‘Not a fan of aggressive branding’: How model Mimi El-Ashiry decides what to wear

By Georgie Gordon

July 23, 2023 — 5.00am

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, model Mimi El-Ashiry.

“Everything in my wardrobe is sheer, including my lingerie, I love that, it’s perfect.” Credit: Ming Nomchong

How would you describe your style? Ever evolving. I love expressing myself through my clothes; dressing up as different parts of my personality, my alter egos and channelling different timelines, in different places. It’s a reflection of how I feel; I might feel juicy, or like a little pixie, or like I just want to hit the gym.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? The Neuw Denim straight-cut leather pants I’ve had for years. A black hand-knitted sweater by Andean Collective; it’s warm and chic. A Hansen & Gretel white singlet for that suit-pant and singlet vibe.

What is the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A beautiful Yohji Yamamoto pinstripe suit that was my mum’s. She worked for Yohji Yamamoto in Japan. She has an incredible collection of archival runway pieces from the late 1980s and early ’90s and I have the pleasure of having a few of them in my wardrobe.

And the most recent addition? These incredible, crazy “Alien Spike” boots from Melbourne shoemaker Done by Matea.

El-Ashiry’s most recent purchase is a pair of Done by Matea “Alien Spike” boots.

What would you wear …
… on a first date? One of my KITX pieces – they’re sexy and sophisticated but not in your face. Everything drapes so well without it being too much skin.
… on a plane? Oversized suit pants with a singlet, hoodie and a big jacket.
… on the red carpet? Something that fits like a glove from Nicol & Ford with Louboutin heels.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The late ’90s when everything was sleek and slick, pared back and gorgeous.

Who are your favourite designers? Nicol & Ford and KITX, always. Wackie Ju from Melbourne is a new favourite – it’s so unique in the gathering and draping. Also, I love Kourh’s silhouettes and the versatility; I have a blazer with massive shoulder pads and contrasted green stitching that I can wear either as a fancy suit jacket or just over a hoodie.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Map of the Heart.

Any go-to jewellery? Delicate gold stacked rings and bracelets from my partner’s jewellery brand, Never Never.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? A silver halter dress from Diesel when I was six. It was epic; I wish I could wear it as a top today but it’s long gone.

And your worst fashion mistake? I went through a rebellious stage as a teenager, not wanting to wear all the gorgeous things Mum had collected for me. I remember Supré hot pants with high soccer socks and Vans.

What was your first fashion moment? To the first Fashion Week I ever went to in 2014 I wore a black swimsuit with a Maurie and Eve knitted skirt, a jingly Afghan belt and something similar around my head. I looked like a gypsy but it was the first time I did something a little different that gained some interest.

El-Ashiry would love a Fleet Ilya “Layered” bag, an “amazing mix of future meets animal”.

What’s on your wish list? The Fleet Ilya “Layered” bag. It has a strap that looks like armadillo armour, it’s this amazing mix of future meets animal.

Is there something you would never wear? Anything with a big logo on it. I’m not a fan of aggressive branding.

Is there a current trend you like? If you’d asked me a few months ago I’d have said low-rise oversized pants with little tops, so cute. But now I feel like everything’s sheer and everyone’s nipples are out. And as everything in my wardrobe is sheer, including my lingerie, I love that, it’s perfect.

What shoes do you wear most often? Black Salomon sneakers.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? My friend, stylist Emma Boseley. She dresses either sexy-lady – stockings, miniskirt, beautiful suit jacket – or full cowgirl. It’s epic and so powerful.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Brown tailored pants with a black leather belt, black singlet, a thin leather shirt and my Rick Owens stomper boots.

What’s your favourite casual Sunday look? Suit pants are definitely my thing; black with a little white T-shirt and fluffy ugg slides.

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