Street Style: Mimi Miller
Our ethos at DC Style Factory is to slow down, shop quality over quantity, and buy with intention. When I first met Mimi Miller back in 2017, we connected instantly because these same ideals guide her designs.
After completing her bachelor’s degree in fashion design from Marymount University in 2015, she launched her namesake brand the following year. She started it as a made-to-order business while she hunted for a full-time job. Four years and five collections later, her brand continues to grow with two seasonal collections a year plus her year-round Core Collection of wardrobe staples including simple v-neck tops, classic a-line skirts, and more. She also recently moved into a new studio space in Falls Church, Virginia.
Environmental factors are also always at the forefront of her designs. For example, her first collection was made from nylon sourced from degenerated wood pulp. But, at the end of the day what drew me to Mimi’s clothing is that they were just plain good. I started pulling from her for clients right from the beginning and her pieces are still in their closets and in regular rotation. Her work has a special simplicity and meticulous attention to detail that I don’t often find in clothing today. There is an easy, fluid drape to her pieces that skim the body in the most comfortable and flattering way. Her designs are unfussy, which make them easy to reinvent with different layers, accessories, and shoes.
I purchased one of my favorite clothing pieces from her 2017 fall collection. It’s a yummy long t-shirt dress. It is one of my most worn pieces for spring, fall, and winter. We later partnered — with the Shoe Hive as well — for a capsule wardrobe workshop in Arlington.
When you meet Mimi, it is no surprise that she is the woman behind these quietly chic, cool, minimal clothing designs. She is calm and focused, but always with kindness and humor. We are so fortunate to have her stylish clothing and her socially conscious point-of-view right in our backyard.
Mimi is wearing Faux Leather Headband by Lele Sadoughi and Isadora Blouse by Ulla Johnson, available at The Hive.
A-line flannel midi skirt by Mimi Miller.
::ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time? Most of my time is spent working on Mimi Miller Womenswear and doing yoga
Neighborhood: I live in Manassas
What would surprise people about you? I’m African American – most people look at me and only see my caucasian and asian ethnicity but I’m African American too!
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? The ability to make clothes super quickly – eliminating the issue of ethical fashion
Favorite cocktail: I don’t drink alcohol but I’ll take a virgin anything!
Last book read or movie seen: Knives Out
Guilty Pleasure: Watching reruns of Keeping up with the Kardashians
Phrase you overuse: Is it from Whole Foods?
Facebook or Instagram? Instagram by far!
Latest binge-watch: The Handmaid’s Tale
Bucket list travel destination: Moscow
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Coffee
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Refined, effortless, neutral
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Spring/summer: white tee shirt; fall/winter: black turtleneck
Favorite trend ever: Big sleeves that are tapered at the wrist
Favorite current trend: Midi skirts + knee high boots
Beauty product you can’t live without: Glossier Haloscope
Favorite fragrance: Wildflower by Kuumba
Heels or flats? Heels
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My bedroom
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix
Last item bought for your home: West Elm dresser
Next planned purchase: Minimalistic wall art
Favorite way to entertain: Host a meal, usually dinner
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free
Wallpaper — yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Yes, totally modern
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: Power yoga
Most fun way to exercise: Indoor cycling at ZengoCycle or Soul Cycle
Group exercise or solo: Group
Fitness goal: Be strong + healthy
Proudest fitness achievement: Being able to do a handstand in yoga
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: The waterfront with a coffee
Last purchase in Alexandria: Coffee
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Dolci Gelati for coffee
Favorite charity: Alzheimer’s Association
Favorite annual Alexandria event: First Night Alexandria
- About the company
DC Style Factory is a personal shopping and styling service for men and women looking to add polish and individuality to their wardrobes. We believe personal style is for anyone who wants it — regardless of age, size or budget.
3 Comments
Typo—the line is just PLAIN good. Plane = thing that flies.
Thank you Sally! It’s been updated.
Well deserved Mimi Miller, you are amazing, Congratulations and keep working hard, living your dream!! Not too many people get to live out their dreams, I love you
Uncle Pete
That’s my NIECE !!!