A multifaceted figure in the world of fashion and lifestyle in Spain. Mónica de Tomás has seamlessly combined her career as a model with communication, sports, and editorial content. Her hallmarks: serene elegance, exquisite attention to detail, and a unique voice that transcends seasons and trends.
You have worked as a model, journalist and content creator.
How has evolving professionally in those different fields been?
“Well, each one has its own part that has won me over. I’ve worked as a model my whole life and, specifically for 13 years I was the model or muse of the master Elio Berhanyer. For those thirteen years I walked at Cibeles (now MBFW) — about 26 editions — but throughout I have always worked as a model doing editorials and catwalks since I was young.
I loved the adrenaline of the runway but also the photo-sessions, which I still do now as a content creator or brand ambassador. As a journalist — the degree I studied alongside Economics (few know I studied two degrees: I loved studying) — I have touched many fields.
I was editor-in-chief of the magazine B&Class for three years, I had a radio programme for one year and I wrote a column in the online edition of the magazine Yo Dona for three years, titled “Monica de Tomas’ Week” where I recounted all my week of events, trips etc. I also had for a time a print page in the magazine Woman called “Ask Monica de Tomas” where readers asked me about style. Now as a brand ambassador and working as a content creator I think I bring together the best of the three worlds, although I do miss writing.”
As a Council Member of the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC)
Which initiative has impacted you the most?
“I’ve been a Council Member of AECC Madrid for seven years and I couldn’t name just one because each campaign we do, each step we take, each person we help marks me every day — that's why I remain involved in this way. If I look back, I’m very proud of contributing my little grain of sand to this cause and also through my social networks. You have no idea how much people appreciate it and how very personal cases of people I didn’t know have crossed screens and I’ve been able to help them.”
At some point you mentioned you would write a book; what kind of book would you like to write?
“I’m writing a book. It’s an essay but I can’t reveal much more yet. :)”
What led you to train as a meditation teacher and how do you integrate that practice into your daily life?
“I had been practising yoga for many years — a discipline I still practise but not as often as I would like. The thing is, I had always been drawn to meditation but found it very difficult. Sometimes before or after practice we’d meditate or try. As a true Taurus (tenacious!) I told myself ‘either you become a teacher and go deep or you’ll never meditate’. And so I did: I used the pandemic to immerse myself and study to become a meditation teacher, and that’s what I did until I earned the qualification.
I believe it’s the best thing I’ve done in my life, and at a very important moment. My practice consists of 20 minutes a day in the morning or evening—or whenever I can—but it helps me connect with myself and make better decisions among a thousand things. I believe meditation is health and gives you coherence, serenity and your life gains meaning.”
You are also a golfer… When did you start? Do you play more and more now?
“I started playing golf at the age of ten and I still play. It’s a sport I love and increasingly I have the opportunity to play and practice because many brands are connected to this sport. I feel very fortunate to combine passions and I’m very grateful.”
What’s your favourite book and hotel?
“I have many books because I’m a passionate reader, but if I can tell you one that’s both easy and reflective: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.
With hotels it’s similar — I have many favourites in many parts of the world. If I have to name one in Madrid I’ll say two: the Hotel Santo Mauro where I spend a lot of time and celebrate my birthdays, and the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid where I held my civil wedding and where I’ve collected and continue to collect many great memories.”
What role does craftsmanship play in your daily life?
“I believe I surround myself with, and value more and more, craftsmanship in my life. Where everything comes from and how it has been made are some of my essential questions when I approach any piece, whether of fashion or décor.”
What place in the world would you like to explore wearing your Friulane shoes?
“Anywhere — because I’m extremely well-travelled and the Friulane are extremely comfortable and elegant. My next destination where I’ll wear them will be Marrakech.”
