SHIMMA MARIE X
BEC + BRIDGE

Australian model and creative Shimma Marie is the epitome of minimalist chic, and the essence of physical beauty. We partnered with Shimma to style our latest collection 'REMINISCE' on a sun-drenched European summer, and spoke to the model about her effortless holiday styling, travelling tips and must-do's while in Europe.
 
Read on for our conversation with Shimma.

How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?

I would describe my personal style as minimalistic, I always build an outfit around one statement piece and go from there. Monochromatic looks, layering, pops of colour in the summer, depends on the day!

Welcome back to Australia! We’re so excited to have you here, what are you enjoying the most about being in Sydney?

Thank you - I am so happy to be back here… spending time in Sydney over summer is such a welcome break from New York Winter. I really enjoy coming here and having a ‘working holiday’ - being able to go to the beach after a job is so special and not something you get to do anywhere else. It’s also so great to be able to spend time with my boyfriend's family and catch up with friends.

What is your favourite piece from our 'REMINISCE' collection?

My favourite look from the Reminisce collection would have to be the Paloma corset and pant. Just add a red lip and some gold jewels and you have yourself the perfect look for a European summer night.

What are your ultimate wardrobe staples?

Ultimate wardrobe staples would have to be an oversized blazer, a corset, mini skirt, and a long sleeve button up! You can play mix and match with each of these key pieces a build a super strong look.

Do you have a favourite Sydney beach?

I used to always gravitate towards Bronte, but on this trip, I have spent more and more time at the harbour beaches, particularly Redleaf and Camp Cove. I love the little ocean pool at Redleaf with the floating pontoons that you can swim out to, and Camp Cove has the clearest most amazing water to swim in… both have great kiosks with great coffee.

What's your vice, guilty pleasure?

My vice (especially in euro summer) would have to be an Aperol spritz, oysters, oh and… any kind of carb haha

A skill you’re working on mastering?

A skill I’m working on mastering is the art of travelling solo. I’ve been doing it a lot for work and I’m starting to have the routine down. Firstly bring a good book, secondly a great playlist to walk around feeling like the main character to hahaha, next instead of sitting in the hotel room force yourself to go out and get dinner and a drink (bring a book or a good podcast.) lastly it can be fun if you take some kind of online lesson to learn a bit of the language from the country you’re in! I’ve almost got it down to a science.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a model?

The most rewarding aspect of being a model would have to be hearing that someone bought a piece of clothing because they have a similar body type to me and realised they could wear it too. That really makes my heart happy! Also working with a group of amazing creatives to bring beautiful garments to life and meeting inspiring people everyday!

In your recent travels through Europe, what has been your favourite place and why?

Throughout my Euro summer travels I have fallen in love with so many places but if I had to pick my favourites I would have to say Menorca in Spain, it’s one of the most magical places I have ever been. The beaches, the people, the architecture , honestly it is heaven. Greece is also absolutely incredible and I would go back in a heart beat!

What do you miss the most about NY and London?

My sister and best friends and family, I have such a special relationship with those closest to me and the opposite time zone makes them feel very far away. Both New York and London can feel very busy and at times overwhelming, so it’s lovely to be able to step away from that energy for a moment to reset and be excited to get back.

Looking back 8 years ago in 2014, you featured as the face of our Spring campaign. We’ve loved watching you grow over the years. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in that time?

I remember this shoot with you so well! It was my first ever job ever in Sydney and happened to be the day after I had landed from London and it was just so hot…. Pierre (who shot it) and I were actually reminiscing about this day and the heat of the cactus garden only the other day as we were on another very hot job together. This trip in 2014 when I shot with you was one of the first overseas trips I ever did as a model… and I have learnt much since then - about myself and the industry. I guess I am just so incredibly grateful for everything that this job has given me and all the lessons that it has taught me… I frequently think about how truly lucky I feel that this is the way I get to spend my days

How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?

Quite casual… I tend to gravitate towards tees / boxers / jeans most days, but can also really appreciate dressing up a little more for an occasion… the dress that you so kindly sent me, a few months ago I have worn for every occasion I’ve had recently and I always get so many compliments, so thank you for adding to my wardrobe essentials.

What is your favourite piece from our Autumn collection?

I really love the silky champagne coloured dress with the green stripe at the top. It actually reminds me of the dress I just mentioned in the question before… I am a creature of habit and always seem to gravitate towards similar pieces.

You’re an innate creative, where and how do you feel your most creative self coming out?

I think when I have the space (physically and mentally) that allows me to be creative. There are times when it feels like ‘life’ takes over and I’m ‘too busy’ and I realise I haven’t been creative for myself in so long. Or vice versa I have too much free time and feel uninspired to do anything… but in all honesty, both are just excuses and I know that when I do take a moment to invest time into creating, it brings me so much joy.

What’s something you can’t live without?

Time to myself. It’s taken me a while to realise how important this is to me as I also love being around my partner and friends… but having an hour or so in the morning to meditate or call my family or practice yoga has become so invaluable to me.

Tell us your European vacation essentials?

