Talk Shop: Pamela Munson
About Pamela Munson
Pamela Munson’s straw accessories brand is inspired by a classic style reminiscent of a bygone era. Each piece is handwoven with signature design elements that propose a modern balance of strength and femininity. Designed in New York, the pieces are handcrafted; Pamela views straw as a natural, sustainable and seasonless material. With more than 15 years in the fashion industry, Pamela Munson fuses her business acumen with passion for creating straw handbags and accessories. Since launching the brand in the Spring of 2017, Pamela's designs have been carried at some of the finest retailers in the world. Her signature straw styles have been worn by celebrities and influencers alike, and have received praise from Vogue, Town & Country, Oprah Magazine and Who What Wear, among others. Check out our Talk Shop with the chicest, Pamela Munson, below!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Classic, Feminine, with a Twist
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My grandmother: Her flair for glamour, the tropics and femininity
My mother: Her classic style that taught me restraint
My past corporate fashion life at CHANEL and Oscar de la Renta. During my time at both brands, I was so enveloped in their aesthetic and DNA that it has certainly influenced my own style
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started my business in 2017 after more than a decade working for luxury brands and retailers in New York: Bergdorf Goodman, CHANEL, and Oscar de la Renta. I had what I thought was my ‘dream job’ as head of US RTW Sales at Oscar when I had my first daughter Beatrix. The demands of a corporate fashion career are intense with a lot of travel, late nights and weekends. Motherhood changes you - it changed me - and I soon realized I wasn’t professionally fulfilled and yearned for more balance and creativity with my work and time with my daughter. I had always thought of doing something with straw handbags and started developing my idea. I launched Pamela Munson in the spring of 2017 as an ecommerce business and then soon sold to Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Shopbop among other stores. I love so many aspects of my job now - as the CEO I am involved in all facets of the business. I am also someone who loves the grind and hustle of entrepreneurship and nurturing an idea.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory: My first boss at Chanel was a mentor to me. She was my biggest cheerleader and gave me a great deal of responsibility - and exposure - at a very young age. It transformed my career and I am forever grateful.
What does your home say about you:
My goal for 2023 is to dedicate more time to decorating our home. At the moment, I’m not sure I’d like what my home says about me. Ha! We moved to Long Island full-time in the Fall of 2020 and shortly after I gave birth to our third child, Teddy. It’s been madness with three young children and growing my business that I haven’t had time to focus on our home. I have a clear vision of what I like but need someone to help articulate it.
Where do you find inspiration:
60s style has always resonated with me and helped inform our collections.
Who are your style icons:
Princess Diana and Lee Radziwill
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Good music, good company and a fun dessert.
Do you collect anything:
Handbags. And beautiful clothes. I have a closet-full of Oscar dresses that I never wear anymore but I’m saving for my daughters.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
What fashion “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I don’t think there are any rules in fashion anymore. Wear what you love and find what works best on you.
What are you working on right now:
I’m always working on multiple projects -and seasons - simultaneously. I love the dance between the creative and analytical. We are finalizing Resort 2024 and starting to develop Spring 2024 with some exciting new projects sprinkled in between.
The collaborations you’ve done are amazing! Are there any companies you’d like to collaborate with in the future:
Thank you, the past year has been incredibly exciting with new partnerships. There are a few brands on my radar that I’d love to work with in some way. We have a special collaboration coming out in April with a ‘dream’ partner. Stay tuned.
Wardrobe staples:
An eclectic mix right now! Straw handbags, Frame denim, Theory black cigarette pants, Loretta Caponi floral dresses, cashmere sweaters, Chanel ballet flats, New Balance sneakers, my Cartier tank and engagement ring.
Favorite handbag (besides your own!):
Tods. I love the simplicity of their designs and muted elegance. Plus, you don’t see them everywhere!
Best fashion advice you ever received:
Not everything is meant for everyone.
Best career advice you ever received:
Do the things that scare you.
Types of fashion purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in timeless classics - a great handbag, a nice watch, good shoes, a gorgeous gown, but save on trends.
Your greatest extravagance:
Too many to share.
Most prized possession and why:
Besides my family, my engagement ring. I had seen an art deco ring I loved and my husband recreated it with one of my grandmother’s diamonds and an emerald he sourced. It’s perfect and very sentimental.
Your life motto:
My grandfather used to say, ‘The cream always rises to the top’ and that has resonated with me at different professional and personal junctures..
Advice for someone looking to define their own style:
Do what you love and trust your instincts. With your own fashion style or in your home, if you love it you will never regret it.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Italian
Drink: I don’t really drink
Film: Magnolia by Paul Thomas Anderson
Hotel: The Mark in New York or Hotel de Crillon, Paris
City: New York City
Bedding: Frette
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Iced Cappuccino 2x a day, Decaffeinated Tea in the evenings
Playlist: Depends on my mood. Love pop and classic rock.
Weekend Activity: Chasing after my three children!
Design Book: I haven’t read a good design book in a while! Would love a recommendation. I look forward to my Elle Decor and Architectural Digest subscriptions…