Where It All Began… An Interview With Mia Mazzocchi
Meet Mia Mazzocchi, a 2025 Fashion Management graduate from Nottingham Trent University whose passion lies in editorial storytelling and uncovering the creative minds working behind the scenes.
With a lifelong love for writing and reading interviews, Mia launched her very own fashion publication in 2023, Storm Magazine. Created as a space to spotlight inspiring industry talent, her work has already seen her interview talents like fashion stylist Jeanie Annan-Lewin and writer Aswan Magumbe - both of which have since become mentors in her creative journey. We caught up with Mia to talk about building an independent magazine, the art of interviewing, and what’s next as she steps into the industry.
What is it about writing that particularly calls out to you as a way of communicating and exploring fashion?
Writing offers an intimately reflective lens through which to explore fashion, going beyond the surface aesthetic to uncover the human stories, motivations, and cultural shifts driving the industry forward. For Mia, editorial writing and interviewing are less about documenting fashion and more about creating space for meaningful connection and mentorship.
"Powerful conversations can inspire people throughout their personal lives and careers, and I like the idea of platforming creatives who are carving out their own path and making an impact on the industry," Mia explains. "For me personally, I’ve read interviews, think pieces, or conversations that have inspired me, and I hope to do the same for others."
Your work across Storm Magazine and Teeth Magazine celebrates emerging creativity, how have you built a sense of community within these?
In an industry that can often feel fast-paced and transactional, Mia’s approach is rooted in authentic relationships. By prioritising depth and active listening, she has managed to turn individual features into lasting networks of mutual support across the publications she works on.
"I think it comes down to just making genuine connections with the talent that I speak to, one of the best things to come out of speaking with other creatives is the potential to make great friends rather than transactional interactions."
What do you think makes a standout article?
Mia believes that the strength of any piece comes down to thorough preparation and a clear perspective. Rather than skimming the surface, standout fashion journalism requires a willingness to dig deeper and tackle thought-provoking themes with the reader as a priority.
"Research is everything," Mia notes. "Making sure to know your pov and angle to help shape what you are trying to conclude and also keeping the reader in mind. What will they find beneficial from reading this? What can they take away? I’ve read Substack articles that have either really made me think or deeply resonated with me.” She emphasises not to be afraid or overthink when asking the important questions, because “that’s what makes it all the more impactful.”
Fashion journalism and reporting are constantly evolving alongside social media and new forms of digital media. What changes are you seeing in the industry, and how do you think the role of the journalist is changing with it?
As digital culture continues to reshape how media is consumed, the boundaries between traditional editorial writing and content creation are blurring. "Transparently, I’m still figuring out what the new form of journalist is and will evolve into in the future," Mia explains, however she has noticed editors, writers, and content creators adapting to short-form video content. "Social media is at the forefront now”, and building a distinct online presence is quickly becoming a main aspect of journalism: ultimately, “people want to know who they are reading from."
How have you developed a distinctive voice as a writer, particularly when you’re writing for different publications and audiences?
Finding a signature voice in fashion journalism is an everchanging process, especially when balancing multiple publications and distinct audiences. "I am still learning and developing my voice as a writer," Mia shares, "but I love going behind the scenes and talking to creatives who are making amazing art."
What advice would you give to creatives starting out about finding opportunities and getting their voices heard?
"My advice would be to start your own project!" Mia advocates for taking full ownership of your path early on. By creating your own platform, you not only hone your distinct voice but also helps you understand yourself as a creative before working with anyone else. “It also shows eagerness, drive and passion”, sometimes waiting for external opportunities to arise can be frustrating so her motto is to “just do it yourself and put yourself out there because you never know who is looking!”
Where It All Began
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Where It All Began |
Thank you to Mia for giving up her time to speak with the Foundation about her career journey so far. Mia’s experience showcases the expansive ways in which fashion journalism can be applied across multiple disciplines, to craft an original perspective and entwine several creative pursuits.
Inspired by this conversation? Graduate Fashion Foundation has an exciting array of alumni in leading industry roles from education to design, marketing to pattern cutting. In our 35th anniversary year, we’re celebrating our alumni community. Discover the series here.
If you’re a student at a member university, we’d love to hear more about your story, experience and ideas - pitch us a story here.
