Designer Gayle Moss from Mi Moso. Image supplied.
Gayle Moss is the designer behind contemporary womenswear label Mi Moso, which she founded in 2015 and is based out of Matamata. Gayle developed her keen eye for fashion overseas before returning home to make her designer dreams a reality. Her easy to wear brand is now stocked throughout the country and is designed in New Zealand, with Mi Moso’s shoes handmade in Spain.
We caught up with Gayle to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection
The Spring/Summer 18 collection has been designed to try and incorporate something for everyone, it’s sassy, edgy, and has lots of staple pieces. It will appeal to a wide audience and we’ve designed it to be a go-to range. The fabrics are gorgeous and it’s designed to be a real mix and match collection. The colour palette has been put together to bring together a range of pieces that complement each other.
What made you become a designer?
I fell into it quite by mistake really but now I’m here I know it was my destiny! I had previously worked in the ‘exciting’ world of accountancy, so I knew the in’s and out’s of setting up a business. I’d always loved fashion and I had always had the urge to do something entrepreneurial. I traveled extensively when I was younger and when I returned to NZ it always occurred to me that NZ women were far more fashion forward than they are given credit for. I wanted then to bring lovely things to women in NZ, a fashion design course through Melbourne and Mi Moso Culture was born! I’ve largely lived in a world dominated by males, growing up I had only brothers and and now my husband and I are lucky enough to have two awesome sons, so I really love the fact I work alongside women in this chosen field!
Looks from Mi Moso’s current Spring/Summer 2018 collection.
What inspires you?
As far as designing goes I guess inspiration comes from many different sources for me, I take it as it comes and use whatever means I can. It can come in the oddest form sometimes, I’m always looking around for new inspiration and ideas!
On a more holistic level I am inspired to design clothing that women really want to wear and that will take them through the seasons, with a great cut and superb fit. I design for different body types too. I’m inspired by women, many women have to squeeze so much into their day. Women are multitaskers and give a lot of their time to others. For most women selecting an outfit needs to be a simple process, women deserve to feel good in what they wear!
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
Tricky question, style changes and evolves as we do but I would say I’m not overly keen on fussy clothing, clean lines with a great cut and a good quality fabric, that would be my preference. I’m not necessarily into high fashion but don’t mind mixing up a classic piece with an edgy piece too.
What is your all time favourite purchase?
Without doubt a Trelise Cooper cashmere jacket I bought about 5 years ago, it still looks brand new and its so classic it will never date. Another one, although I didn’t purchase it, I absolutely love my Deadly Ponies handbag too, my sons bought it for me for Christmas! That would definitely be right up there! Both fantastic New Zealand brands!
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
I couldn’t stop at one! Great jeans, great boots, an crisp white shirt and an amazing coat… I could go on and on!
Looks from Mi Moso’s current Spring/Summer 2018 collection.
Do you have style rules you always obey?
Not really… number one would be to wear clothing that complements your body shape.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight would have to be when I’m out and about and I see people wearing the clothing I’ve designed! I always think, gosh if only they knew the chain of events that went into getting that item to market so they could own it! I feel very honoured when I see people wearing my creations!
What can’t you live without?
Elisabeth Arden 8 hour lip cream! (and maybe wine!)
You would never catch me wearing…
That’s easy CROCS!! I simply can’t cope with them. One of my sons had a love affair with them when he was very young. They mysteriously disappeared after a time. I couldn’t cope then and I can’t cope now!
Images supplied.