Monique Maritz - The Visionary Behind Von Ami Couture

April 20, 2026

Monique Maritz - The Visionary Behind Von Ami Couture

Monique Maritz is an accomplished fashion designer, entrepreneur, and visionary with over 15 years of experience in the fashion industry. She is the founder and creative director of Von Ami Couture, a Pretoria-based couture house celebrated for its sophisticated craftsmanship, refined artistry, and timeless design.

Inspired by her beloved daughter, Amorique — after whom the brand is named — the name Von Ami carries deep meaning: “Von” symbolizing hope, and “Ami,” meaning beloved in French. Together, they embody love, resilience, and enduring elegance — values woven into every creation.

Monique specializes in couture bridal gowns, evening wear, matric dance dresses, and bespoke designs for life’s most unforgettable moments. Her designs have graced prestigious runways and pageant stages, including Mrs Universe, Mrs South Africa, and numerous elite fashion events across South Africa.

In 2025, she stepped confidently into the spotlight herself by entering one of South Africa’s most celebrated and biggest modelling platforms in South Africa , The Opulent Models, where she proudly earned the title of Mrs Opulent South Africa 2025. This milestone stands as a testament to her elegance, leadership, and influence within both the fashion and pageant industries.

Beyond her creative achievements, Monique is deeply passionate about empowering women through fashion. She has organized fashion shows, mentored aspiring models, and served as a respected judge at various competitions and regional pageants, where she shares her expertise, refined eye, and commitment to excellence.

Outside the world of couture and pageantry, Monique thrives as a dynamic force in both business and motherhood. As the driving power behind multiple ventures, she seamlessly shifts between entrepreneur, strategic leader, and devoted mother to her beloved daughter, Amorique. From high-level decision-making to the quiet, meaningful moments at home, she carries each role with intention and grace. Her journey is defined not only by ambition, but by resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to building a legacy that inspires others to rise alongside her.

Monique brings not only a discerning eye for design and presentation, but also real-life experience, resilience, and an authentic understanding of what it takes to stand out with confidence and purpose. She believes fashion is more than fabric — it is expression, identity, and the courage to live boldly and beautifully in your own story.

With every design, every platform, and every business she builds, Monique continues to redefine what it means to be a modern woman of influence — elegant, empowered, and unstoppable.

Monique, Founder of Von Ami Couture

Based in Olympus, Pretoria, South Africa, Monique is the visionary founder of Von Ami Couture, a fashion business she established 2019 with the mission to blend creativity, independence, and family. With over 12 years of experience in the fashion industry, Monique’s journey has been shaped by her unwavering love for design and her deep commitment to providing the best life for her daughter, Ami, whose name inspired the birth of the business.

Von Ami Couture was created out of Monique’s desire for financial independence and to build a legacy for her family. What started as a passion project quickly grew into a thriving business, earning a reputation for its unique designs and quality craftsmanship. Monique’s deep connection to fashion goes beyond the business—it’s a lifelong dream realized.

Known for her dedication to empowering women through fashion, Monique’s designs are an expression of elegance, strength, and individuality. Her work blends timeless sophistication with modern flair, creating pieces that make every woman feel confident and beautiful.

As a mother, entrepreneur, and designer, Monique finds purpose in each step of her journey. She is passionate about continuing to grow Von Ami Couture while remaining deeply connected to the vision that started it all: to create not just stunning garments, but a future filled with opportunity and inspiration for all women.

Meaning:

- Von - "Hope"

- Von symbolizes an uplifted spirit and enduring resilience. A symbol that reflects inspiration, perseverance, and positivity. The Icelandic word Von translates directly as hope.

- Ami - (My daughters name)"Beloved in French"

- Couture - the design and manufacture of fashionable clothes to a client's specific requirements and measurements.