Regine M. Tessone

Regine Monavar Tessone is an Iranian American fashion designer. As a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, she founded Aqua Modesta, a unique line that revolutionized women’s swimwear worldwide. Over the years, the modest swimwear line expanded into modest sportswear and varied unique accessories. Her initial professional goals achieved, Regine sought to fulfill her lifelong dream as a writer and speaker, yearning to share her story of the incredible escape on the last flight out of Tehran amidst the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Upon relaying her narrative with audiences in diverse communities worldwide, Regine felt compelled to write her memoir to reach and inspire a wider audience. In researching her autobiography, she interviewed numerous Iranians regarding their lives and eventual escapes from Iran. In her debut memoir, Monavar’s Journey, the author pays tribute to both her rich Persian heritage and the freedoms afforded her in the United States as well the lives of those she interviewed. Regine’s life story is one of survival against all odds.

Regine hopes to continue inspiring others through her passion for creating art, fashion design, jewelry design, and writing. Her future professional aspirations include documenting the stories of Jewish refugees from other Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, whose voices are thus far unheard. She currently resides in New York and Jerusalem with her husband and children.