A masterful stylist whose passion for fashion has taken him around the world, Sammy Salsa shares what sparked his interest in the fashion industry, the unglamorous side to styling, and why everyone should be able to participate in fashion.
Tell us about yourself. What are you passionate about?
I’m a freelance fashion stylist and creative director. I’m passionate about being the best human being, telling stories through clothing, and my family and friends.
Why did you pursue a career in fashion?
I have always been interested in fashion from a young age. My parents inspired me — they always dressed so cool in the 80s and 90s. They immigrated to New Zealand in the 70s and made the most of what they had (which was very little at the time), but they always looked so damn good!
This certainly influenced my journey into fashion as a stylist — my job is to create a fantasy and tell stories through clothing.
What do you love the most about fashion styling?
To be given a blank canvas. How we interpret a look and our creative aesthetic will determine how someone feels about it. There’s power in that as you can influence people’s relationships with clothing.
Being of Samoan and Niuean heritage, you have always championed inclusivity in the fashion industry. How can we do better to reflect our diverse society?
Our industry needs to first understand the difference between being ‘inclusive’ and being ‘diverse’. You can’t have one without the other — they need to co-exist alongside each other for progression. There are so many layers when it comes to being more inclusive and diverse, but I feel this is the first and most important step.
We as an industry need to research and educate our teams because without any action, there is no movement towards a more inclusive industry.
I have had my fair share of negative and racist experiences in the fashion industry, but that sort of shit has made me even more hungry to be one of the best stylists, not for the industry but myself.
You believe in uplifting younger BIPOC & pacific designers — this year, you were the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show’s creative director. What’s your advice to these emerging creatives in what’s often regarded as a white-dominated and cut-throat industry?
There is a place for you in the fashion industry. Fashion should be for everyone. If the space doesn’t exist, then create your own!
Tell us about the two shoots you styled for Fashion Quarterly’s winter issue. What was the creative process for styling like, and what inspired you?
The inspiration for the ‘Future Is Bright’ cover shoot was Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington. I wanted the looks to either compliment or accentuate the whimsical space with all the different colours on the walls, patterned carpets, and unique furniture. It was important to ensure the clothing was fun, chic and fashionable.
My second shoot, ‘A Tuscan Escape’, shot at the beautiful Hamilton Gardens, was destined to be super high-fashion and edgy. The gardens were the perfect location to help transport the reader to a fancy world — think Alice in Wonderland on full fashion throttle! I’m always inspired by different shapes, textures and clashing prints and colours — this shoot was no exception.
Is fashion styling as glamorous as people think it is?
Life in itself is never glamorous, don’t believe the hype!
What’s the fashion trend of 2022 you love or loathe?
You know what, I usually don’t follow trends. Fashion should be fun and never taken too seriously….but I want cargo shorts and pants to make a proper comeback on the main fashion circuit!
