Why Mode Mischief is the brand of choice for it-girl royalty

It was the summer of 2023 when Hailey Bieber was spotted on the streets of New York, iced drink in hand, wearing a black backless top. Soon after, fans began scouring the internet for the piece worn by the it-girl. It transpired to come from the Melbourne-based label, Mode Mischief. The effortlessly sexy design brought well-earned attention to the brand, founded by Mia Zotos in 2021, as high-street names quickly followed with their own takes on the now-iconic look — a staple for this summer as much as the last and the one before that.

Mode Mischief might be a brand all cool girls lust after, but the inspiration behind it was a personal one. “Mode Mischief is definitely a reflection of my personal style,” Zotos tells me. Fittingly, she’s dressed in the brand’s polka-dotted, puff-sleeve blouse, styled with Miu Miu oval prescription glasses. Slightly preppy, with vintage influences somehow made refreshingly contemporary. It’s a “juxtaposition” that also inspired the brand’s name. “Mode is the very traditional aspect of fashion,” says Zotos. “It represents the timeless, classic part of a staple piece. Mischief is the playful twist that we add.”

A glance at the signature ’80s-inspired plum gingham blouses (a print Zotos was obsessed with at fourteen), zip-up shirts and paneled dresses and you’ll spot those little twists that define Mode Mischief for yourself — a strategically placed red button, the addition of ruffles around hems or sleeves and contrasting sewing techniques like pleating on just half the garment. And to execute these details, material selection is key. “We strive to use more natural fabrics where we can,” says Zotos. These typically include rayon, wool for sturdy pleated skirts, or cotton for capris. “At some points, it is hard to opt away from synthetics because they do serve a function depending on what you are making,” she adds, referring to fabric compositions that include spandex, polyester or nylon for wearability.

Sustainability, too, runs deep within the label’s ethos, and one way that manifests is through the use of innovative materials. Most recently, the brand developed a custom bamboo jersey for an eight-piece essentials collection featuring wrap mini skirts, bralettes, tank tops and flares. “I felt that there was a huge gap in the market for a sustainably-sourced essentials collection that also had so many scientific benefits,” says Zotos, nodding to the fabric’s breathable, anti-bacterial and odour-resistant properties. “My biggest goal when I design is being able to resonate with the audience and provide people with a piece that has a story and a positive impact or function.”

It’s also the founder’s way of making clear that Mode Mischief is not a fast-fashion brand. With a pre-order system for select pieces and limited runs for others, the label ensures mass production never enters the equation. Every garment is designed and engineered in Australia, with some manufactured by local small businesses. For more technically advanced styles, production is extended to ethically accredited, family-run factories in Asia. “It’s honest to have an open supply chain and let your customers know where you are getting your pieces from,” says Zotos. Materials are sourced with care – Zotos is vocal about her love of fabric markets. “There is one in Paris that I go to quite often and it’s just great to see and feel everything in front of me,” she says. There, inspiration for her feminine designs flows instantly. 

It’s no surprise, then, that the brand has found fans in pop culture royalty. Beyond Bieber, its pieces have been worn by American influencer Emma Chamberlain and Canadian music artist Tate McRae. After all, Mode Mischief takes its cues from music, pop culture and TV icons like Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw. “It’s not even just their fashion but also knowing the characters and their personas and what they like to do,” says Zotos. Undoubtedly, no one could wear the brand’s sequin midi skirts better than Bradshaw herself, paired with a Fendi Baguette on her shoulder and a cosmopolitan in hand.