Samoan designer fights for freedom through fashion
Stunning, gutsy and bold are just some of the words people on social media have used to describe the designs by young Samoan designer Janice Brown Setu-Galo.
The pacific fashionista has been heralded by some for pulling off ‘print on print’ with designs that are putting a definitive stamp on the industry.
But it’s about more than just clothes.
After a decade-long career in the fashion industry left her feeling unsatisfied, she bravely embarked on a new journey.
The creative designer went on several mission trips, and found that she wanted ‘helping people’ to be at the heart of her work every day.
A revelation which became a turning point in her career.
“It came to a point in my life where I really wanted to amalgamate what was in my hand and what was in my heart” said Janice.
And so, Salt & Light Threads was birthed.
The brand combines her passion for fashion and creativity, alongside her innate desire to help others.
“Fashion is just the platform we use to be able to help people in whatever way we can,” said Janice.
The brand has donated towards the Samoa Victims Support Group, is a part of the global movement #itsnotok which raises awareness around human trafficking and has now partnered up with the A21 Campaign who rescue and provide safe homes for victims of human trafficking.
30 percent of profits from every garment sold are donated straight to the A21 Campaign.
Janice says she wanted the brand to shine a light on the issue of human trafficking and raise awareness.
Salt & Light Threads originally started in 2011 as an evening wear couture line and then re-launched in 2013 as a not for profit clothing brand in partnership with her husband & co-owner Riko Setu-Galo.
The designs are a mix of exotic prints, colours and tribal prints inspired by Janice’s Polynesian heritage and places she’s travelled.
Its motto “stitched for whosoever” is applied, literally.
“Our orders come from the United States, New Zealand, Australia and other places” said Janice
“And we custom-make for any size at no extra cost”
Salt & Light Threads has three ambassadors, also known as Fabulights, who Janice says are a reflection of their clientele.
“They’re all from varying sizes and cultures and we want our clients to know that we really are ‘stitched for whosoever.”
The motto is also the theme for their next fashion show, due to be held in June, in Parramatta, Sydney.
Janice says everything in their clothing line is a reflection of the brands name which was inspired by the bible verses Matthew 5:13-14, a metaphor describing the impact of Christians in the world.
“We literally took the meaning of ‘Salt’ and ‘Light’ as the inspiration behind our designs,” said Janice
“If you think about what salt is, it adds flavour”
“So we look at current trends and we try to add flavour and make garments that are uniquely different” she said.
The concept of light is similarly applied throughout the designs.
“It’s bright, it’s colourful, it’s beautiful and it stands out.”
Alongside working with her husband, who she cheekily describes as ‘the trouble maker in the office’, Janice says she finds a huge sense of fulfillment in her work.
“I get to do what I love and I love that people really buy into it and they come along for the journey,” she said,
“but what’s more amazing is that we get to help young girls get back their basic rights to freedom,”
“Salt & Light Threads are clothes that make an impact.”