A Quick Six with Andrea of Miro Miro.

Diana: We love your new jewellery collection, can you tell us how you decided to embark into jewellery design?

Andrea: Thank you. Jewellery to me is the important final touch to any outfit, but for a long time I couldn’t find anything I liked that was also affordable. I had toyed with the idea of developing a range for a while, but I only just found the courage to do it.

What are some of the key elements you look for when purchasing fashion for yourself?

I must be able to see myself wearing the item often and it having longevity in my wardrobe. It must be of high quality and dissimilar to everything I already own.

Does the name Miro Miro mean anything in particular?

It has no specific meaning, but Miro came from Joan Miro being one of my all time favourite artists, whose use of line and spherical forms I find inspiring. The doubling of the Miro was inspired by my old Chinese aunties - they would always call my cousins, siblings and I, ‘girl girl’ or ‘boy boy’ as they would never remember our names as there were so many of us.

You are based here in Perth, but have Chinese heritage, how do you think that has influenced your design or production practice?

Although I’m now proud of my Chinese heritage, that hasn’t always been the case. Growing up in Perth was difficult at times as I was subject to racist taunts at school and general everyday life. Because I was young it affected me greatly - I’m ashamed to say it now, but I was embarrassed of my heritage and difference for most of my childhood.

As I’ve matured I’ve grown to love and be proud of my heritage and so Miro Miro pays homage to the importance of embracing difference. My use of orange and green onyx stones - both recurring colours in Chinese culture - are nods to my heritage. I see the label as a way to find power in rethinking narratives of ‘otherness’.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about being Chinese Australian?

Having the exposure and knowledge of Chinese culture is something I wouldn’t change for the world. Although I’ve spent most of my life in Australia, there are many aspects of Chinese culture I love, such as the festivities, the food and many of the values. Being Chinese Australian has allowed me to have the best of both Eastern and Western worlds.

Finally, do you have a favourite authentic Chinese dish you like to make or a restaurant in Perth you frequent?

I finally learned how to make my Mum’s infamous braised pork belly with preserved vegetables, which I’m really excited to make. A restaurant I go to often is Tak Chee on William Street - their Hainanese chicken rice is really tasty and so is their char kuay teow (fried flat rice noodles). ✹

Andrea wears Pleats Please, Issey Miyake Me, Miro Miro earrings, sunglasses by Kuboraum and shoes from Ann Demeulemeester.
Shop selected styles from Andrea's collection in store and online now:

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