23/10/2026
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23/10/2026
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At a time when luxury is often measured by logos and volume, MonRoi Roma is choosing a quieter and more personal route. The Roman footwear house builds each pair around family memory, travel and a deep respect for handmade craft. In an exclusive interview with Arab Times, founder Monica Gunnella explains why she believes Kuwait and the wider Gulf are ready for luxury built on substance rather than spectacle
A name born from love
MonRoi Roma did not begin in a corporate office. It began at home, with a family whose affection is written into the brand itself. The name and rose emblem are inspired by Gunnella’s parents. Her father calls her mother “Ma Reine,” French for “my queen,” while her mother calls him “Mon Roi,” meaning “my king.” The rose in the logo recalls the family garden from which her father has always picked roses for her mother. “That rose represents her and holds all the love that binds them together,” Gunnella says. “In our logo, the masculine and the feminine live side by side.” That personal history has become the heart of the brand. From her father, she says, she learned the value of artisanship, ethics and true quality. From her mother, she inherited an eye for elegance, strength, determination and vision.
MonRoi Roma did not begin in a corporate office. It began at home, with a family whose affection is written into the brand itself. The name and rose emblem are inspired by Gunnella’s parents. Her father calls her mother “Ma Reine,” French for “my queen,” while her mother calls him “Mon Roi,” meaning “my king.” The rose in the logo recalls the family garden from which her father has always picked roses for her mother. “That rose represents her and holds all the love that binds them together,” Gunnella says. “In our logo, the masculine and the feminine live side by side.” That personal history has become the heart of the brand. From her father, she says, she learned the value of artisanship, ethics and true quality. From her mother, she inherited an eye for elegance, strength, determination and vision.
Rome as a creative compass
For Gunnella, Rome is more than the place where MonRoi Roma was founded. It is part of the brand’s identity. She describes the Italian capital as a cradle of luxury leather goods, where artisan knowledge has been passed down through generations. In her view, craftsmanship in Rome is not simply a skill. It is a living inheritance. “Here, craftsmanship is not a technique but a legacy lived through generations,” she says. That sense of place shapes every collection. MonRoi Roma presents itself as an Italian artisanal house, creating refined footwear that reflects the elegance, detail and heritage associated with Italian making. Its pieces, including the signature Bolivia boot, are described by the brand as Italian-made, with leather interiors, ultralight rubber soles and careful fitting
For Gunnella, Rome is more than the place where MonRoi Roma was founded. It is part of the brand’s identity. She describes the Italian capital as a cradle of luxury leather goods, where artisan knowledge has been passed down through generations. In her view, craftsmanship in Rome is not simply a skill. It is a living inheritance. “Here, craftsmanship is not a technique but a legacy lived through generations,” she says. That sense of place shapes every collection. MonRoi Roma presents itself as an Italian artisanal house, creating refined footwear that reflects the elegance, detail and heritage associated with Italian making. Its pieces, including the signature Bolivia boot, are described by the brand as Italian-made, with leather interiors, ultralight rubber soles and careful fitting
Handmade, not manufactured
Every MonRoi Roma shoe begins with an idea and a careful choice of materials. From the upper to the sole and the final finishing, Gunnella insists that the work remains handmade. The result, she believes, feels closer to a one of a kind object than to a mass-produced product. Small natural variations are not imperfections to hide. They are proof that a human being made the shoe. “Each shoe carries the soul of the artisan who devoted themselves to it,” she says. “These small, natural imperfections make it authentic and unrepeatable.” This approach places MonRoi Roma firmly within the world of slow luxury. Gunnella sees fast fashion as a system that prioritizes quantity over quality, durability and ethics. Slow luxury, for her, is the opposite: a product made to last and to be valued over time. “Those who buy MonRoi Roma are not buying something to throw away, but something that stays,” she says.
Every MonRoi Roma shoe begins with an idea and a careful choice of materials. From the upper to the sole and the final finishing, Gunnella insists that the work remains handmade. The result, she believes, feels closer to a one of a kind object than to a mass-produced product. Small natural variations are not imperfections to hide. They are proof that a human being made the shoe. “Each shoe carries the soul of the artisan who devoted themselves to it,” she says. “These small, natural imperfections make it authentic and unrepeatable.” This approach places MonRoi Roma firmly within the world of slow luxury. Gunnella sees fast fashion as a system that prioritizes quantity over quality, durability and ethics. Slow luxury, for her, is the opposite: a product made to last and to be valued over time. “Those who buy MonRoi Roma are not buying something to throw away, but something that stays,” she says.
Travel, color and the latest collection
Travel is where every MonRoi Roma collection begins. Gunnella designs only after a journey has had time to settle within her, becoming something emotional and transformative. The latest collection draws inspiration from Africa: its architecture, landscapes, spices, food and vivid colors. The heels, materials and palette are meant to carry the memory of that journey into Roman craftsmanship. “Every pair carries a memory of Africa, translated into Roman craftsmanship,” she says. Two pieces best capture the collection for her. The Cleopatra sandal, inspired by Egypt, has clean lines, versatile laces and a conical heel created exclusively for the brand. Its design references the mastaba. The Bolivia, Hawaii and Amazzonia boots, meanwhile, represent the house’s signature style: clean design, ultralight soles and carefully selected leather.
