About | Mimimou

Born in Sicily, Amsterdam-based, frequent London traveler. I enjoy creating things, growing my own vegetables and paying attention to the smallest details and funny everyday situations.

When I was a little girl, I adored polka dots, small fish swimming in the sea and lemon peel. I also believed in magic. I believed I had the power to change the world and make everybody happy.

It took me a while to realize I really do have those ‘magic powers’: I love writing, drawing and making things. What I do, makes people smile with their heart. I am a designer and professional enthusiast. This is the core of Mimimou.

I dreamed of becoming a rocketship engineer when I was little, but ended up majoring in European literature during college. After a career in pop media, I am now a creative consultant, graphic designer and illustrator. Mimimou celebrates the art of turning the mundane into the fun.

I haven’t reached the sun or the moon yet. Not even a cloud. But I am working on it, little by little, one small step a day.

THINGS I BELIEVE IN
I believe in work/play balance. I believe in upcycling, it sparkles new ideas and is an antidote to consumerism. I believe in DIY , most of my furniture is homemade and every time I want something new, I have a go at making it myself. I believe coffee made with love makes me a happier person. I don’t have time to watch TV and have not had one since the age of 17. I believe there is something special about notebooks and stationery. I smile when I walk around and will always help an old lady crossing the street, feed hungry birds and write ‘hello!’ on blurred window panes. I believe change can happen any day.

THINGS I AM AFRAID OF
Giant poodles, smelly or mean people.

dancingwithmyeyesclothes

Dance with your eyes closed (I enjoy doing that to old records by Fred Astaire or Walter Wanderley)

fruit

Enjoy smelling & eating fruit How about scooping a papaya or juicing a melon together with avocado? mmm

london

London, honey, I love you A home doesn't necessarily have to be one specific building. Especially when you grow up within two cultures, it's important to find your own third one.

shoes

Not all those who wander are lost Those who are wearing beautiful shoes in particular (my favourite brands: Unisa, Chie Mihara, Miss Albright)

mikado

Be playful Never stop playing. I have a plastic spider which I hide all over the house.

bialetti

What will it be today? Is it a coffee maker or a plant pot? Things are what you want them to be.

hoedenspeld

Travel as much as possible Find places that sparkle stories and creativity, whether that means taking a plane to NY, or a train to an unknown destination.

lelie

Surround yourself with plants The plant world is an endless source of inspiration. Plus, they are relaxers!

orlakiely

Never stop dressing up I am a firm believer of using fashion as a way of 'decorating' your day. When my dress looks like fun, I am sure my day will be too.

books

Unwind before going to sleep My boyfriend reads us stories from children's books and it truly empties your mind from worries and fills it with wonder.

ceramics

Make stuff with your hands I have recently discovered ceramics and it's great. It's as if your moulding an idea with your fingers.

katespade

Make every moment count Be super conscious of your choices and the moment you are living.

rifle

Why fit in when you are born to stand out? Escape the ordinary and live the extraordinary.

pencils

Anyone can use a crayon Be nice to a stranger. Add a bit of color to his or her day, it makes a difference.

packaging

Surround yourself with people & things you love From your best friends to a loved one and a pet, from products in pretty packaging to soft bed sheets and fresh fruit.

jillsander

Look for adventure around every corner Stay curious. You just never know what life will bring you

braun

Vintage kitchen appliancesOne day, I will start a museum. There is a rule: always use what you have, at least once a week.

veggies

Life can sprout out of anything!Think carrot tops, onion ends, salad bottoms... Anything you usually throw in the bin.

coffeecups

Make simple things important A vintage Italian cup for him, an old doll’s china cup for her.