Monica Forman is a consummate Make It Better woman.
This powerhouse designer and businesswoman who has grown Magaschoni into a clothing brand embraced by sophisticated women who value comfort and enduring design.
She grows philanthropic support for important causes as she grows a fashion empire, lovingly tends a son born with complex disabilities as well as the rest of her family, supports sustainable and organic practices whenever possible and seeks to be helpful to all who cross her daily path.
Fortunately for us and 10 outstanding Lake Forest nonprofits, Forman brings her formidable passion and a trunk show to the Lake Forest Shop on October 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in support of the store’s “Shop Your Cause” opening night.
“Philanthropy is the way you should behave every day,” Forman states early in a telephone interview from New York City. “If I didn’t think I was going to do something to help others each day, I wouldn’t get out of bed.”
Her day preceding our afternoon call evidences Forman’s energy and heart. By 8 a.m. she was at the hospital with Garrett, her 19-year-old son who suffered a prenatal stroke. “He’s been in and out of hospitals his entire life,” she says. She visited with Katie Couric and Barbara Streisand after Couric filmed her show wearing a Magaschoni dress. She oversaw design work in the firm’s studio and the global manufacturing and distribution process. “I employ people all over the world to create a single garment—every button, pattern, fabric is carefully developed… Over 200 people touch a garment before it is purchased.” She enthuses, “Really, this is priceless, because we are manufacturing art!”
The name Magaschoni is Chinese for trust, integrity and inner beauty. The company is best known for its cashmere products—the most popular being turtlenecks and cardigans, which become wardrobe staples for its customers.
Forman is most passionate about the Center For Discovery where Garrett resides. It’s a residential, medical and educational center demonstrating best practices for anyone with disabilities, including autism, living in a community. “This is the most medically fragile population, and people who visit the Center leave in awe and with prayers of gratitude.” She continues, “My wish is to get big awareness out there for these kids!”
Meet Forman, discover Magaschoni and shop to support 10 great charities at the Lake Forest Shop on October 10 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
