Danielle Clayton, the super-cool founder of sustainable surfing brand Salt Gypsy talks to Strong in Style about where it all started, her inspiration and fish and chips the New Zealand way.
What made you start Salt Gypsy?
Salt Gypsy began as my personal blog while I worked as a surf guide in the Maldives 2010 – 2012. After so much time working and surfing under the tropical sun I wanted leggings to surf in that would protect my skin from sun damage. Not finding anything in the marketplace from the mainstream surf brands, I made my own and started blogging images wearing the surf leggings.
As I began to field queries on where other chicks could buy these, at the end of 2012 I launched the first iteration of our customisable leggings and the brand you see today was born. Though I’ve shifted from surf leggings as our core product to mix & matchable surf separates, what motivates me to keep going is the frustration of a surf industry & monoculture dominated by bland & copycat design. As women, we have such individual and unique personal styles and I want us to be able to express that while we surf.
Tell us a little about Salt Gypsy and your brand ethos?
Creative collaboration, authenticity, and play form the backbone of our company. Now that I’m 6 years deep into this self-funded business, I’ve seen a lot of what goes into fashion production & industry (aka. a tonne of pollution and waste) which has shot me down the trajectory of restructuring our entire supply chain to be the most sustainable business we can with the resources we have available as a small business.
Where do you get inspiration from for the collections?
Street and catwalk fashion and envisioning what would look rad against an ocean backdrop. I want women to feel good in the gear they’re wearing and bringing their own style to the lineup.
What is your favourite piece from the collection?
Our Navy Gingham Turtleneck rashguard styled with the reversible Drifter bottoms in Candy Pink/Poppy Red.
How would you describe the Salt Gypsy woman?
Someone who has more zinc in their pores than makeup, salt in their hair that’s mistaken for dandruff, far more wrinkles than their high school mates, terribly non-committal to anyone in their life who doesn’t surf, and can fit their entire wardrobe around the boards in their boardbag.
What motivates you to workout / go surfing?
Now that I have a 2 month old baby – getting paddle-fit and feeling strong again is my motivation!
What is your favourite post-surf meal?
A good, cold New Zealand craft beer and fish & chips wrapped in newspaper (the NZ way).
Where is on your travel wishlist?
Central and South America
What is on your playlist?
New Zealand musician, Estere, who describes her music as Electric Blue Witch Hop. She’s rad!
If you hadn’t started Salt Gypsy what would you be doing now?
I have no idea!
Visit www.saltgypsy.com to pre-order the latest collection and be the best dressed surfer in the water.
