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Written for the MASONS blog ~ Creative direction also executed by yours truly.
Imagery by Stephanie Zhai.
Meet Gabi Havens, a Melbourne based freelance wigmaker and hair and make-up artist. We first crossed paths with Gabi on set for our Core campaign back in 2024 and were instantly taken by her infectious energy and passion for her craft. When it came time to choose our next muse for the Street Style series, she was at the top of our list and as an avid vintage shopper, there was no better shoot location than Fitzroy Market.
Originally from the UK, Gabi spent nine years working in the hair, make-up and wigmaking industry across London and Canada’s film and TV scene, landing gigs on productions like Secret Invasion (Disney+), Wednesday and Bridgerton (Netflix). But she felt something was missing.
“I was ready for a change and I’d heard so much about the vibrancy of Melbourne,” she says, so when visa changes made it easier for UK citizens to live and work in Australia, she jumped at the opportunity.
In Melbourne, Gabi found everything she had loved about London, the culture, the creativity, the energy but without the burnout.
“London’s great but it’s massive,” she says. “Melbourne feels big enough while still being liveable. You can do anything here, be anything.”
Since moving, Gabi has focused on wigmaking, crafting custom pieces for theatre, TV and film. It is a niche craft in Australia. The standard is high but the talent pool is small, which has given her the space to refine her skills. From full wigs to facial hair and intricate detail work, wigmaking has become her bread and butter but she still loves the variety she gets from working in hair and make-up too. One day it’s fittings in a theatre. The next, a film set. Then, a campaign shoot. It might be daunting to some, but for Gabi it’s freedom. Every day brings something new and that’s what fuels her.
You can find her incredible work over at @thisisgabihavens
Gabi wears:
Shoes: Rollie Ballet Mary Jane Square Toe in Black Patent
T-shirt: Exotic Import
Trousers: Porter James Sports
Bag: Osoi
Glasses: Miu Miu
Jewellery: Perks and Mini necklace, rings from Paris Argentina (Block Place, Melbourne) and State of Mind boutique (Manly, NSW)
Written for Rollie’s Street Style Series ~ Creative direction also executed by yours truly.
Imagery by Martin Joe.
Meet Zemira Whitehead, a Byron Bay native, freelance writer, model, and creative enthusiast with a love for Brunswick’s best spots. We first became aware of Zemira through her pieces of work for Fashion Journal @fashionjournalmagazine and fell for her effortlessly cool sense of style as well as her candid, conversational tone of voice. We knew she’d make the perfect muse for our Street Style Series showcasing Melbourne-based creatives.
Zemira first connected with Fashion Journal at 16, interning with them during high school. “It was super fun and creative, and I always wanted to come back,” she says. During her creative writing degree, Zemira returned to Melbourne, where she secured an internship with Fashion Journal once again. This led to freelance writing across lifestyle, wellness, fashion, and health, where she honed skills in writing, interviewing, and ideation.
Her passion for writing grew from a childhood love of literature. “I thought I’d be a novelist, that was the dream,” she recalls. While her interest in writing waned in high school, the lockdown reignited her desire to return to creative pursuits. “I craved stimulation and wanted to dive back into the world of literature,” she explains. Reconnecting with her writing allowed her to rediscover a passion she’d always loved. She’s currently reading 1984 by George Orwell, stating it’s a crucial exploration of censorship and power. She’s also drawn to female authors like Patti Smith, Donna Tartt, and Sylvia Plath.
Zemira’s weeks are a mix of work and creativity. With her university studies complete, she balances freelance writing, modelling, and hospitality jobs. “I’m quite social,” she says, enjoying time with friends, attending events, making jewellery and exploring art galleries. Check out the last slide for a list of Zemira’s favourite spots in Melbourne to eat, drink and relax.
As a frequent secondhand shopper, Zemira has a knack for discovering unique treasures, reflecting her love for sustainable fashion and community-based creativity. When asked about her favourite thrift find, she mentions a pair of cowhide kitten heels found at Brunswick Savers for just seven dollars. “They look so expensive! I was stoked with that find,” she says. Zemira carves out a space for creativity in all forms, whether it’s writing, modelling, expressing herself through the clothing she wears or making jewellery. Her journey with Fashion Journal is just the beginning of a career shaped by passion and an undeniable love for storytelling. Keep an eye out for her work, where she brings fresh perspectives and a genuine voice to every piece.
Written for Rollie’s Street Style Series ~ Creative direction also executed by yours truly.
Imagery by Martin Joe.
Meet Mikey Nguyen, a Melbourne-based graphic designer, model and friend of Rollie. We spent the morning with Mikey to chat about identity, creative expression and the importance of community.
Born and raised in the northern suburbs of Naarm, Mikey immersed himself in art and culture, nurturing a deep passion for expressing his identity through a mix of personal experience and creativity.
After studying Communication Design at Swinburne, Mikey found himself exploring various creative spaces. “I’m currently based at Space Between (@spacebetween_) a concept space and gallery that lets me flex my creative muscles. It’s a really arts-focused environment where we’re encouraged to break conventions and push the limits of what’s possible,” Mikey shares. Alongside his work at Space Between, Mikey is also signed with Chadwick Models. You might recognise him from our latest SS24 Campaign, where his natural creative flair came to life in the ‘artist’ persona he embodied.
When asked about his personal style and self-expression, Mikey admits he struggled with his identity after growing up surrounded by predominantly heteronormative white people. “Being queer is an important part of my identity, but it’s not my whole identity,” he explains. “I love the leather scene, street culture and what I see on the runways but really, mainly I just add my own flair to how I dress, ultimately it’s about what makes me feel comfortable and what compliments my body.”
Beyond his work, Mikey has been heavily involved in the Ballroom scene in Naarm. These events, led by and for the Queer POC community, create safe spaces where people can connect and express themselves. “I don’t walk balls as much anymore, but I love being part of a beautiful community where we’ve all shared similar experiences, and we really look out for each other.”
Mikey wears Pace Mens Classic Sneaker Black/White
Written for Rollie’s Street Style Series ~ Creative direction also executed by yours truly.
Imagery by Martin Joe.
Written for the MASONS blog
Imagery by Stephanie Zhai.