At 14, she was the youngest girl to win the Ford Supermodel of the World Contest and grace the cover of American Vogue. At 50, Monika Schnarre is still commanding attention by lending her famous face and her devotion to a sustainable lifestyle as a spokesperson for Lemonwood, Canada’s newest upscale lifestyle boutique with a focus on luxury apparel and accessories.
“I love so many things about Lemonwood,” says Schnarre. “The clothes are beautiful,
and I especially love their colourful cashmere sweaters. I’m also proud to be working with a female-driven business led by Christine Peters, the owner and founder.
And what really makes me feel good is the fact that Lemonwood’s merchandise is sourced from small, ethically operated factories that strive to empower women working in their trade around the globe.”
“At this stage of my life I only want to partner with companies that I believe in,” says Schnarre.
Lemonwood operates six locations — two in Toronto, and one each in Unionville,
Oakville, Port Carling (seasonal) and Collingwood, where Schnarre lives a quiet life with her eight-year-old son, Bode. She stays in shape embracing outdoor activities – daily hikes up Blue Mountain with her dog, Piper, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and running.

While keeping toasty warm is a priority when she’s outside in winter, Schnarre prefers not to dress in “big bulky stuff” during the cold weather months, opting instead for Lemonwood’s lightweight cashmere sweaters and layered clothing made in natural fabrics. She’s also partial to the Dream Pant jeans Lemonwood carries, not just because they “fit beautifully” but also because they come in a long inseam for her 6’ 2” frame. “That’s important for someone tall like me.”
Schnarre first caught sight of Lemonwood walking by the chain’s downtown Collingwood location. “I always admired what I saw in their window,” she says.
Her partnership with the luxury retailer includes working as both a model and an influencer promoting the brand.
For her part, Lemonwood owner and founder Christine Peters says Schnarre is the ideal person to represent her luxury outlets. “We specialize in classic design and Monika is a very classic person, inside and out. In the modelling world she’s an icon. And that’s what we want Lemonwood to be — an icon in the luxury apparel world. It’s a great fit.”