Photo courtesy: Leanne Buckle Frew Photography.
Lisa Brown was awarded the Supreme Award at the 2008 NRA AFDA for her stunning entry in the Lifestyle Collections. Lisa Brown also had a sensational long grecian style modern gown in the finals of Couture and a popular white cotton girlswear collection as a finalist in Childrenswear.
This vivacious young mum and designer was the talk of the night with her unique designs. Though her childrenswear at this stage is not commercially designed, the win will give Lisa the launch pad to take all facets of her design to the next level. Di Cant and Lisa sat and chatted after her win.
Q: Lisa, congratulations on winning the Supreme Award at the 2008 NRA ADFA. How does it feel to win the number one award in Australia for fashion design?
A: It feels surreal. It is fantastic for my label and nice to be recognised after a lot of years plugging away at it.
Q: Let's rewind the story of the label Lisa Brown. When did it all begin? Was there a formal design education at a recognised college or TAFE?
A: I have always been creating, since my early teens, before I could even sew a stitch. I would cut, bleach, tie knots design something a little different to my friends. There has been no formal training, although I recommend it to young designers because it has taken me a lot longer to learn about the industry on my own.
Q: Did you always make your own clothes?
A: Not at all. I used to get a lot of hand-me-downs being the youngest of six. I was always into creativity though, whether it was painting, drawing or playing with outfits.
Q: How do you manage to design and manufacture this superb range of clothing and then sell it to retailers? Do you have help? Who does the pattern making, cutting and sewing and then the selling to the retailers? Or do you have an agent?
A: It is extremely hard to juggle it all at times as I have a husband and two gorgeous girls. I have a pattern maker and a sewer/cutter and I look after sales, but I am about to have someone do that job as my retail outlets grow. I also have a fabulous PR/Marketing girl who is busy attracting new clients.
Q: When did children's wear become a part of the Lisa Brown brand? Was it because every mother would remark on how you dressed your girls?
A: Yes, it was definitely inspired by comments from people regarding my daughters' outfits and style.
Q: What inspires you most when you sit down to create a new collection?
A: Women. I want to make them feel 'dreamy, feminine and sexy'.
Q: You use unique fabrics - a real point of difference - where do you source your fabrics? Do you create a range of washable designs?
A: I have many different Australian fabric company sources, but I play with colours and have my own fabric printing designs which are inspired by some vintage pieces I have collected over the years. Most of my silks are washable, almost all of my products actually. I need them to be easy-care with my lifestyle.
Q: How has winning the NRA AFDA and being judged by some of this country's best judges affected your business?
A: It has given me more confidence and drive to keep pursuing my dream of having a thriving business along with a fun, healthy lifestyle.
