I just discovered Salasai, a pastiche of punk rock, 80s excess, clashing colours and patterns in a throwback to revolutionary fashion and strong women. Bold, daring and unfalteringly independent, the Salasai woman takes no prisoners. With mismatched layers that inspire a ‘go fuck yourself’ sort of charm, Salasai’s winter collection throws convention to the wind, and paints the usual dreary grey in a rainbow of screaming shades. I was particularly drawn to the knits- a first for Salasai- that feature bleeding, vibrant colours and hand-woven, irregular texture on a slouchy silhouette. Lucky for me, I got to chat with Salasai designer Kirsha Whitcher about the inspiration behind her foray into a woolly winter…
What's the new Salasai collection about?
Pop culture collage of allsorts includes vernacular and jargon from 60's news articles, Stephen Sprouse, and the type of attire dictated by shapes and silhouettes that defined the strength of women from yesteryear.
What inspired the knitwear?
Love of texture and craft made fashion, it adds luxury to the range.
You've chosen some bold colours for winter; how important is colour to Salasai?
Colour is super important, we do bold, we always do, colour is direct and impactual.
If there was a sound track for this collection, what would it be?
Melissa Etheridge - Like the way I do
Who is the ultimate Salasai woman?
The quintessential Salasai woman: capturing youthfulness, unassuming confidence and understated ‘coolness’, androgynous, strong and independent- Madge, Kate Moss, Yoko Ono, Grace Jones.
What's next for Salasai?
Unisex- we're introducing boys... can’t wait!
If you weren't designing, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t designing I would be vintage furniture collector, as it is another passion of mine.