Having modelled for Mia's label launch runway a few months back was such a great experience, and I was curious to find out more about how she started her own label, Mimi-Zikki. Check out her instagram if you want to see more of her work!
The first thing I ever wanted to be was a singer. I loved singing, and I was good at it too! I was one of those tiny little 7 year olds who got up on stage and sang solo at Estefords! Looking back I can’t believe how brave I was, I had no fear then. Singing on stage now for me is a massive deal. I departed from the singing stage and moved onto being a die hard Ranger Stacy fan from Agros Cartoon Connection! So for many years I wanted to be a national parks and wildlife ranger, but then in high school I discovered art, and then wearable art..that all eventually lead to fashion. I still love animals and they have a strong presence in my work, if for some reason I couldn’t do art anymore I think that’s what I’d go back to.
What was the decision process for finding the right degree like?
After high school I won a scholarship to study the course of my choice at TAFE, so I chose a fashion course. That was great and gave me my base knowledge, but then when I was 19, I took off overseas with grand ideas of becoming a fashion designer over there. I learned very quickly how big the world is and how small I was, so I became disillusioned with the industry and turned my back on it and once coming back to Australia after a year, I chose to study technical theater production, and majored in costume design. This degree played an important role in my current practice as I’m all about the presentation of the work now. After that degree I moved to Melbourne and studied the BA of fashion design degree for 4 years and honed my skills, vision and, I guess, ethos. It took me a while to embrace both theater and fashion as one.
Is there something you wish your teachers had told or taught you as a student that would have made launching your career easier?
Yes, so much more about the business side of things! It’s ridiculously tough, I’ve had to take business courses just to get a grasp on the whole concept of starting albel. You graduate as a dreamer, with amazing, unique ideas and the best intentions and passion to design, but then are quickly shut down when you realize that there are almost zero graduate jobs available. And it’s very soul destroying. I speak with fellow graduates who have only just now, two years later, gotten an industry job! But today after attenting seminar after seminar on international trade logistics with Asia, I thought to myself- if they had have exposed us to all this intence factual information whilst in uni, it would have crushed our spirits and tainted the learning experience! So perhaps they structure the degree that way for a reason.
What are the 3 pieces of clothing every woman should own, in your opinion?
A good fitting, adjustable/ convertable bra, basis of any successful outfit! I’m a huge fan of caps and think they look great on most chicks and a pair of butt lifting jeans! And then a clean, stylish and cool pair of sneakers. High heels can be so bad for your legs.
What is an achievement in your career you're very proud of?
Gaining an internship with Bernhard willhelm. That was one of the happiest moments since getting into rmit! Having an excuse to travel and live overseas somewhere new whilst interning for one of my most beloved and admired designers of all time was just awesome. And yes, it was a great experience and is part of the reason I am now doing what I’m doing with starting a label. I know that internship will impact and influence the way I design and view fashion for many years to come.
What's next with your label Mimi-Zikki as well as with your other projects?
I’m currently curating the runway show within the Semplesize and Hessian magazine block party that’s happening at Howler on the 7th of December, my collection will also be showcased which is cool. And I was asked to exhibit in a group show at the Brunswick street art gallery during VAMFF15 curated, demonstrating my cross/multi-disciplinary technique and style, so I think an interesting installation is on the cards for that one. This will be close to my second collection showcase, also a part of VAMFF15 curated. I am collaborating with the talented Jeweler Ana Öström to devise accessories for a more adventurous collection! Very exciting actually. Maia Lillford will also be showcasing her new collection in my production, her work is super quirky, colourful and daring so very happy to be staging a show with these two delightful designers.