Gearing up for the red carpet

Five Towns resident working with designer

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Leading up to the 89th Academy Awards ceremony this Sunday, Five Towns resident Cindy Grosz is busy working with designer Alexis Monsanto to put the finishing touches on gowns and tuxedos for Oscar nominees and attendees.

“He is known in the business for his kindness — his ability to create not just for himself, but to create for everybody around him,” Grosz, of Woodmere, said about the designer. She explained that he is detail-oriented and concerned with making people he works with feel comfortable in what they are wearing.

From jewelry to makeup to hair and photography, Monsanto organized a “glam squad,” which includes Ginny Cosmetics, Jun Tolibao and Charlie Lapson, who serve as stylists regularly for red carpet and other social events of that nature to prepare those in attendance.


Nominees from “Lion,” in the running for Best Picture and “Joe’s Violin,” a contender for Best Documentary (Short Subject), are scheduled to wear Alexis Monsanto Atelier Designs. Individuals that have confirmed working with Monsanto include: musical scoring nominees for “Lion,” Dustin O’Holloran and Volker Bertelmann; and Brianna Perez and Kokoe Tanaka-Suwan who are featured in “Joe’s Violin.”

The designer said he is looking forward to seeing what actors Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, Denzel Washington and Viola Davis wear to the Oscars. “These four reps seem to prefer different styles and attend the red carpet all looking great, but featuring different trends and looks,” he added. Monsanto also said he expects to see gold and pastel-colored attire.

His designs were also featured at the Golden Globes and Grammys. Simone Biles, the gold-medal winning Team USa gymnast, wore one Monsanto's custom-made dresses to the Golden Globes.

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