IN INTERVIEW: MIA AND TRENT

They are talented, creative and love fashion. Meet our Sunday star stylists Mia and Trent, as they tell us about their background as fashion designers, how they came to work at the Shelter, some styling tips and their favourite pieces.

Everyone that meets Mia agrees: she is a bubble of fun! Creative in so many ways, Mia is a girl of many talents. She is a trained fashion designer, make-up enthusiast and an amazing stylist. Mia's natural style speaks loudly as she makes everything look great.

Tell us a little more about yourself and how you came to work at the Shelter.

(Mia) I am a recent graduate from AUT, where I studied a bachelor of fashion design for three years. Fashion has always been an interest of mine and an ideal career path I would like to follow. Before I started studying I was very new to the practical work that came along with it, I found it extremely challenging. I was surrounded by amazing talent and passionate lecturers who pushed me to create my graduate collection that is Mia lawson written all over it. I could not have been happier.

Mia wears: Transparency Jackets, Groundwork Tee and Washed Clarity Skirt, and right MM6 Belong Shirt in Mint.

When you are not in the Shelter how do you spend your days?

(Mia) At the moment I am studying at “The Makeup School” in Ponsonby. During the first Covid-19 Lockdown I wanted to broaden my creative skill base and thought this went hand in hand with my degree.

I have learned and understood what makeup is really about. Doing your own makeup is one thing but working on a new client every day is something else. I honestly take my hat off to the small makeup artists that are self-taught who are building a platform in a oversaturated market, wow, it is hard work.

Mia wears: Sheer Objective Dress, Principal Venetian Pant || Validate Coat

What is your number one piece of styling advice?

(Mia) I am a sucker for shirts, whether it is a shirt-dress, pajama shirt or a classic “business” shirt. You can never go wrong. A shirt is simply elegant, classy, or powerful. It is a must-have in everyone and everyone's wardrobe!

Taylor, Uma Wang, Jimmy D, and Lela Jacobs all have easy going, statement, every day, shirts in their collections, all very different in their own ways. I encourage anyone to try some on and fall in love with their pieces as much as I do.

Mia's favourite white shirts: Caption Shirt, Interweave Shirt, Disparity Shirt

Trent was one of the top AUT Fashion Design graduates last year and we know why. His dedication, creativity and eye for detail called our attention. Trent's natural style makes him a star not only at the Shelter, but also at our design room where he helps Melissa, our Sampling Manager.

Tell us a little more about yourself and how you came to work at the Shelter.

(Trent) I started out working just a Sunday shift at the Shelter during my final year at university. I learnt about the job from my friend Julianna who also works in the company and she pushed me to apply! I’m still working the same shift but now I’m more involved in Taylor during the week which has been an enjoyable evolution.

Trent wears: 1999 Silk Mesh Top, Elliptical Tunic Dress || Outline Void Dress, Belted Transpire Dress

You studied a Bachelor of Design majoring in Fashion. Can you share with us some more information about this experience? Any highlights?

(Trent) Studying fashion was such a valuable experience - I highly recommend it to anyone thinking of pursing fashion. I think the greatest thing it showed me was what I was capable of achieving, it really pushed me outside of my comfort zone. Having my collection in our graduate show was surreal and very moving - it’s quite hard to describe what it was like but it was definitely a life highlight!

When you are not in the Shelter how do you spend your days?

(Trent) During the week I’m in the taylor workroom working on samples and new collections with our designer Melissa! It’s great having a balance where I’m working on the clothes during the week then I get to see them in store on a Sunday and see what the clients think of them.

(Trent) Wear what makes you feel comfortable - whatever that may be - because there is nothing worse than wearing an uncomfortable outfit all day. Also if you fall in love with a piece buy it - the regret of having missed out is unbearable!!

Share with us what you are currently loving in the Shelter?

(Trent) There are so many to choose from but I think my favourite at the moment is the current Jimmy D collection - it has been one of my favourite brands since I started following fashion and I’m head over heels for any of the mirror ball print and the gorgeous Menage A Trois Dress.

Trents favourites: 2099 Silk Mesh Dress, All You Can Eat Bag, Menage a Trois Dress, Beuys Will be Beuys Dress