The Natural State of Mimi Holvast
Byron Bay based designer Mimi Holvast invites us into her world and creative process. Mindful, down to earth and fun, Mimi has built strong foundations for her label to reflect the very heart of who she is and the things she values most.
Tell us about your journey as a designer. How did you start out?
My journey as a designer (and maker) started when I was young, as I’ve always been interested in making my own things. My mum sewed everything for my siblings and I as kids. She taught me the basics of sewing and I started by altering pieces from op shops, and gradually gained confidence with the sewing machine and (store bought) patterns to make small pieces for myself. I went on to study Applied Fashion Design & Technology at Ulitmo TAFE, which is where I gained the foundations for where I am now. It was really full on — big days of pattern making and sewing, which I loved. From there I went back to making pieces for myself, with my newfound pattern making and sewing skills and started selling to friends, then friends of friends, then I figured I should start a website. It was really organic and made sense, and still makes sense!
What are the core values of your brand ?
The core values of Mimi Holvast are to only do something if it can be done really well. I mean this in terms of quality, ethics and sustainability - Utilising fabrics the best way I can, making good use of my offcuts & only using natural fibres, that are better for the earth and for wearing. I only want to make pieces if they are made with attention to detail and quality - and won’t fall apart or show visible wear & tear. I am so interested in the entire process from an idea in my mind which turns into a scribble, then is transformed into a flat pattern, then into a tangible garment. To fulfill this, I carry out every process of the operations of my label to ensure a sturdy and timeless garment that lasts for a long time that has been overseen by me the whole time.
Describe your aesthetic? How has it evolved?
I make garments for life - for longevity but also for every day life. I have a relatively minimal aesthetic, with simple, comfortable silhouettes that are practical (I put pockets in at every chance I get), while remaining trans-seasonal so that they really are garments for the rest of your life. This has been important to me from the very start.
I don’t follow any seasonal trends so by working against traditional “spring/ summer”, “autumn/winter” seasons, I am able to produce one collection a year, which is more realistic, and this way any garments released can fit into any wardrobe at any time of the year.
Who/what inspires you?
I am inspired by all the wonderful creative people close to me in my life, who are working hard to achieve their dreams. My mother who taught me so much of what I know, in terms of life and sewing. I am also inspired massively by nature - there is nothing more refreshing, clarifying and inspirational than the ocean.
What do you strive for as a designer?
As a designer, I strive to run my label with minimal impact on the environment and to reduce waste as much as possible. By single handedly running each part of my business and partaking the entire production of the garments, I can be far more mindful of this - both on the cutting table and post production. I am able to track what is necessary to produce, handle the quality control closely and know the process inside out. I strive for my ethos and aesthetic to be carried out and communicated through each collection, and each garment.
As a business owner, I strive to have a healthy work life balance, and continue to create garments that are in the same realm of my ethics of sustainability, attention to detail and their trans-seasonal qualities.
What do you find beautiful?
I find really well made and really durable garments beautiful. I love a nice fabric, a nice finish and a bias bind. I find natural light beautiful (and essential). Nature and the area I live in is beautiful. Oysters are beautiful.
Any milestones you are proud of or challenges you have faced on your journey?
Running a business on your own, especially when undertaking each step of the way is a massive workload, but I love it.
I am so proud that I am able to pattern make & sew for my job, every day.
Every time I receive customer feedback I realise that I’m doing what I’m doing for all the right reasons. A personal favourite is ‘I might need to buy another pair of these because I have not taken them off for a week’ which makes my heart melt. It’s so satisfying getting consistent feedback from people who have invested in my pieces over the last few years that my business has been running, knowing that they still love and wear the garments so regularly, and that my handiwork is still going strong.
Where do you see the brand evolving ? Any major goals in the near future you are working towards?
I am at a really happy point of my label. I am always working on what is happening now as well as what is next, which may be in coming months or years. I am slowly expanding to gain some physical retail presence which is exciting, and will be bringing out some menswear pieces in the future too!
Where can we find you and more of Mimi Holvast?
You can find me working every (week) day in my studio in Bangalow - shop 9, 8-10 station street, Bangalow, as well as my website - https:/mimiholvast.com, wellmadeclothes.com.au, slowtrading.com.au (and in their Geelong store), www.garmentory.com and keep an eye on instagram @mimiholvast for other exciting news that is in the works!
