Designer Kirsha Whitcher
Based Hawkes Bay
Established in 2006 by designer Kirsha Whitcher, the Salasai label has quickly gained a reputation as being a major player in New Zealand fashion, known for its effortlessly cool and sophisticated codes on dressing, for the modern woman. Now in its 6th season and gradually building a strong reputation for quality, fashion forward design, Salasai has shown consecutive collections at Air New Zealand Fashion Week and at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week showrooms 2008.
Whitcher uses her understanding of design and innovative approach in fashion to create ranges that are cohesive, audacious and feminine. Enlisting the talents of Dutch graphic designer Anouska Vandercamp, Whitcher manages to capture a nonchalant and effortless mix of colour and shape within her exclusive prints, ensuring the ranges maintain its directional and personalized appeal. "The prints enhance the spirit of the Salasai woman. She's smart, sassy and strong and she doesn't have to try so hard. Everything about her is effortless and quietly confident", says Salasai stylist, Dan Ahwa.
Salasai Winter 2009 collection, 'Cruel + Kind' has featured in magazine editorials such as NO magazine, Black, Pulp, Cleo, Fashion Quarterly, Next and In Style; as well as making appearances on www.vogue.com.au and in various Australian and New Zealand newspapers where the label is a favourite amongst fashion editors. The label also gained international recognition when RnB songstress Rihanna purchased the 'Suit Jacket Dress' (Summer 2009) from Brisbane boutique, Apartment.
Since the very first range ‘Best wishes from Salasai’, Whitcher has perfected the unique style that defines the quintessential Salasai women: capturing youthfulness, unassuming confidence and understated ‘coolness’ in garments designed and constructed in New Zealand.
Sold in leading boutiques throughout New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong, Whitcher’s focus is now on establishing representation in the Asia Pacific and European regions. With a strong creative team of people around her, Salasai is fast becoming an integral part of the future of genuine New Zealand fashion design.