V You are based in Byron Bay. What is your history with the town and has it influenced your designs at all? My husband and business partner Jimi and I have always holidayed in Byron. Since we moved back to Australia from living in Bali for seven years, we spent more and more time in Byron. We opened a Mister Zimi store in Byron one year ago as we felt the vibe of the town was perfect for our brand. We have also purchased some houses that we renovated and turned into holiday rentals, and after spending a few months at a time in Byron, we decided to move here full time from January this year. Whatarethebiggestinspirationsforyou,asadesigner? How do your experiences travelling shape the label? The Mister Zimi style is heavily influenced by the 70s and our travel adventures, as well destinations on our bucket list. I have travelled extensively through Europe and Asia. Each time learning so much more – I love different cultures and traditions, textiles and use of colour. Africa is a huge inspiration for me, especially Morocco and traditional African textiles. I’m yet to visit, but I have a million books, its next on the list! How did Mister Zimi come about? Jimi and I started to holiday in Bali, and on one of our trips there in 2008, Mister Zimi was born. It was the year that leather jackets started to come back into fashion, but to me they seemed to be too biker-ish, or they all had 80s shoulder pads going on. I wanted something feminine, so I came up with an idea for the jacket I wanted made. I randomly chose a local tailor in the depths of Kuta, and ordered the jacket. I was so pleased with the result of my first leather Jacket. I took it home and started wearing it to work. Immediately the girls in the office wanted one, and when I wore it out on the weekend lots of my friends wanted one too. I decided that there might be an opportunity to do a small made-to-order production run, with the idea being that it could help pay for our next trip to Bali. Not long after, I had an order for 60 jackets. Wasacareerinfashiondesignalwaysonyouragenda? Neither Jimi nor I come from a fashion or design background. When Mister Zimi started, I had to teach myself how to do patterns of styles, and just wanted everything to be basic – essentially just designing simple pieces that I wanted to wear. A big part of me really had no confidence in my own ability, so I just wanted to keep the cuts simple. I have, however, always loved interior MEET MISTER ZIMI Born in Bali and now based in Byron Bay, Mister Zimi has found the perfect location for its vibrant patterns and 70s-inspired chic. PHOTOGRAPHY Amberly Valentine | MODEL Maya Stepper | HAIR AND MAKEUP Luciana Rose M ister Zimi is right at home in the town that is perhaps most emblematic of that time when flares were essential and hair flowed free and long. The brand is exotic and colourful; a blast from the past with a modern twist. And it stands out. In 2007, Zoe Paul was in Bali and couldn’t find a leather jacket to suit her style, so drew a design and took it to a tailor. The finished product was head turning, and popular with her friends and colleagues. Inspired, Zoe continued her work in design, and Mister Zimi was born. The brand is influenced by the 70s, but its unforgettable shift dresses, maxi skirts, harem pants, leat her jackets and footwear of look timeless right now. Zoe talked to Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast about the story of the brand, and its latest collection. To see more of Mister Zimi, visit www.misterzimi.com L A B E L FASHION & ACCESSORIES 55 M B G C 54