The inspiration for the name of fashion label and web-based style bible MIISHKA came from Michelle Giltman’s own childhood nickname. Indeed, the brand is steeped in nostalgia, growing from Michelle’s obsession with all things retro and her mother’s old designer threads. A stylist and former advertising gal, Michelle launched her e-commerce emporium last year. Since then, the label has built a hefty online following (34,000 Facebook fans can’t be wrong) and recently opened a pop-up store in South Melbourne. If you have a moment, check out her blog www.miishka.com for daily style inspiration. Like her beloved clothes store, it’s all about celebrating your individuality, not following the trends.
Did your love of fashion start at a young age?
I was a bit of a tomboy growing up so Mum couldn't get me inside a clothing store if her life depended on it. But I had no problem custom painting and slashing my new 501s to ride bikes with the boys!
Do you remember your first vintage purchase?
A pair of mint condition Charles Jourdan stilettos I found in an op shop for $2. I was 14 and my friends were horrified.
How did you get the word out about your store?
I started a Facebook fan page, invited all my friends and uploaded a couple of pieces from my collection as a way to introduce people to the world of MIISHKA. Within weeks I was running an online fashion business directly from Facebook.
What’s the most memorable feedback you’ve received?
Still fresh in my mind is an email I received from a customer who wore one of our vintage dresses on a first date. She said she met her soulmate that night and had never felt more beautiful. It reminds me that we're not just selling clothes but experiences, sometimes life-changing ones.
Which trends do you love and which do you hate?
I'm really not big on trends. I glean inspiration from the everyday girl or guy on the street bringing their own individual style to a piece of clothing and creating a look I've never even thought about. Fashion snapper Bill Cunningham summed it up perfectly when he said: 'The thing I love about street photography is that you find the answers you don't see at the fashion shows.' That said, I've always loved the rock ‘n' roll chic vibe and am quietly waiting for the 'colour blocking' phase to be over and done with.
How do you source vintage?
I mostly source my vintage pieces from overseas, local markets and personal collections - I'm lucky to have some amazing contacts both locally and internationally. But when it comes to sourcing it really is about keeping an open mind and scanning everything in sight! The biggest fashion treasures are usually found in the most unexpected of places.
Whose wardrobe do you wish you could steal?
Kate Moss. Can you imagine her designer archives?!
What’s on your wish list right now?
A bigger studio!
What projects are you working on at the moment?
The launch of our official web store and my little rooftop wedding in January!