YOU SHOULD KNOW: SALT LIKO'S MATT BRUENING
Matt Bruening is a Honolulu-based fashion designer hailing from Makaha, Oahu. You may already know this guy-about-town for his eponymous label of sleek separates and simple-chic accessories (stay tuned for his latest crop of tees), or by his droolworthy Instagram, where he shares a curated glimpse into his life accompanied by poetic captions, further proving his artistic spirit. His creative endeavor that sparked my interest as of late is a women's resort wear line called Salt Liko, designed by Matt using prints by another local talent, Brandy Serikaku.
On its third collection, Salt Liko continues to promote the island vibe, "keeping both women and the destination in mind." As for the spring 2015 collection, here's what Matt had to say:
"The main inspiration is transition. Titled Makani, the wind is the factor of seeking change and embracing new things and new life. So with this collection, we took a nostalgic approach by reintroducing our popular styles and prints, and updating the other prints from previous collections in a different size scale and in new color ways. Overall, the colors of the collection tie in the idea of transition: sunrise colors where you'll see some light blues and creams, to warmer tones of taupe and mauve, to darker colors such as olive and burnt orange, to create the spectrum of the sunset, signifying the end of the day and the start of a new."
To me, the best part is that Salt Liko is totally wearable island attire. The maxi dresses and wide-leg pants can be worn to the beach or dressed up for a wedding or night out, same goes for the mini dresses, crop tops, pocket tees and kimonos. There's even a selection of leggings, for those of us who prefer an even more casual look (and maybe a yoga class or two).
Check out some coveted looks from Salt Liko's spring 2015 collection featuring North Shore model and muse Malia Murphey, then find out Matt's Hawaii favorites and the who, what and where to know now.
LOCAL FAVORITES
FAVORITE BOUTIQUES: Oliver, Clips, KicksHI
FAVORITE RESTAURANTS: The Pig and The Lady, Los Chaparros, Lucky Belly, Town Restaurant, Kahumana Farms, Agu, Helena's Hawaiian Food...I could go on forever, but mostly Japanese, Mexican, Local fusion, etc.
IDEAL ISLAND STAYCATION: Camping all the weekend at Makua Beach out on the westside. I live there, but I don't get to do it as often as I'd like.
THE BEST DAYS ARE SPENT...: With good friends, great weather and damn good beer.
BEST BEACH: Kula'ila'i
CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: Li hing mango
WE SHOULD KNOW: All my fellow designer creatives, I can't choose just one. I love what we got going on in Hawaii! Photographers Brooke Dombroski, Mark Kushimi, Siah Patterson; the brands Quality Peoples and Moon Collective; the stores MONO, Treehouse and Oliver; the hotspots Morning Glass, Fishcake, MORI by Art + Flea and The Manifest; and just all of the people hustling and making dreams come true.
WHY HAWAII?: Why not?!
Mahalos, Matt!
You can purchase Salt Liko from various stores across the islands (and Japan!), including Happy Haleiwa, Owens & Co. and Global Village on Oahu; Hana Hou boutique on the Big Island; Sand People on Maui; and Poipu Surf on Kauai. Click here for a complete list of stockists or to shop online, here.