DESIGNER Vision
A love of fashion, creativity and craft motivated Lisa Brown to found her own label which has evolved to perfectly capture the Gold Coast lifestyle of laid-back luxury. “I was working in a boutique and surrounded by beautiful clothes,” Lisa recalls. “You could say I had champagne tastes on a red cordial budget! The move to making my own clothes happened organically. I was hand-sewing bags, decorating them with shells. I had some sewing skills from High School, and my mother in law gave me some tips. “I made my first outfit from lovely silk and it went into the boutique window and sold instantly. From there, I just kept designing and creating.” 16years later, her eponymous brand is beloved by fashionistas internationally, prized for its wardrobe staples – blouses, pants and dresses that have become foundation pieces of the brand – complemented by seasonal collections. It hasn’t always been easy. Fashion is a competitive business and bears the brunt of economic downturns, such as the GFC and in 2020, Covid-19 and its impacts. “Thankfully, we produce our range locally which gives us more control. Our range is not mass produced, it’s handmade, exclusive, short runs, and the foundation pieces that people want. I buy fabric through local importers, which removes a lot of complications.” From a peak of 70 stores, Lisa Brown has reduced her distribution to 20 or so nationally, including her boutique at Mermaid Beach, studio at Miami and online sales. Over the years, the brand has evolved from four foundation styles to encompass more variety, more tailoring. “I have certainly honed my business skills along the way. One thing I regret 8 / SUMMER 2021
is not getting into social media when it first emerged. Instagram and Facebook are very effective sales tools. We now have a social media expert working with us. My daughters, who are 19 and 20, are always around to advise me. They don’t have ambitions to take up the reins, but they are great advisers.” In 2020, the spring/summer collection from Lisa Brown will feature “relaxed, low key lounge wear and special pieces for events and parties”.
Looking ahead to 2021, Lisa is anticipating visiting family over the border and welcoming them to her Gold Coast home. “When my sister visits from Sydney, she loves the vibe and the lifestyle here. There’s a brightness and a spark that’s unique to the Gold Coast.” More than anything, Lisa is hopeful for a return to optimism. “I’m hoping for more events, more to celebrate.”
“This year has been a challenge for everyone,” says Lisa. “I feel like we’re ready to emerge and celebrate with pretty, feminine pieces. I’ve revived prints in our new range. I’ve been working with fabrics with chevron prints and florals, and there will be the braiding on necklines and sleeves, folding and draping, which we’re known for.” Lisa draws inspiration from the natural elements, the sand, sky, sunsets, earthy tones and classic white. “Surfing is my outlet, my escape. I surf at Nobby Beach every day. I have to admit. I prefer it to designing!” Creative input also comes from boutiques with feedback direct from their customers. “I have a very close relationship with wholesalers,” she says. “I develop pieces from their requests for white linen, lace, dresses, blouses – whatever’s in demand.” Aside from the longevity of her designs, Lisa says the quality of the fabrics she chooses defines her brand. “We use real silk, beautiful prints and create versatile pieces, a mix of everything that will take you from beach to bar. You just change from espadrilles to heels.”
Lisa Brown Boutique Shop 1, Glenelg Ave, Mermaid Beach lisabrown.com.au
