by intern Sakura Buker
Photo credit: Courtesy of Monos
Canada-based Monos Travel Luggage and Bags opened their first DC location in Georgetown, joining M Street’s abundance of vibrant storefronts. With locations in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, and Chicago, the lifestyle company’s newest venture in D.C brings sleek and sustainable travel to the district. Boasting a variety of luggage, bags, and travel accessories, Monos is a welcome presence in a bustling city of foreign diplomats, business leaders, and tourists.
“Monos” is derived from the Japanese phrase, mono no aware, the profound appreciation of beauty in fleeting moments, which encapsulates the brand’s continuous drive to deliver mindfulness to travelers through their luggage.
Founded by three childhood friends who now serve as the company’s CEOs, Monos has cultivated a distinctive identity rooted in sustainability and ethical practices. The store’s B Corp certification reflects the brand’s comprehensive approach to responsible business. “All aspects of the company’s operations, where we’re sourcing things, how we’re treating our employees and our guests have been bound to be ethical and sound,” explained a store associate during the Georgetown location’s opening week. This commitment to sustainability is immediately visible throughout the showroom, where all leather products are crafted from vegan materials. This intentionality extends beyond materials to design philosophy: “The company just has a focus on sustainability, also just on enjoying and present in the journey and not just focusing on the destination,” the associate noted.
Monos’s engineering expertise shines through in the details. The luggage features 360-degree wheels for versatile mobility and handles positioned at a 45-degree angle. “They’re designed this way because they’re a lot harder to break at this angle,” the associate explained. The handle mechanism itself offers four adjustable height levels, with the release button positioned underneath for ease and comfort. The showroom features three luggage collections—classic polycarbonate, hybrid aluminum-polycarbonate, and full aluminum—alongside bags and travel accessories.
As the final store opening for 2025, the Georgetown location marks a significant milestone for Monos’s expansion strategy. The brand’s presence on M Street contributes to the neighborhood’s ever-evolving identity as a destination for thoughtful, sleek retail. Georgetown has long attracted international visitors and discerning locals alike, making it an ideal environment for the brand. The store’s arrival fills a notable gap in Georgetown’s retail offerings. While the neighborhood boasts established luxury brands and boutique shops, Monos brings a fresh perspective that speaks to modern travelers seeking both quality and conscience. The brand’s emphasis on durability and lifetime warranties also speaks to an anti-disposable culture, encouraging travelers to invest in pieces that accompany them through countless journeys.
As Georgetown’s newest retail addition, Monos brings thoughtful design and sustainable practices to a neighborhood that values such features.
