Start-up entrepreneur Monika Koudròglou Truong is reviving bodycon fashion as the epitome of sophistication.
Short for body conscious, bodycon is a style that uses stretchy fabric to show off an exquisite figure. Her online brand, Ygriega, offers sizzling styles that have been attracting women from all walks of life.
Part Greek, Filipina, and Vietnamese, Monika was born and raised in Athens, Greece, studied business management and entrepreneurship and graduated from University of Chester in the United Kingdom.
Her multicultural background and exposure to international jobs as a sales executive and journalist for Global Media, a company based in Hong Kong, was a catalyst in creating her own business. Interviewing CEOs and government officials, and traveling for assignments gave her the perks toward understanding the business realm and ignited her passion for communication.
Her experience in modelling first opened her eyes to the world of fashion.
With her striking Eurasian features, Monika was spotted and caught the attention of a Greek agent when she was 16. But she decided to put her education first, while keeping her mind open for modelling, which she then pursued at 18.
Standing at 5’4”—which is petite for a model—she strutted in several fashion shows, appeared in TV commercials and print ads, and hosted special events.
Monika combines her experience in fashion and her business savvy by putting up Ygriega (Greek letter “I”). Ygriega was inspired by her roots and the hot summers in Greece and the Philippines.
Monika’s debut collection Basics consists of lightweight, breathable, and stretchable spaghetti strap crop tops, one-shoulder strap crop tops, backless two-tie strap tops, mini dresses, and bodysuits in basic colors that can be worn with anything you fancy.
“You would want to wear something lightweight and versatile, especially in a hot country. My bodycon outfits are stretch blends. I made tops that are breathable and silky on the skin. They are elegant and give the right amount of sexy that exudes confidence,” explains Monika.
Bodycon clothes are not for the self-conscious.
Ygriega’s philosophy is all about unleashing a woman’s confidence by showing off her assets. Asymmetric and halter outfits expose the beautiful shoulders. Backless dresses reveal the cuts of the trapezius. Thigh-high dresses bare toned legs. Yet the styles don’t parade too much skin and the fabrics are thick enough to be modest.
The brand’s pricing is affordable—satiny crop tops from P699 to P900, bodysuits for P850-P1,250, mini dresses on sale at P1,400-P1,500 from P2,000.
To sustain its success, Monika realized promotions are important in boosting Ygriega’s visibility. “The sales depend on how often I post and the networking I do,” she shares.
Asked if her market is limited, Monika explains that Ygriega doesn’t discriminate. Wearing Ygriega’s bodycon styles is all about appreciating the uniqueness of one’s figure, she adds.
“My brand is for every body type. The Basics collection is for every woman,” she emphasizes.
Monika envisions her next collection to be resort-like, maybe even with a flare of athleisure. “It will be influenced by what I wear, where I travel, and what I see.”
Ygriega is a brand to look out for, with its upcoming surprise collections and its plans to expand with worldwide shipping in the future.