024: MINA ALYESHMERNI
lives in sheer pieces and shrugs.
It’s so crisp and gorgeous and nearly fall-like in New York right now. The weather’s got me thinking about… sweaters. I know, right? Sweaters, for fall? I have had my eye on a few promising candidates, like this cardigan set from Mango, that has a distinct Miu Miu energy, and this pullover from Uniqlo’s latest collaboration with Clare Waight Keller (another almost sold-out Uniqlo collab, for the win).
The fall collections have come to fruition in September issues and on e-commerce (we’re back to full price, people), but we haven’t really made it to sweater weather just yet. New York, at least, is in a state of transition. It's a tricky time to get dressed, but there is ample opportunity for creativity, too. Our subject of the week, Mina Alyeshmerni, has a few inventive ideas to pass along.
Mina Alyeshmerni is the founder of Maimoun, the go-to shop for fantastically creative emerging brands. Founded as an online store in 2016, Maimoun opened their first brick-and-mortar in Los Angeles earlier this year. The store takes its name from the Persian language word “meh-moun”, meaning the company or guests who are invited to visit your home for a gathering. Through its unique curation, Maimoun invites buyers and browsers to explore a global set of designers who share a traditional, slow, and thoughtful process of creation. It’s the spot for every downtown (in spirit or location) cool kid looking for something special to wear.
I asked Mina to tell me about what she’s living in right now.
For me, there are two important criteria when getting dressed. First, I love novelty pieces, either vintage or handmade items from emerging designers. Second, I love feeling comfortable at all times. It’s definitely my sweet spot when novelty and comfort meet - then I feel the most confident and in my element. I grew up shopping vintage and, still to this day, it remains a huge part of my interest in the fashion industry. I think the hunt for the right pieces informed an early sense and fondness for curation that I still carry with me. I love searching for rare things and finding something that feels like it was meant just for me. The rush I get from securing those special pieces is a chemical one!
The image above is what I was wearing when I was asked to take these selfies. I love this look a lot. It’s less glam then the others but definitely my uniform. Big ol’ terry pants, sourced from my favorite vintage store in LA, and a dress worn as a top - I love the ruched cummerbund look. The dress, by LA designer Patrick Carroll of Summon Elemental, says “force of will” on the front. We have a few of his works in our online store. The look is all about proportions and comfort.
MINA’S MOST WORN:
Sheer pieces. I love a sheer overlay piece. I also love layering sheer items with other sheer items. In the picture below I have on my MNZ dress over a sheer bra and a biker short.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh dress and shoes, Mondo Mondo necklace Playful jewelry. I get a big kick out of playing around with jewelry. Mondo Mondo makes some of my favorite over-exaggerated and playful pieces - they always start a conversation.
Corali ($525), Mondo Mondo ($225), Marland Backus ($185), CompletedWorks ($600), Panconesci ($230) Pants with a forgiving waistband and a slouchy fit. I’m quite mobile, so I need pants that are too. I like tie or elastic waists. SC103 makes some of my favorite bottoms, and I love the Baserange Domond pants - I keep multiple pairs.
Ganni ($225), Salter House ($190), Toteme ($330), Baserange ($218), Loro Piana ($1050) A cute, stretchy, and form fitting top. I usually will go for a novelty item here, like a top with a deranged neckline or cut-outs. I’m currently loving this piece from the store by Yuhan Wang or this one by Super Yaya.
Yuhan Wang ($266), Paris Georgia ($205), Remain Birger Christensen ($75), Super Yaya ($660), Mame Kurogouchi ($180) Shrugs. I have been enjoying wearing shrugs lately. Eros makes a great, slim-fitting one that will turn any of my summer tops into a fall-ready piece. It’s perfect for transitional wear. I wear it with my hair in a tight bun and I instantly feel like I’m cosplaying as a ballet dancer.
Move Dance ($26), Open YY ($100), Vaisseau ($259), Only Hearts ($62)
Thanks for reading this week! Enjoy the weather and send me some sweater recommendations. See you next Thursday. xxx