In livıng colour
LEBANESE DESIGNER MIRA MIKATI’S DUDS ARE A TECHNICOLOUR DREAM.
When did Mira Mikati start, and how has it developed since then? Mira Mikati started in 2015, and since the first collection it’s been about happy, positive and colourful clothing, together with some artist collaborations. The collections have always been inspired by my travels, my kids and a happier world.
What were you doing beforehand? Since I was six years old, I knew I wanted to design clothes. Straight after school I went to a fashion school in Paris, then, after graduating, I created a knitwear collection that was sold on NET-A-PORTER. I had to move countries with my family, so stopped everything and opened a concept store called Plum in Beirut. When I moved to London a few years later, I felt it was time to go back to what I’d always loved: designing and creating.
What kind of person are you designing for? I design for people who are effortless, who don’t take life too seriously, and who like playful, happy clothes that put them in a good mood. It could be a very young girl or a very old woman – age really doesn’t matter, it’s the state of mind.
Is there a story behind this collection? I went to Peru in the summer of 2018 to celebrate my wedding anniversary with my husband and kids. I fell in love with the country and its vibrant colours, lovely people and yummy food. It was only natural that I’d get inspired by that magical trip and design my next collection around Peru. My moodboard was full of souvenirs I’d picked up on my travels, such as woven throws, embroidered belts and colourful pom poms.
Tell us about the fabrics and shapes you’ve used. There are rainbow-sequinned silk pyjamas inspired by the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, printed lamé overalls, hand-embroidered and hand-knitted sweaters with trailing ends of yarn, and fringed blankets transformed into coats with contrasting sleeves.
What are your top priorities when designing a new garment? To keep it very authentic to the brand, while creating something new that I haven’t done in the past. Exploring new prints, new embroideries and new fabrics. The quality matters a lot to me, too. It has to be happy and fun, but good quality is essential.
The lookbook suggests there’s plenty of room to move around (and high-kick!). How important is comfort to you? Designing comfortable and effortless clothing that one can move and live in is very important to me. I love the idea of creating pieces that can be worn from morning to night without needing to change.
How has your personality worked its way into this collection? I’m a very positive and optimistic person. I love art, travelling and being with my kids, and I feel that translates a lot in my collections. I always seek happiness, as I believe we’re here for a limited time and therefore need to do the best we can with it.
Which fictional character can you imagine wearing your clothes? Peter Pan, as we think alike, and my motto is ‘never grow up, it’s a trap’.
Where can we see more of your stuff? miramikati.com