FASHION-LISA BROWN

FASHION

About

LISA BROWN

Lisa Brown is a person and a label. An Australian owned, Australian made label focused on creating pieces that will be loved for years to come. Driven by intuition and creativity, her designs are individual, feminine and timeless. All collections are made locally in limited runs, so each garment is one of few. This exclusivity is a result of the measures taken to prioritise ethically conscious practices throughout the entire production process. Slow fashion is the way forward. A sentimentalist at heart, Lisa loves to custom make bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, formal dresses, statement pieces and for other special occasions by request.

HER STORY

The eponymous label was born on the Queensland coastline from Lisa’s creative flair in designing for her own wardrobe. Inspired by vintage collectibles, bohemian style, free-flowing fabrics and the unusually beautiful, Lisa was often approached by curious individuals wanting to know where she shopped. Commissioned originally to create one-off pieces for clients, Lisa’s designs were gaining word of mouth acclaim. In the summer of 2006, she took a leap of faith and launched her namesake label with an exclusive, limited edition collection of original designs. The rest is history. Her

designs are now loved by women all over the world.

CONSCIOUS CREATIONS

The designs are made in Australia by local machinists who share the same appreciation for beautiful, well-made garments out of responsibly sourced materials. The Lisa Brown label remains one of very few Australian labels to operate in this way.

CELEBRATING WOMEN

Most importantly to Lisa, is creating a fashion label that women of all ages, shapes and sizes love to wear. Made by women, for women, Lisa Brown is an ode to unapologetic femininity and strong women everywhere.

Designing Woman

You started in 2006 – what was the reason for taking that first big step?

I started making my own clothes and selling to a small local boutique prior to that although 2006 was a big step for me. I participated in ‘The Source’ at Sydney Fashion Week, which is where I started to increase my wholesale clients. At one point I was supplying 70 stores throughout the country.

You pride yourself on being Australian owned and made. Why do so in the era of offshore everything and have you been amazed at the skill of your artisan machinists?

I love the fact that we can keep the local artisans continuing their craft. I feel some kind of responsibility with the Lisa Brown label to keep this going, however, it is becoming harder and harder to find local manufacturers. I will keep using my skilled local machinists whilst the Lisa Brown label is alive.

Do you have a particular woman in mind when you design?

No one in particular. I feel the label is based more around lifestyle. It has been described as beach to bar attire, but I would like to think the label has evolved and has a few more event pieces now.

Do you have any designers or creatives who have inspired you?

I love Olivier Rousteing’s story. He is such a talent. He started at 18 with Roberto Cavalli and is now the creative director for Balmain, a position he has held since 2011.

Any famous clients that you can mention?

Kate Hudson was here shooting a movie and bought one of my dresses and a necklace from the Tedder Avenue boutique years ago. I’ve also spotted Venus Williams, Kris Jenner and Aussies Delta Goodrem, Dani Minogue and Shelley Craft wearing my brand which gives me a real thrill.

Your clothes are in the main boho/vintage and very individualistic – has the creative process become easier over the years?

To be honest it has become a little harder, so much has been done before and trying to find interesting fabric has become harder during the shutdowns across the globe. I’m thinking 2022 will be a great year and hoping we all get back to some kind of normal.

Has the rise in online shopping over the past two years changed the way you market your designs?

I had my head in the sand for a while with social media platforms until a few years ago. I have had to employ someone to assist with the marketing and increasing the profile of the label. Instagram and Facebook advertising have increased our online sales significantly. I have downsized the wholesale side of the business since the early days but still have about a dozen loyal stores I supply throughout the country.

Besides footwear, are there plans to expand into other areas?

I am working on a younger label with my daughters which is gratifying and fun.