Naarm-based label Mode Mischief Studios is fusing slow fashion with classic ’90s silhouettes
Image via Mode Mischief Studios
Words by Evie Dinkelmeyer
“Our pieces are tailored for seamless layering and flattering fits, and we especially adore backless cuts and ’90s silhouettes.”
In my quest to create a streamlined capsule wardrobe, I ask myself a few key questions before hitting purchase: Will I wear this more than ten times? Can I wear it in different ways? Can I style it for a dinner party and for work? Where was it manufactured and did the garment makers earn a living wage? What materials are they using?
A label I recently discovered fit the brief. Mode Mischief Studios is locally-made and based in Naarm. Scrolling through the label’s website, I quickly realised it ticked all of my boxes – pants you can dress up or down and day-to-day tops with a feminine touch. I’ll always choose versatility over a one-hit-wonder.
Looking for more fashion news and features? Head to our Fashion section.
21-year-old Mia Zotos founded the label during the pandemic after a lifetime immersed in fashion – her dad was a runway photographer and her mum was an avid sewer who helped her bring her designs to life.
Her label quickly found a loyal customer base thanks to its ’90s-inspired pieces that prioritise wearability by fusing vintage silhouettes with contemporary slow fashion practices. Think Rachel Green if she was an enviably chic sustainable fashion influencer on TikTok. Mode Mischief veers away from the ever-quickening fast fashion trend cycle by producing in small quantities and keeping a timeless core collection.
The label’s pieces are all handmade in Australia by a small team, and where possible natural materials like linen, cotton and wool are used. I spoke to Mia about how she got her start and what her dreams are for the future of both Mode Mischief Studios and the Australian fashion industry as a whole.
Tell us about you. What’s your fashion background?
View this post on Instagram
My name is Mia Zotos, I’m 21 years old and I am the founder and creative director of Mode Mischief Studios. Fashion has been in my life since I was born – my dad was a runway photographer and my grandmother a fashion model, so you can say it’s in my blood. My family exited the industry before I was born, but I was always so fascinated by it growing up and dreamt of being a designer. In my first few years at school, I spent my free time designing dresses (and getting Mum to sew them, thanks!), crafting shoes from cardboard scraps and creating imaginary fashion brands (mock websites included).
How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
In 2019, I created an Instagram account @modemischief to explore my creative side and establish the brand’s mood, but I didn’t feel prepared to take on the responsibility just yet. The pandemic provided me with an opportunity to refine the brand’s ideas… and further develop my creativity through my now-personal Instagram account. In mid-2021, I felt ready to take the plunge, so I began designing, researching local suppliers, and connecting with a Melbourne-based dressmaker.
View this post on Instagram
I was unsure how to initiate the process (especially during lockdown), but I started by creating my own patterns, using commercial patterns as guides and sewing toiles before handing them over to my dressmaker. While I had design experience from school, I didn’t anticipate the amount of work required to launch a fashion label and sell the pieces online. I decided to separate this project from my personal Instagram, hence Mode Mischief Studios was born! Fast forward to October 2021, I unveiled my first capsule collection, inspired by ’90s minimalism…
What were you trying to achieve from the project at the time? How has this evolved and what are you trying to communicate through the brand now?
View this post on Instagram
The name Mode Mischief combines ‘la mode’ – French for fashion, representing timeless and classic fashion – with ‘mischief’, signifying a unique, artistic twist. When I first launched Mode Mischief Studios, my goal was to design versatile wardrobe staples with a unique spin, blending contemporary and vintage silhouettes. I wanted to create pieces that wouldn’t be neglected in the back of your closet, unlike many fast fashion items.
View this post on Instagram
From the beginning, the strive for sustainability and ethical practices were at the core of my vision, as I became increasingly aware of the negative impacts and exploitation associated with fast fashion production and overconsumption. Today, we continue to uphold and communicate these values through our garments, business practices and consumer education. Addressing these issues is crucial, as their consequences seem to be worsening…
How would you describe your label to someone who’s never seen it before?
View this post on Instagram
Mode Mischief Studios fuses contemporary flair and vintage elegance to redefine wardrobe staples. Our pieces are tailored for seamless layering and flattering fits, and we especially adore backless cuts and ’90s silhouettes. We often release limited edition collections as our take on seasonal styles – these pieces are often crafted with deadstock materials, so they make them special!
Who do you think is most exciting in Australian and New Zealand fashion right now?
A favourite Australian designer of mine has to be Christopher Esber. I admire his talent for mixing art forms with fashion, which results in uniquely captivating and innovative pieces. His ability to blend structure and fluidity, while maintaining attention to detail, really sets him apart in the Australian/New Zealand fashion scene. Esber’s creations showcase his exceptional understanding of the female form and his dedication to pushing boundaries, making him an exciting and influential force within the industry. I’m so honoured to own some of his pieces, they’re incredible.
What about the Australian fashion industry needs to change?
View this post on Instagram
I believe that the Australian fashion industry must address several pressing challenges, particularly in sustainability and consumer transparency. I think it’s crucial for brands to uphold ethical standards and work towards sustainability because there are so many issues arising nowadays around environmental and social consequences from fast fashion practices. In my opinion, many larger brands lack transparency in their supply and production and should [make more of an effort] to work towards a sustainable and ethical future in the fashion industry.
Who is in your wardrobe right now?
View this post on Instagram
My wardrobe is full of a lot of vintage at the moment! I purchase most of my vintage clothing on Depop, eBay, Vestiaire Collective [and] at markets or thrift stores to get a good mix. I’d say my favourite vintage pieces at the moment include this gorgeous oversized ’90s faux fur coat (BNWT!) and my new pair of ’90s Prada mary janes. Both these pieces worn together are just divine!
View this post on Instagram
As for new clothing, I’ve been overly in love with a special 16-piece collection we’re launching next month. I’ve spent the last nine months working on this collection, so these pieces feel like my babies, and it’s been tough keeping them hidden! Although I can’t reveal too much, I can drop a few hints: the entire collection is heavily inspired by the ’90s and each piece is perfectly tailored for a flattering fit and endless outfit possibilities.
Fancy a closer look at Mode Mischief Studios? Head here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
