Meet the designer: MIA

Mia Nisbet of MIA mixes Malawi textiles with recycled materials to create high fashion that shows a sharp fusion between stylised Western cuts and African fabrics and prints. Joanne Cotterell meets the MIA designer.

Joanne writes: Having won the Make Your Mark In Fashion award only in September last year, designer Mia Nisbet has already shown at London Fashion Week as one of the Ethical Fashion Forum’s New Talent Designers.

MIA by Mia Nisbet combines the use of recycled fabrics, mainly army surplus, with traditional Malawian textiles to create a quirky blend of clothing drawing influence from western styling and African textiles. In doing so she has managed to join two cultures whilst designing ethical clothing that is sustainable, wearable and ever so slightly kooky.

Her designs involve reused clothing which is reworked into tunics, hooded tops and flirty skirts, all featuring bright traditional prints, which bring a playful and energetic vibe to the collection. Ruffles, bows and crinkled material all feature heavily, alongside her aim to promote the benefits of recycling.
What is the inspiration behind the MIA line?

MN: Inspiration for the Label MIA came from my time spent in Malawi. In the street markets locals are selling copious amounts of second-hand clothing, which are donated and imported from the western world. The sheer volume of clothes was astounding. It became apparent these clothes markets would be a great place to source clothes for recycling. The collection is produced in Malawi, training and using local talent, which in turn will have a lasting and beneficial effect on the local communities.

You recently won the ‘Make Your Mark in Fashion’ award from the Ethical Fashion Forum, how has this helped you?

MN: Winning this award has been an amazing achievement which has given the label recognition and the prize money has made this set up of the production house in Malawi a reality.

What do you want to achieve from your collections?

MN: The aim of the collection is not only to report waste, to promote recycling or to create awareness on the environment and ethical behaviours; but also to denounce the saturation of the fashion market that launches new collections every few months. By producing the collection in Malawi I am empowering local tailors and creating sustainable careers. Also by sourcing all fabrics and clothing I am strengthening their economy.

How would you describe the MIA customer?

MN: The customer is a young fashion forward thinking female with a conscience.

How did you feel about featuring at London Fashion Week?

MN: Excited and lucky for such a great opportunity.

What did you show?

MN: Upcycled fashion created in ‘the warm heart of Africa’. I have combined second hand clothes (Kaunjika in Chichewa) purchased from local markets with traditional Malawian textiles to create contemporary and stylish womenswear.

Mia’s website

Also read:

Daily Style Steals, gorgeous hand-picked bargains for you

WIN! Olsen Haus vegan shoe boots

Heidi Klum gets an Oxfam makeover

London Fashion Week party snaps

Desser and Company bring rattan into your home