Since its inception in 2015, we’ve grown an immense fondness for Mahsa Willis’ eponymous label Mahsa. Inspired by the journey of motherhood and her relocation to an idyllic mid-century house nestled in the West Auckland bush, Willis took a decisive leap to establish Mahsa after years working between film and advertising.
Going on its eighth year now, the brand has become known for its whimsical garments that balance utility with romance. Shifting away from a conventional seasonal model, Mahsa places its focus on slow production, releasing timeless ‘Moods’ which can be worn across various seasons and act as enduring wardrobe staples. Having released her latest capsule offering ‘Kin’ just last week, Willis continues to explore this philosophy, presenting some of the brand’s signature shirting styles in enticing new hues and textures.
Between spending time with her children, getting out in nature, and running her brand, Willis lives a well-rounded lifestyle. Delve into the world of this week’s Friday Muse as we discover her aspirations for the year, how she strikes a work-life balance, her personal favourites from the Mahsa ‘Moods’, and more.
Our Q&A with Mahsa Willis
Where did you grow up and where are you currently based?
I grew on the East Cape, left home when I was 17, travelled, modelled and eventually studied in Auckland, then travelled some more and lived abroad. Now I am based in Titirangi, West Auckland, with my kids.
Tell us about your career to date?
After leaving university, I worked in the TV department of a big ad agency, then travelled and produced overseas. I met my former partner and we started an agency in Auckland. I had our children and I stopped working for a while to concentrate on them… and during this time i had an idea, starting my own label and brand.
What was the catalyst for beginning your own label?
Motherhood and a move to my mid century 1960s house in the bush were the variables that inspired me to start Mahsa. Running my own business seemed more family-friendly and something I could evolve alongside my children. I also felt very passionate about the idea of a capsule-based, slow fashion label. I was overwhelmed by the fast fashion model.
This quote from Nick Cave sums up how I felt about it: “Sometimes the idea can be the smallest thing in the world, a little flame that you hunch over and cup with your hand and pray will not be extinguished by all the storm that howls about. If you hold onto that flame, great things can be constructed around it that are massive and powerful and world changing – all held up by the tiniest of ideas”
Can you tell us about your approach to releasing ‘moods’ rather than seasonal collections?
A Mood is much longer-lived than a season, and for me can span the course of a several seasons or even a year or more. Moods place less emphasis on designing for fast turnaround seasons and more emphasis on the quality and longevity of the collections. The pieces must have a good lifespan and a sense of timelessness so they can continue to sell. It’s still an experimental model, as the conventional fashion model has been about volume and margin underpinning growth for a very long time.
Doing things slowly and thoughtfully slows this cycle but does present some challenges as any change does. The benefit to our customers is that they are buying fashion that lasts and that they feel relevant and fashionable in, they are supporting something good. I like designing for a feeling more than a trend.
Can you tell us more about your latest release: Kin?
Kin isn’t a mood, it’s a capsule — a micro-collection creating a little space between moods. We’re moving out of our New Bohemia mood but have not found our next mood yet. Right now, with so many people watching their wallets, it doesn’t feel quite like the right time to plunge into a full mood.
The Kin capsule is inspired by the bond between my sister Ella and me. We’ve grown up alongside each other, and have always shared clothes, secrets, joys and sadnesses. I like to think of it as a salute to long-lived loves and the enormous comfort of familiar things that change slowly over time.
It’s a shirting capsule, featuring the three blouses we’re best known for: the BowBlouse (which is my favourite), Ruffle Blouse (which is Ella’s favourite) and the Everyday Blouse (which is our customers’ favourite). We’ve made them up in some beautiful limited-edition fabrics, including a tea-coloured Swiss Dot cotton that I’ve been saving, a hazel gingham that we used several moods ago and people have asked after, a new poplin in the colour of a winter sea and the organic cottons that we keep returning to and love.
What is unique about sisterhood to you from your experience?
I don’t know if it is unique but my sister has my back whatever is going on. We love
to surf together; it’s something that lights our souls and builds an even deeper connection. She also comes to me for fashion advice and I go to her for advice on cooking, life, relationship, parenting…!
Can you provide our readers with an idea of what a typical day-in-the-life looks
like for you?
It can be calm or chaotic depending on the amount of juggling I am doing with my children. I am trying very hard to be more organised in 2023 but always seem to run late. My day usually looks a bit like this: wake up 6.30am / meditate 15 mins / drop kids to train / coffee * water – go over schedule and work out what I need to achieve and focus on / might plan a surf or exercise if I can / work 10am-5pm then an hour or two at night after dinner / meditate again later once kids are down / sleep. I eat late
in am and try and eat a meal with kids to catch up on the day. I try to keep days calm and focused, but let’s face it sometimes you have to surrender to what is.
Are there any Mahsa pieces or textiles from your current and past moods you have more of an affinity with and why?
Tweed, muslin and the leaf print. Tweed is nostalgic and reminds me of my grandmother. My muslin Gentleman Classic Shirt reminds me of my Mum in the ’70s — she wore something similar with old denim flares. And my leaf print is special because it is the first print I developed and it pays homage to the bushscape I live in.
How do you manage a work/life balance? What are your non-negotiables?
I don’t drink a lot, I eat plant-based and wholefoods, and I surf. I exercise. Good food is
also really important to me. Being in nature and around open-hearted humans is also
non-negotiable.
What do you hope to achieve this year both professionally and personally?
Drop a new Mood, have a holiday, surf, read and lots of sleeping.
What is your mantra/quote to live by?
One foot in front of the other, one day at a time.
Quick-fire questions
A book I’ve read recently… 8 Rules of Love by Jay Shetty.
My go-to outfit formula for winter… Denim, boots, trench or overcoat, shirt, silver hoops, or chain.
A recipe I always come back to… House style: Guacamole – avos lemon, sea salt, pepper, cumin and a fresh pack of corn chips.
My favourite surfing spot… Piha, as it is where I fell in love with surfing.
The item at the top of my wish list… new longboard and wetsuit.
Beauty products I recommend to everyone…
- Sans [ceuticals] Activator 7 Body Oil
- Sans [ceuticals] Bioactive Body Exfoliant
- Sans [ceuticals] Superdose Sleep Infusion Masque
This season I’m splurging on… Underwear, wetsuit, Sophie Buhai.
My most cherished item in my home is… My Noguchi lamp.
Somewhere everyone should go/attend at least once in their lifetime… Milford Track or any of the great hikes, surfing on sunset.
Explore ‘Kin’ and the many Moods of Mahsa online now.
