Illuminated by the interplay of past and present, Mona Matsuoka embodies a grace that transcends eras. Captured by photographer Yongqi Liu, the story unfolds inside a gracefully aged Brooklyn brownstone, where shifting light traces the quiet rhythm of form and reflection, revealing beauty in transition.
Ring: Rafka Celestial Ring; Necklace, Earrings, and Bracelet: Rafka Moondust High Jewelry;
Dress: Ricca Sposa
Necklace: Rafka Cleopatra Necklace; Earrings: Rafka Opulence Earrings; Ring: Rafka Crown Of Muso Ring; Dress: Safiyaa; Shoes: Aquazzura
The story centers on Rafka’s high jewelry — New York–based designs where upscale craft meets fine-art vision. Each piece glows with sculptural precision and emotion, set with diamonds and vivid gemstones that move with light — a study in color, structure, and timeless craftsmanship where jewelry becomes a language of emotion. In Rafka’s world, modern technology and near-forgotten artisanal techniques coexist, bridging eras in a visual dialogue that mirrors the space itself.
Earrings: Rafka Pastel Dreamcatcher Earrings; Ring: Rafka Pastel Dreamcatcher Ring; Jumpsuit: Haleia
Styled by Crocell Dong, the looks feature couture-inspired pieces from Ricca Sposa, Safiyaa, Haleia, Aquazzura and beyond, weaving craftsmanship and emotion into harmony and capturing a season defined by poise, intimacy, and quiet sophistication, where sculptural lines melt into fluidity and elegance finds its rhythm.
Earrings: Boucheron serpent bohème earrings, s motif; Necklace: Boucheron serpent bohème vintage link necklace; Bracelet: Boucheron vintage serpent bohème link bracelet; Dress: Bibhu Mohapatra; Shoes: Aquazzura
On set, Mona carried an effortless sense of calm and playfulness. After the shoot, she spoke with us about fashion, creativity, and the ways her artistry continues to evolve.
You began modeling at a young age and have worked with some of the world’s most respected fashion houses. How has your perspective on fashion and creativity evolved over the years?
It hasn’t changed as much, I still reference what I learned from the designers that I worked with in the past like Phoebe Philo and Raf Simons to Adam Selman haha. Maybe something that has shifted is the love of art that I found between fashion has grown. I love how the industry has shifted with so much more awareness and respect towards one another personally.
Earrings: Boucheron quatre classique hoop earrings; Watch: Boucheron serpent bohème watch; Dress: Safiyaa
With your Japanese-American background, do you feel that living between cultures has influenced your sense of aesthetics or identity?
It 100% has made my personality more open haha. I like hearing different perspectives from people cause it opens my mind and I get to choose what resonates with me. It has made me able to respect different perspectives besides the ones that are threatening.
Beyond modeling, you’ve built a strong identity as a DJ and producer. What initially drew you into electronic music, and does your experience in fashion influence the way you create or perform?
I grew up listening to New Order from my mother which is such an iconic new-wave dance-rock sound so I always loved electronic music. Older I got it just got deeper and deeper for me. I was constantly listening to music since I was young and was always singing and dancing on tables sending videos to my grandmother, which is probably why social media is an easy outlet for me to express myself haha. Working in fashion makes me inspired to make more cuntier songs for sure haha.
Top and Skirt: Mannat Gupta; Jewelry: ABOAB
For this shoot, what was the atmosphere like on set and what made the experience memorable for you?
It felt so timeless being on set that day cause the outfits were timeless almost royal that it made it very memorable.
Wearing high-jewelry pieces that embody both craftsmanship and artistry during the shoot, how did they make you feel, and what kind of mood or narrative did you hope to express through the images?
They really made me feel expensive and delicate not emotionally but more physically. Which I loved embodying a sensitive strong woman, that resonates with me.
Earrings: Rafka Harmonious Colors Earrings; Dress: Torlowei; Shoes: Aquazzura
Fashion today often celebrates individuality over perfection. How do you express confidence and authenticity through the way you dress or carry yourself?
I think wearing what I feel like wearing, expressing my truth and being my most authentic self is the most confident feeling in the world. I consciously check in with myself to see and feel where I’m at and move in the world being kind to myself and others.
Earrings: Boucheron quatre classique pendant earrings; Ear cuff: Boucheron quatre classique clip earring; Necklace: Boucheron quatre classique short necklace; Rings: Boucheron quatre classique large ring, Boucheron quatre radiant edition clou de paris wedding band; Blazer Dress: Diomi; Shoes: Aquazzura
Between fashion, travel, and creative work, what kind of moments or routines help you reconnect with yourself?
Going to nature and going anywhere by myself helps me connect to myself more in a positive way for sure. Nothing is better then being in nature and feeling or seeing how big this beautiful earth is to appreciate what we have. Problems become smaller and I start to think clearer.
Dress: Mr CRAZY & Lady SEXY; Shoes: Aquazzura; Earrings:HEFANG
What inspires you most at this point in your journey, and where do you see your creativity evolving next?
I think music inspires me so much and nature. I see my creativity really expanding through music and the lyrics I write.
Credits:
Photographer: Yongqi Liu @ivanliu_
Model: Mona Matsuoka @monamatsuoka with IMG Models @imgmodels
Stylist: Crocell Dong @darksoulia
Creative Director: Yvonne Chen @yvonnyc_
Make-up Artist: Anna Kurihara @annakuriharabeauty
Hair Stylist: Kazuto Shimomura @kazutoshimomura
BTS Videographer: Jason Yan @jcyan24
Style Assistant: Carl Ayers @ecca1980
Production: TAMEDIA @tamediany
Lighting: Studio 260 @studio260nyc
Location: Lily’s Place @lilys.place.nyc