Meet Mikaela Pionilla: The Filipino-Australian Fashion Stylist Behind Australia’s Freshest Looks
Photo: Zane Qureshi
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I am Mikaela, 23 years old. I am a freelance fashion stylist and merchandiser.
How and when did you first get into fashion?
It all started when I was little. Mum worked in retail and had pretty good taste in fashion. So, on weekends I would go visit her, and she would let me play dress-ups with a variety of clothes, shoes and accessories. From that childhood memory, I slowly built my love for fashion.
How did your family and friends support your early aspirations in pursuing a creative career?
Growing up in a ‘traditional’ household it was hard for my family to understand my interests and what I wanted to pursue. It wasn’t easy but I knew with time and a little bit of patience, they would build the curiosity to hopefully see why I have chosen this career. In recent years, my family have shown endless support and made sure I am doing what makes me happy.
As for my close friends, they have always been encouraging regardless of everything I set my mind to.
I am beyond grateful to have my close family and friends by my side and to experience my creative journey along the way.
Do you take any influence or elements from your culture and heritage when you approach projects?
Yes, I do, but not from a creative standpoint. It is more so, how I carry myself and how I treat people. Being Filipino, we value respect, empathy and kindness. I do my best to make sure everyone I work with, whether it’s a model, photographer, designer, etc, I want them to feel heard, understood and valued as an individual. That is something that my culture has truly shown me, and the importance of being a kind human being.
How would you describe your style of fashion?
I would say my style is a good mixture of high-street style and streetwear with a play on texture and colour blocking.
Maleek, Isabel, Mya and Caleb styled by Mikaela for Room on Fire Vintage.
Photo: Christina Toulantas @by__ct
What is one thing you would love to contribute back to your culture?
Utilise my creative outlet as a space for like-minded individuals to completely embrace or even immerse themselves into who they truly are.
Who inspires Mikaela?
My form of inspiration constantly changes from the environment I am in, to the people I surround myself with, to what I listen to, to what I see and watch. Everything and everyone in my life inspires me.
Now, a lot of people would know you from working at Subtype, and you have been there for two years now. Everyone who works there is creative. What is it like working at Subtype, and how is it being able to surround yourself with like-minded people on the daily?
Working at Subtype is like working with your best friends - Who understand you, relate to you and are very like-minded. We always support and show endless love towards each other, no matter what it may be.
Subtype has given us all opportunities to showcase our creativity and work through various outlets. Also, create a space to build a community for us and our customers.
Do you have a favourite cultural dish that you or perhaps your family makes?
My mum is the main chef in our household, she cooks a variety of traditional Filipino cuisines, which all my close family and friends enjoy so much. My personal favourite is Pancit Palabok, it’s made with rice noodles with a rich pork and shrimp sauce, topped with boiled egg, chicharon, fried garlic, prawns, and spring onion and accompanied with a side of lemon to balance all of the flavours. It may sound a bit weird with all the mixed ingredients, but it’s something worth trying.
What is one thing you would say to younger artists who look up to you and may want to pursue a career similar to yours?
Simply TRUST YOURSELF - Trust whatever YOU want to do is for you, trust the journey you will experience and the opportunities you will gain and most importantly trust yourself enough that you will achieve it all.
Godlands styled by Mikaela. Make-up by Sophie @sophxalex & Photo by Chandler @cashmereflipflops
Favourite Song or Album at the moment?
On repeat at the moment, Nights like this by Kehlani ft. Ty Dolla Sign
What do you listen to at work? Because I know Subtype has lots of music playing throughout the day.
We have the freedom to listen to a variety of music, as of recently we have been vibing to a lot of Anderson Pak, Freddie Gibbs, Young Thug and some Metro Boom.
Where do you hope to be in five years?
To be completely honest with you, there is a lot I want to achieve over the next 5 years, it’s just a matter of good timing and trusting that it will all happen. As for now, my main goal is to make the most out of every experience and opportunity that comes my way.
What can people expect to see from Mikaela in the coming months?
It’s a surprise. I have an upcoming project with Zane that is still in the works.
@MIKAELAPIONILLA
