Meet Sunflowerseed Vintage, a Perth-based vintage label to keep your eye on

With Perth's clothing label scene fast becoming one of the coolest in the country, we've decided to shine a light on some emerging labels who've caught our eye recently.

Sunflowerseed Vintage is a local label selling pre-loved wares online. Established in Perth Australia, solo operator Kaila Grant is the responsible young stylist and creative. She's well known amoung the community for collaborating with other local labels, establishing models and photographers. All her products are hand picked with love and shot and styled with dedication. The imagery produced for Sunflower not only works to sell her products, but is successful in creating a visually appealing digital journal on their Instagram. Each photo encapsulates the vibe to which each era the garment belongs to. This could explain why Sunflower has become so popular in a short amount of time, having reached a following of 16,000 people. Lately, her focus on the 60’s and 70’s, she’s most inspired by a Californian summer vibe. 

Check out Sunflowerseed's INSTAGRAM and WEBSITE.

Can you describe Sunflowerseed Vintage in three Words?

Fun, Warm and Wild.

What kind of person would you say wears your label?

 Risk takers, dreamers, creative souls, someone who doesn't like to follow the crowd, and I mean this in the most non clichè way possible. Someone who may have clothes that are the same as other people, but make them totally their own!

What point in your life were you at when you started your label?

 I fell ill with a chronic health condition that completely changed my lifestyle resulting in me having to quit my full time 9-5 job. I needed to stay mentally active and bring in some income, so I saw this as an opportunity to turn this negative situation in my life into a positive and actually do something I love and have passion for. I didn't want to work for someone else anymore and I didn't want to just be another number in someone else’s business, so I took the jump in starting my own

What's your proudest moment so far?

Making it into Vogue Australia for the Top 9 Vintage Stores to shop at before Splendour In The Grass!

Is managing your label your only job? Is this your main source of income? 

I run Sunflower on my own so there are a lot of difficulties, I have to stay on the ball. Anyone that has worked in customer service knows there's always ups and downs, challenging customers, copy cats, negativity etc... The key for me is to stay inspired so I never feel like I’m working. Yes; one of my main sources of income but not the sole source.. yet!

What artists, brands or designers inspire you?

 I find myself most inspired when collaborating with local artists, and anything from the 1960s–70s era; fashion, icons, film photography. A great photographer who has been recently inspiring me is @ontheroadwithmelody - she’s from Byron Bay and produces such beautiful pure images. Also the talent and creative agency, @culturemachine.

What’s it like starting a label in the day and age where Instagram is a mega marketing tool? Would you say that it's helped you?

 Instagram is so powerful! Being an online brand, this is where I solely started sunflower. You can reach such a wide audience and it's great.

Where do you hope to see yourself go with Sunflowerseed Vintage?

I would love to travel across the globe to be on set with Sunflowers over east/overseas collabs. It would also be a dream come true to hand pick vintage from all over the world for my customers.

Who’s been involved in making this pursuit a reality?

 When you start out a new business venture it's helpful having support from your friends and family to get started, and I was lucky enough to have a great network. I've had the pleasure of working with so many talented people including models, photographers, hair/makeup artists, stylists and friends lending their lovely homes for me to shoot in (the list goes on). They’ve all helped me on my photoshoots, and donated their time for Sunflower. It's great because we all get to learn and grow together.

What advice would you give to other young creatives looking to pursue a similar path in the fashion industry?

 Think outside the box. Take inspiration from other brands but be careful with how much. Try not to get too distracted and caught up with what others are doing, always focus on your brand and finding your own special vibe. Collaborate with other creatives, learn from each of them, don’t take the negative bumps in the road to heart - they all hold valuable lessons! Most importantly dream big, stay humble and always be kind.

Can you recommend us three creatives you’ve worked alongside to checkout?

  1. @jadejeffriesphotography (Photographer).

2. @samlebib (Photographer).

3. @melmayjackson (Model/Singer).

Photos taken for Sunflowerseed Vintage by Nella Fullard, James Fabri, Madison Mclerie and Samuel Lebib.

Follow Sunflowerseed Vintage: INSTAGRAM/WEBSITE