From dancer to model to photographer and now, fashion designer! At just 23 years old, Aussie entrepreneur Mimi Elashiry has already accomplished so much in such a short space of time. We recently caught up with Mimi to talk style, inspiration and to get the lowdown on her brand new tee collection for Bonds.
Congrats on your new range! Can you sum it up in just one sentence?
A great experience, I'm so grateful to have my photography recognised by Bonds and printed on shirts!
What inspired your designs?
The inspiration came from home, an Australian summer. The designs are film photos I took over the summer of 2017/2018 and I gradually collaged them on my travels during the European summer earlier this year. I was inspired by the vibrant colours, hot sun, and unpredictable adventures of summer.
What process did you use to create your unique collages?
I sat down with fashion magazines which my boyfriend had pulled pages out of and cut up any colour, writing or images I liked the tone of into tiny slices. I then laid my printed photos out on a table. I found that I got a better result by placing a collage piece onto a photo each time I walked past the table, rather than sitting trying, in one go, to put together an insolvable puzzle of which there are a million combinations! So over a couple of days, four collages were created!
How do you prefer to style up your Bonds range?
Tees are the best throw-over for me. When I get up in the morning to make coffee I’m usually just wearing my Bonds boyleg undies and a tee. They're perfect for when I’m getting changed after the beach, when I’m gardening, or going for a walk. They're also perfect with a pair of denim shorts and cowboy boots. I also love to wear any of the tees with some vintage jeans!
Besides your tee range, do you have any other Bonds faves?
Haha, YES! I’m obsessed with the Original Boyleg shorties. I’ve always worn them around the house and to dance class! The Originals bras are also really comfortable and supportive without wire - which I love, ideal support for long travel.
What do you look for when buying a tee or tank?
For myself, I look for breathable fabric, and a cropped fit is the most important! Hence, why my Bonds range has so many crops!
What first compelled you to start sharing your life via social media?
I was never compelled! I started using Instagram to take digital photos that looked like film! As I felt inspired, I would share my adventures, food, travels - as everyone does. It was a natural flow. I was not modelling at the time, only dancing, and I was still in school. When modelling picked up again, it was only natural to share my work on my platform and it just spiraled from there! As its grown, I have really enjoyed sharing my travels and the things I've learned about living a holistic healthy lifestyle, asking questions of my audience and sharing little recipes, tips and tricks, and of course cute outfits. I love the loyalty and relationships I have with so many of my long-term followers, it’s a strange world but it’s really sweet.
What is one of the biggest things you’ve learnt in your career so far?
Over everything, I have learned to trust my gut and stand by what I believe in especially in terms of who I work with and what I represent.
What were you most proud of in 2018?
I am proud of myself for getting back into dancing this year, seeing old teachers and really putting lots of time and energy into something I am really passionate about. I am also stoked that my photography has been more recognised, my creative page @35mimieter is growing and I thank Bonds especially for that!
What are you looking forward to most in 2019?
I am looking forward to whatever the year brings! I am excited to be based back in Australia for a while. I have no expectations for 2019 but lots of goals. I’m ready for surprises!
Shop the Mimi x Bonds tee range here >
5 years ago