European vacation essentials would have to be a good book (for in between ocean dips.) Sunscreen for face and body is a must!! Oh and your favourite pair of sunglasses!

What can we expect to see from you in the next few years?

In the next few years you can expect to see me tackle the US market, and hopefully keep progressing in my career. I’d also love to work with an organisation that provides help and support for people struggling with mental health or the family’s of those who are struggling! It’s something I hold very close to my heart so that is a must for me.


SHIMMA MARIE X
BEC + BRIDGE

Australian model and creative Shimma Marie is the epitome of minimalist chic, and the essence of physical beauty. We partnered with Shimma to style our latest collection 'REMINISCE' on a sun-drenched European summer, and spoke to the model about her effortless holiday styling, travelling tips and must-do's while in Europe.
 
Read on for our conversation with Shimma.

How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?

I would describe my personal style as minimalistic, I always build an outfit around one statement piece and go from there. Monochromatic looks, layering, pops of colour in the summer, depends on the day!

How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?

I dress very much how I feel. I think I have a very classy, easy look. I pay a lot attention to good fabrics. I am not a fan of much color and I do love jewelry very much. Everything happens very instinctively.

What is your favourite piece from our 'REMINISCE' collection?

My favourite look from the Reminisce collection would have to be the Paloma corset and pant. Just add a red lip and some gold jewels and you have yourself the perfect look for a European summer night.

What are your ultimate wardrobe staples?

Raw denim and a good shirt - in combination with the right jewelry, this outfit can go any way.

What is your favourite piece from our 'REMINISCE' collection?

I really love the transparent pieces as well as the green shiny blouse.

What are your ultimate wardrobe staples?

Ultimate wardrobe staples would have to be an oversized blazer, a corset, mini skirt, and a long sleeve button up! You can play mix and match with each of these key pieces a build a super strong look.

What's your vice, guilty pleasure?

My vice (especially in euro summer) would have to be an Aperol spritz, oysters, oh and… any kind of carb haha

A skill you’re working on mastering?

To choose my thoughts with mindfulness.

How/when did your iconic 'elevator selfie' come about?

To be honest, I don’t remember. It was years ago now when I took my first selfie inside this elevator - to me it was/is just a normal elevator which I used daily so taking a selfie came naturally.

How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?

I dress very much how I feel. I think I have a very classy, easy look. I pay a lot attention to good fabrics. I am not a fan of much color and I do love jewelry very much. Everything happens very instinctively.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

I have so many big and small artists or personalities I admire for so many different reasons - if it is a personal vision, advice, style, attitude... and of course there are some artist I always come back to, to search for more. To me inspiration is everywhere. I think sometimes it is more important to have the ambition to be inspired.

 

I can give you one quote from Cary Grant who meant a lot to me at the time I found it as it is still one key advice to success (whatever success means to you):

 

‘I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be until finally I became that person. Or he became me.’

Which art trends inspire your current work?

I don’t like the imagination that protecting the earth became a trend as this should be a normal, everyday thing for any of us. But I am currently working on a garden project that came instinctively but feels so right into this time. It is all about understanding Mother Nature in a better, more intense way.  

A skill you’re working on mastering?

A skill I’m working on mastering is the art of travelling solo. I’ve been doing it a lot for work and I’m starting to have the routine down. Firstly bring a good book, secondly a great playlist to walk around feeling like the main character to hahaha, next instead of sitting in the hotel room force yourself to go out and get dinner and a drink (bring a book or a good podcast.) lastly it can be fun if you take some kind of online lesson to learn a bit of the language from the country you’re in! I’ve almost got it down to a science.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a model?

The most rewarding aspect of being a model would have to be hearing that someone bought a piece of clothing because they have a similar body type to me and realised they could wear it too. That really makes my heart happy! Also working with a group of amazing creatives to bring beautiful garments to life and meeting inspiring people everyday!

 

In your recent travels through Europe, what has been your favourite place and why?

Throughout my Euro summer travels I have fallen in love with so many places but if I had to pick my favourites I would have to say Menorca in Spain, it’s one of the most magical places I have ever been. The beaches, the people, the architecture , honestly it is heaven. Greece is also absolutely incredible and I would go back in a heart beat!

Tell us your European vacation essentials?

European vacation essentials would have to be a good book (for in between ocean dips.) Sunscreen for face and body is a must!! Oh and your favourite pair of sunglasses!

What can we expect to see from you in the next few years?

In the next few years you can expect to see me tackle the US market, and hopefully keep progressing in my career. I’d also love to work with an organisation that provides help and support for people struggling with mental health or the family’s of those who are struggling! It’s something I hold very close to my heart so that is a must for me.

How has your artistic style changed over time?

I think it is the perspective towards life, coming from all of your experiences good or bad, which shape your view on art, fashion… life in general, and at least on yourself, constantly new. And as our ambition should be to evolve every day, change came and will keep coming in everything I do, feel and in general existence. I grew up with with my job. And I am still growing up and I am at a point in my life where I want to feel more mature and I think you can see this in the whole progress I show in my work.

Describe your dream project?

I just bought a house in Tuscany so this is and always was one of my dream projects, and surely will be one for lifetime.

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