a sustainable and ethical fashion brand based in Melbourne. I’m also a model, content creator, writer, cook, and community builder.
What’s your favourite ORB scent and why?
My favourite is Bobby—but honestly, River is tied for first. Bobby makes me feel confident (not that I need much help there), but I definitely strut a little harder when I know I smell like it. I’m a sucker for anything sandalwood and spicy. It's a bold scent, which feels pretty on-brand for me, haha.
What is your creative outlet?
Umm, where do I start? No, for real—I’d say words and photography are my thing. I really admire, and am grateful for, my ability to use words to express a moment, a feeling, a space, or an experience. Writing has always been a cathartic way for me to release whatever’s going on in my personal life. I think I really found my power in it when paid work started coming in—and it felt effortless.
Photography is another outlet. Capturing something from my point of view—the way I see the mundane, framing a moment or an object—just happens so quickly in my mind. I think, after years of practice and working in this industry, I really understand my own vision now. I back myself every time.
I’ve just started shooting all the main Sabi campaigns again, which feels soooo good. For a while, I didn’t trust myself enough and thought I had to outsource because I didn’t have the "credentials"—but that shit doesn’t matter. If you have an eye for something and the passion to keep your vision alive, all you need is trust and drive to get you there.
What is your first fragrance memory?
My first ever love, Ethan—we were 15. He used to buy this one particular cologne from Chemist Warehouse. I remember, one year, when I’d finally earned enough money from work, I bought him a bottle of it as a gift. He was so happy.
I remember feeling so in love with him every time I smelled that scent—it was him. It was our love. Years later, long after we’d broken up, I was walking down the street when a stranger passed me wearing the same cologne. Like a 10-foot wave, nostalgia hit me in the face.
I hadn’t smelled it since being in love with Ethan, and something shifted in the base of my stomach. I couldn’t stop thinking about him for the rest of the day.
Do you have anything exciting in the works?
Haha babe, always. We’ve got five new styles dropping this season, along with some new objects I can’t say too much about just yet—but think: everyday practical items, made sexy. So excited. Stay tuned.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would you pick, and why?
Oh fuck, hrrmmmm… either Erika de Casier – Essentials (because this single-handedly got me through lockdown), or Cleo Sol – Rose in the Dark (because it got me through the deepest, darkest heartbreaks).
Can you tell us what scent inspired each look from the ORB X Sabi shoot?
Harper - This look was inspired by Orb scent Harper. With its salty, Lemon and Amber notes, our Iris top in Butter is a nod to the lemon, with our Thea Cargos being the perfect beach companion (hello Salty!). To finish, our Saddle Belt Bag in Butter/Olive perfectly represents the Amber in Harper.
Lenny - This look was inspired by Orb Scent Lenny. Honing in on the Bergamot, Orchid and Vanilla notes and its deep, full bodied, velvety attitude, I went with dark, moody tones for this look. Our unreleased Sophie Trousers in Grey are incredible to touch, thats the velvety element, our last season zip through vest in charcoal really represents the bergamot and for the orchid, I went for the femme yet strong pointy toe kitten heel.
River - This look was inspired by Orb scent River. A nod to the rounded, spicy notes you can smell whenever you open this bottle, I just HAD to style this with our latest limited edition Minna Dress in Fiery red. With it’s fresh, Cedarwood and Amber notes, I kept this look simple yet bold, sassy and spicy, letting the dress speak for itself, just like River does.
Ash - This look was inspired by Orb scent Ash. “sparkling yet grounded” is the all encompassing energy of Ash so it felt right to layer our unreleased Meghan Tube Top with our last seasons booty shorts and the Handbag 01.1 slung across the body. Knee high boots and some big shades to finish off the look really give the it girl look which is infectious by nature, just like Ash.
Bobby - This look was inspired by Orb scent Bobby. An immediate head turner, Bobby is a spicy, fresh, sandalwood driven scent, so I really turned it on for this look. The deep plunging neckline of our last season Cora top, layered over our capri pants captures any audience as soon as you walk into the room. Finished off with some strappy heels and a capacious belt that holds your phone and wallet leaving you hands free, you can’t get much more bold than that.
Mons IG: https://www.instagram.com/mons.monday/?hl=en
SABI the label: https://www.instagram.com/sabi_thelabel/?hl=en
