Move over Mena – Salt & Light Threads is a daring brand new fashion line that vows to wow. The fashion line is owned by fashion designer/stylist Janice Brown (Bejanjan Style) and is made up of original, Pacific and couture inspired pieces. Her label burst onto the scene this year and so far has heads turning.
With over 7 years experience as an in store and wardrobe stylist, and a keen eye on fashion design, Janice is keen to carve her name in the fashion world. I spoke to the trailblazing Samoan designer.
1) Where were you born and where do you live now?
Janice Brown was born in Samoa but was raised in Auckland New Zealand, having relocated to Brisbane four years ago. She’s the fashion brains behind the new label Salt and Threads that was launched this year.
2) What made you to get into fashion?
I have always had a keen eye on fashion when I was growing up. I got into fashion retail at the age of 18, and developed my love of styling and design from there. Fashion caught my eye at a very young age as a way of reflecting my inner creativity and being able to tell people who I am and what I represent from how I carry myself, and fashion plays a huge part in painting this picture. What people wear, speaks a lot about who they are.
3) Who or what are your fashion influences?
Coco chanel has been an iconic influence for the pure fact that she changed the way women dressed and were portrayed in a “Man’s world”. It inspired me to bring something new to the table instead of blending in with the trends. I aim to bring a lot of my Pacific Island heritage into main stream fashion so that it doesn’t only cater to Pacific Islanders but to all fashionistas
My mother Seiafi Taouma Fatialofa has always been my creative trail blazer growing up, she was an interior decorator and always oozing with impeccable style, so I grew up in a world full of colour, culture and creativity which is where I gain my inspirations from.
4) What do you hope to achieve with your label?
Overall I want to bring a piece of who I am incorporated into my label. Biggest part of my label is supporting charities and non-profit organizations, behind all the glitz and glamour we aim to have depth and not just surface! We want to help people achieve their dreams and live life the way everyone has the right to. We are launching a Mens line called OSI exclusively in New Zealand in 2012, and also a childrens line, shoes and accessories as future growth.
5) What’s your fashion tip for summer 2011?
Have no limits with colour!! One of the trends i am loving this season is COLOUR BLOCKING ..wearing bold and bright colours together..I think our Pacific women are the inventors of this trend without even knowing it.
Check out Janice’s website: www.saltandlightthreads.com.au
sita November 25, 2011
i am totally inspired by this article! i am in love with the exquisite detail to the designs, and how traditional aspects of the island culture are effortlessly woven into each masterpiece. Thank you Janice Brown for blessing us with your great gift, and hopefully more of the world get to behold such talent. Truly an inspiration to us younger island girls that hard work gets results