Canadian travel and lifestyle brand Monos has unveiled a striking new collaboration with Brooklyn Coachworks, the New York-based automotive studio renowned for restoring vintage Land Rover Defenders. The partnership has produced a one-of-a-kind Land Rover Defender 90 finished in Arles Blue alongside a coordinated Arles Blue Collection of premium Monos luggage.
To mark the launch, Monos has opened a North America-wide contest offering one winner the restored Defender, airfare and accommodations for a two-night stay in New York City, and a complete set of matching luggage. The campaign generated overwhelming interest, drawing more than 166,000 entries on the first day and surpassing 1.2 million entries to date from Canada and the United States.
The Monos Arles Blue Collection and custom Defender represent a meeting of two design philosophies. Brooklyn Coachworks’ custom-built Defender features a natural black mohair canvas soft top, saddle tan Italian leather interior, and a restored TD5 engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Every element of the vehicle has been rebuilt or refinished by hand, with Monos detailing integrated throughout, including embroidered seats, engraved metal plates, and custom trim elements that give the off-road classic a distinctive modern identity.
The Defender’s deep Arles Blue paint finish, a nod to the French town of Arles, extends to Monos’ accompanying luggage collection. Each suitcase echoes the vehicle’s tone and craftsmanship, with vegan leather accents, saddle tan interiors, and a high-gloss finish that mirrors the Defender’s refined exterior.
The Arles Blue Collection Launches in Canada and the U.S.
To coincide with the collaboration, Monos introduced its new Arles Blue Collection, a limited-edition lineup of luggage designed in the same colour palette as the custom Defender. The release includes six sizes from the brand’s Classic series, from carry-ons to full-sized checked luggage, as well as coordinated packing cube sets.
Each piece in the Monos Arles Blue Collection is constructed from aerospace-grade polycarbonate made with partially recycled materials. The suitcases feature TSA-accepted combination locks, whisper-quiet 360-degree wheels, and an anti-microbial lining made from 100% recycled polyester.
The collection officially launched on September 15, 2025, and is available exclusively through Monos’ online store and at the brand’s retail locations in Toronto and Vancouver. Prices range from $335 CAD for the Carry-On to $475 CAD for the Check-In Large.
From Vancouver to the World: Monos’ Rapid Growth
Founded in 2018 in Vancouver by Victor Tam, Hubert Chan, and Daniel Shin, Monos has quickly become one of Canada’s most successful global lifestyle brands. The company was built around the Japanese concept of mono no aware, meaning “the beauty of transient moments,” and this philosophy has shaped its focus on intentional design and mindful travel.
Monos’ founders set out to create a line of travel goods that emphasize durability, sustainability, and timeless design rather than trend-driven aesthetics. Its luggage collections are made with German Makrolon polycarbonate, recycled fabrics, and high-performance components, supported by a lifetime warranty and a 100-day trial for all customers.
The company’s growth has been extraordinary. After launching online as a direct-to-consumer business, Monos expanded into the U.S. market, now accounting for about 75% of total revenue, and achieved $150 million in sales in 2024, a dramatic rise from just $8 million in 2020.
Expanding Retail Presence in Canada and the U.S.
Monos began its move into physical retail in 2022, opening its first store in Vancouver. A Toronto boutique followed in June 2024, located at 111 Ossington Avenue in the city’s Little Portugal neighborhood. Designed as a creative and experiential hub, the store has served as a testing ground for future retail concepts focused on community engagement and design immersion.
In 2025, Monos accelerated its U.S. retail expansion with store openings on Newbury Street in Boston and Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Los Angeles, both among the most recognizable lifestyle retail districts in North America. Additional stores are opening in Chicago’s Fulton Market, New York City, and Washington, D.C. by the end of the year.
The Chicago store, at 2,800 square feet, introduces a new in-store concept called “Postcard” — a hospitality-driven space offering locally curated snacks, beverages, and cultural programming. The initiative signals Monos’ intent to redefine traditional retail by merging commerce, community, and experience under one roof.
Looking ahead, Monos plans to open eight U.S. stores by the end of 2025 and aims to reach 40 locations worldwide by 2030.