Travel is where every MonRoi Roma collection begins. Gunnella designs only after a journey has had time to settle within her, becoming something emotional and transformative. The latest collection draws inspiration from Africa: its architecture, landscapes, spices, food and vivid colors. The heels, materials and palette are meant to carry the memory of that journey into Roman craftsmanship. “Every pair carries a memory of Africa, translated into Roman craftsmanship,” she says. Two pieces best capture the collection for her. The Cleopatra sandal, inspired by Egypt, has clean lines, versatile laces and a conical heel created exclusively for the brand. Its design references the mastaba. The Bolivia, Hawaii and Amazzonia boots, meanwhile, represent the house’s signature style: clean design, ultralight soles and carefully selected leather.
Designed for the Gulf woman
MonRoi Roma sees real potential in Kuwait and the wider GCC. Gunnella believes regional clients combine longstanding sophistication with a genuine appreciation for quality, beauty and a meaningful story. “Kuwait and the wider Gulf are a truly captivating market for us,” she says. “Clients have a deep connection to quality luxury and an openness to brands that tell a genuine story.” She also sees a clear change in how luxury is consumed across the region. Purchasing, she believes, is moving away from status and towards meaning. Today’s clients are well travelled, informed and increasingly drawn to pieces that reflect both their own identity and international refinement. Comfort matters too. The brand uses breathable leathers and finishes designed with warmer climates in mind, while its lightweight soles are made to remain comfortable throughout the day.
MonRoi Roma sees real potential in Kuwait and the wider GCC. Gunnella believes regional clients combine longstanding sophistication with a genuine appreciation for quality, beauty and a meaningful story. “Kuwait and the wider Gulf are a truly captivating market for us,” she says. “Clients have a deep connection to quality luxury and an openness to brands that tell a genuine story.” She also sees a clear change in how luxury is consumed across the region. Purchasing, she believes, is moving away from status and towards meaning. Today’s clients are well travelled, informed and increasingly drawn to pieces that reflect both their own identity and international refinement. Comfort matters too. The brand uses breathable leathers and finishes designed with warmer climates in mind, while its lightweight soles are made to remain comfortable throughout the day.
A strategic Middle East
The Middle East is not simply another market for MonRoi Roma. Gunnella calls it a pillar of the brand’s long term international strategy. Over the next five years, she hopes to make MonRoi Roma a recognised name in the region through carefully chosen boutiques in key markets such as Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, a loyal community of clients, and capsule collections created specifically for women in the region. She is especially interested in the idea of a capsule that brings Gulf culture and Roman craftsmanship together, or a collaboration with local talents who share the brand’s values. “Whatever we create will stay true to who we are: handmade in Rome, with the same care for materials, detail and heritage,” she says.
The Middle East is not simply another market for MonRoi Roma. Gunnella calls it a pillar of the brand’s long term international strategy. Over the next five years, she hopes to make MonRoi Roma a recognised name in the region through carefully chosen boutiques in key markets such as Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, a loyal community of clients, and capsule collections created specifically for women in the region. She is especially interested in the idea of a capsule that brings Gulf culture and Roman craftsmanship together, or a collaboration with local talents who share the brand’s values. “Whatever we create will stay true to who we are: handmade in Rome, with the same care for materials, detail and heritage,” she says.
Growth without compromise
For Gunnella, international growth must come through careful choices rather than rapid expansion. MonRoi Roma intends to keep production limited, materials faithful to its identity, and partners aligned with its values. “Expanding does not mean stretching the supply chain or diluting the craft,” she says. “It means bringing Rome to the Gulf without ever changing what Rome is.” Her goal is not simply to sell more shoes. It is to build lasting relationships with women who value craftsmanship, discretion and longevity. The greatest reward, she says, is seeing clients understand that they are buying more than footwear. “There is history, passion and soul in what we make, and our clients can feel it,” she says.
For Gunnella, international growth must come through careful choices rather than rapid expansion. MonRoi Roma intends to keep production limited, materials faithful to its identity, and partners aligned with its values. “Expanding does not mean stretching the supply chain or diluting the craft,” she says. “It means bringing Rome to the Gulf without ever changing what Rome is.” Her goal is not simply to sell more shoes. It is to build lasting relationships with women who value craftsmanship, discretion and longevity. The greatest reward, she says, is seeing clients understand that they are buying more than footwear. “There is history, passion and soul in what we make, and our clients can feel it,” she says.
Three words, one vision
Asked to describe MonRoi Roma in three words, Gunnella chooses quality, craftsmanship and elegance. Her advice to young designers is equally clear: begin with the craft, not the market. Build strong roots, treat every detail as though it were the last, choose partners with care, and grow slowly. “True luxury cannot be rushed,” she says. “Never compromise.” For Kuwaiti and GCC readers, her message is simple. Behind every MonRoi Roma pair lies a family story, a Roman workshop and a belief that true luxury should be felt in every step.
Asked to describe MonRoi Roma in three words, Gunnella chooses quality, craftsmanship and elegance. Her advice to young designers is equally clear: begin with the craft, not the market. Build strong roots, treat every detail as though it were the last, choose partners with care, and grow slowly. “True luxury cannot be rushed,” she says. “Never compromise.” For Kuwaiti and GCC readers, her message is simple. Behind every MonRoi Roma pair lies a family story, a Roman workshop and a belief that true luxury should be felt in every step.
By Marlon Aquino Malinao - Managing Editor, Arab Times
