About Me
How I started my career as a fashion designer
At about 12 years of age, I was using my mom’s sewing machine to make tube tops for dolls. I almost sewed my finger one time, but the needle was stopped by my finger nail. In high school I wasn’t academic, but had a creative streak. My art was being creative with clothes. Somehow I managed to find out a few ways I could get school credit for learning to make clothing. I enrolled in fashion design and pattern drafting classes open to high school aged students, and then an internship at a the Denver Center for Performing Arts, in the costume department. After these experiences, I got serious about being a fashion designer.
Education and Work Experience
After graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a focus in fashion and textile design, I moved to Los Angeles to fulfill a dream of being a fashion designer. In LA, I scored my first job as an assistant designer for a small but growing women’s clothing label - think frothy chiffon dresses and a small line of sweaters. Shortly after I started my new position, the company finalized a decision to relocate to NYC, and offered me the opportunity to move and continue my design work there. I was assigned to design the capsule collections of sweaters and knitwear, and essentially learned to design sweaters on the job. This medium became my main design focus and specialty. In NYC, I developed and cultivated my career as a sweater designer, and designed for a handful of boutique cashmere sweater fashion brands.
the Sewing Studio
After a 10 year fashion design career in NYC, I packed up my family of 3 and cat to move closer to family in Denver, CO. I wasn’t sure about the career direction I wanted to go, and took advantage of the time I had experimenting and spending a lot of time with my young son. Going back to the roots of why I loved fashion design in the first place, felt right. I also spent 2 years working as a production manager, and a year working in bridal alteration salons - where I learned to take apart and put back together all sorts of gowns with beading, lace, and boning. These 2 experiences made me fearless with my sewing skills as well as fine tune and strengthen my career perspective.
I invested in a couple of industrial sewing machines, and just started designing and sewing things like quilts, wall hangings, pillows, and clothing for my son. It was inspiring, overwhelming, frustrating, and satisfying - but, the direction felt right - and a sewing studio was started. Mimi Shim Studio has been, and still is, a work in progress, but at its core, keeps the art of sewing alive, with the help of the growing communities of women entrepreneurs, long term thinkers, and sustainably minded practitioners.
Currently, at Mimi Shim Studio, I design, develop patterns, sew clothing, all in my sewing studio. I focus on longevity in design, quality craftsmanship, conscientious production, and mindful consumption.
What my clients are saying
“Working with Mimi is a joy. She is extremely knowledgeable from her many years of working in the fashion industry, and is open to sharing her expertise. Mimi brings a professional touch to everything she does, and is also an easy and fun person to be around; her open communication style and attention to detail makes her exactly the kind of person I’d want to learn from.”
~Lily S. Eli & Barry
“The breadth and depth of Mimi’s knowledge of garment construction is exceptional.”
~Erika M. the Oula Company
“Working with Mimi on my clothing line presented me with the opportunity to work with someone who shared my values: local, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Her attention to detail and her ability to listen to your ideas and execute patterns and productions laid a strong foundation for my business and built trust between us. In addition to being a talented designer, she truly cares about her clients and their needs, and she has a special way of connecting to their process."
~Mecla S. Nina Kaftan Co.
Press
Why Former NYC Designer Mimi Shim Shifted to Creating Sustainable Goods in Denver
BY ISABELLA MOSES FOR 303 MAGAZINE JULY 2022
“In conjunction with designing as a career, I started sewing at home, posting things online and doing markets,” Shim said. “That was when I started the basis of what I do now, but I didn’t know that yet.”
Conscious Creations
BY MEGAN HOLT FOR DENVER LIFE MAGAZINE JULY 2021
“Fashion Designer Mimi Shim creates ethical capsule collections for the sustainable fashionista.”
“The Denver-native spent over a decade in the industry working behind the scenes to develop and cultivate her design career.”
Gift Guide 2020: 10 Fashion & Beauty Stocking Stuffers for Her
BY GEORGIA ALEXIA BENJOU FOR 5280 MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2020
Denver-based designer Mimi Shim is part of the slow fashion movement, which means her luxury versions of everyday wardrobe essentials are made-to-order. Shim’s Lux Sweatshirt is cut in French cotton terry, and has just enough special details—like balloon sleeves and a gathered waist—to make it an on-trend, but cozy and comfortable statement piece. It’s an ideal gift for the woman who wants to look as good for a Zoom meeting as she does heading out for a socially distanced brunch.
6 Slow Fashion Designers To Wear For Summer
BY KARA ARMSTRONG OF THE CONSCIOUS MERCHANT FOR CHERRY CREEK FASHION JUNE/JULY 2022
“Along side a rotating capsule collection of quilted wears to home goods, Mimi provides clothing alteration services to help make the existing clothes in your closet last longer, as well as bridal alterations and vintage re-design.”
6 Denver Designers To Buy Now & Wear Now
PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING BY ESTHER LEE LEACH OF CHERRY CREEK FASHION NOVEMBER 2020
“It has been a long brewing project of Mimi’s to be able to design clothing without losing the artistry and tactile elements. In a way, going back to the simplicity of dressmaking, with a modern day spin. The designer focuses on creating luxury every day garments and quilted art, using high quality fabrics, conscientious production, and mindful consumption.”
