Meeting Miss Mimi

By Laura-Mae Williams and Jasmine Vasarhelyi

 
She has a down to earth personality, chill vibes and killer looks, and this up and coming young talent, Miss Mimi Elashiry, 18, is becoming a fashion icon for homegrown Australian fashion labels around the country. Here’s an exclusive interview.
 

What is your full name?

 Mimi Marlene Ashraf Elashiry

 What is your ethnic background?

 Egyptian father and 6th generation Australian /Irish mother.

When did you begin your modeling career?

As a child. I was the bumblebee on the Panafon boxes when I was about 3!

Other than modeling, do you do anything else?

I do a lot of lifestyle and fashion Blogging, as well as working a few days a week at Camilla in Bondi. I also do yoga or dance classes everyday. 

What is your favorite artist or song at the moment?

Ummm.. The growlers. All of their songs!

Do you get to keep the clothes after the shoots?

No, sometimes I may get an item or two. Shoots are paid work. I get to keep the clothes that I blog though- in addition to being paid.

Okay random question: if your house was burning down and had only time to get five things, what would they be?

Phone, laptop, the coat hanger on the back if my door which has my favorite fallen broken street hat and my Pink Floyd shirt on it, my jewellery box and my teddy/rabbit bear named Avocado.

Do you get recognized often on the street?

S.ometimes. Mostly when I am out- I get approached for photos most often at festivals or Marco Polo [at The Ivy]. Haha…

What do you do in your spare time?

Surf, yoga, dance classes or meditation… Read a book – mostly cook books… relaxing things to help me escape my busy life!

Beauty essentials you can’t live without?

My organic Perfect potion rose water eye gel, honey and chai moisturizer and Aphrodite lip tint. My organic pressed Coconut oil. And mascara.

Fashion idol?

I don’t really have one. I love to vibe of western and bohemian vintage styles from all over the place. No one in particular.

Favorite place in the world?

Byron Bay.

Who is your most favorite person in the world?

My boyfriend and my mum are equal on that one.

Any siblings? If yes, do they model too?

Yes, two little sisters ages 9 and 11. Yeah a little bit … They certainly should. They’re little heartbreakers.

What is your favorite cheat snack?

Not sure what a cheat snack is. Umm … chopped carrots and zucchini with organic hummus. Or if I’m feeling like something sweet some dates or dried figs with organic crunchy peanut or almond butter.

What’s been your favorite brand to shoot for so far?

Liberated Heart autumn/winter campaign, because I got to style the whole shoot – including hair and makeup – myself. I loved it. 

What are the pros and cons of being a model?

Most shoots are really fun, especially campaigns, and I get to be exposed to amazingly talented and intelligent people. My most favorite thing is that I get to support new developing and handmade labels that I truly believe in. It really makes my heart sing to be able to be a part of assisting the expansion of small labels! Cons … well, there aren’t many things I could complain about. Other than that gross sticky cake feeling when I get my makeup done, and the pain in my feet when I do four-hour online stock shoots where I just walk back and forwards and change in and out of clothes in a pair of high heels. Ouch. But hey – it’s good pay.

If you were modeling what would you do instead?

Dancing. Without a doubt I’d be at WAPA or VCA studying a Bachelor or Arts for Dance Performance and then trying to get into a professional contemporary company- which I might do in a year or two anyway. 

What is next for you?

Starting up my own online blog, a personal website. As well as starting up my own clothing and jewellery labels, but it will take a bit of time to get that show on the road.