PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE, PONCE PHOTOGRAPHY
CREATIVE DIRECTION BY D. GRAHAM KOSTIC | WRITTEN BY ELLE EICHINGER
Monika Dixon arrived to our photo shoot like a ray of sunshine: her blonde hair and sunny yellow blouse (from her go-to boutique, Sarca) a reflection of her cheerful personality. The European beauty immediately struck up a conversation with our photographer (the glowingly pregnant Maria Ponce), giving advice on pregnancy and laughing at its downsides. That genuine concern for other people—and enjoyment in sharing their experiences—is what drives the PR princess in her charitable work as well, most notably with Friends of Conservation, Bear Necessities, and a local Polish organization. But being involved with philanthropy is about more than just doing the right thing; it’s also about surrounding yourself with other truly good people. “Everbody who is involved in charity, they all want to be there,” she says. “They want to give their time and their love and their passion to the charity. And you can always count on them.”
For her part, Monika serves on host committees for gala events, or helps publicize and produce events from a PR standpoint. It’s a perfect blend of her personal passions and professional prowess: she owns an eponymous PR firm. Charity galas mean gala gowns, and Monika, though casual day-to-day, knows how to turn on the glamour like the best of them. When she recently served on the host committee for Friends of Conservation’s Conservation Ball, she put together the perfect high-meets-low ensemble. “You’ll never believe what I wore,” she giggles. “I found a white vintage evening gown in Hawaii for $6. I’ve had it for years and I just pulled it out.” She paired it with a luxe ostrich vest and Lanvin heels. There’s a lot to be said for pulling together such a killer outfit—it’s an easy metaphor for how pulled together Monika herself is.