Back to the future

Salasai fashion designer Kirsha Whitcher. Photo / Babiche Martens

Kirsha Whitcher will present her latest Salasai collection, called Blu Colla Lovers, at NZ Fashion Week next Wednesday, inspired by the pop culture references of the past. Think Stephen Sprouse, 60s news articles and recurring Salasai muses Grace Jones, Neneh Cherry and Madonna.

This is the third time the Hawkes Bay-based label will show at ANZFW since launching in 2006. Since then Whitcher, who previously worked as head womenswear designer at Mooks, has quietly but confidently evolved her label and signature aesthetic of understated cool. Her designs, which combine elements of androgyny, streetwear and effortless sophistication, have won over fans like Rihanna, who last year bought herself a Salasai suit jacket dress while she was in Australia.

Whitcher took time out from busily preparing for her Wednesday afternoon show to talk us through her 10 favourite things right now.

1. M.A.C lipstick in Twig

This was given to me as a gift from my sponsor M.A.C, and I wear it every day; it's become my reliable lip source to make me feel great. I have one in the car, one in my bag and one at home.

2. Martin Popplewell plate

Martin is an artist whom I admire for his childlike use of text and colour. Messy and unpolished, broken and wonky, his work is just so clever and quirky. I've been collecting some bits - my favourite piece is the "Dr. Strange Love" ceramic plate which has earned a wall all of its own in my house.

3. Vintage The Face magazines

My collection of 1980's and 1990's The Face magazines - for some really interesting reading and opinions on fashion, film, pop icons and underground figures of that time. I've just purchased issue 38 from 1983 and am reading a great article called "Androgyny - confused chromosomes" by John Savage, with reference to Grace Jones. Fantastic.

4. RayBans

I love these so much that I got my corrective lenses put into them so I can drive with them on. They are a very cool and classic shape - it has worked in the past, works now and will work in the future.

5. Narciso Rodriguez perfume

This has such a mysterious essence, and when I researched the fragrance I found out that it is an Egyptian musk. It has a definite love or hate reaction but I love it - it's very sensual, serious and discerning.

6. "K" Log necklace by Karen Walker

K, for Kirsha. It was bought for me three years ago and it has never been off since. It is a quirky woodgrain capital K in silver and has become my mainstay without me knowing it!

7. Aroha Lamour

My favourite store, at 14 Hastings St in Napier. It can only be described as a community store dealing with the best of New Zealand fashion, products, art, furniture and homeware. www.houseofaroha.co.nz.

8. Commence accessories

We have the privilege of working with Leanne and Barry from Commence for our accessories, and this collaboration was born out of a friendship we've had since student days and chosen for the strong edge that Commence brings to Salasai. The leather work done for the winter 2010 collection I'm showing at Air NZ Fashion Week is sharp and sophisticated again, with that dark edge to it.

9. Kelly Thompson illustrations

I have three prints which I adore, they all have a real Art Nouveau feel and feature three women created using acrylic, coloured pencils, Indian ink and photoshop. These prints featured in Karen magazine and I tracked this girl down to get these, as they are an ode to the past for me.

10. Salasai "Josephine dress"

From my spring/summer 2010 collection, "Siren of the Tropics". This dress is a favourite of mine, in lolly red. It's simple, effective and unassuming, and the best part is the way you wear it. It'll be hot for summer.