A collaboration grounded in cultural care, honouring Samoan heritage and the intergenerational artistry of the Salu family, with their prints reimagined for the sea. Created in partnership with Susu & Meli, this collection brings story, artistry, and ocean to fabric.
Sound Design by Joshua Fay
The Salu family of Vailoa Palauli, Savai’i, Samoa are a lineage of women artists who have preserved and evolved the traditional Samoan art of barkcloth made from the mulberry tree and hand-printed with ancestral patterns. Led by matriarch Faamuli Salu, their artistry spans generations, carrying stories of land, lineage, and cultural resilience. What began as a practice passed down from mother to daughter has become a thriving creative legacy, blending tradition with innovation while staying deeply rooted in the values of their village and the wisdom of their ancestors.
Puipuiga
Pronounced "poo-ee-poo-ee-ngah"
Full Name: Puipuiga o le Si’osi’omaga
Meaning: Environment Protector
The flower represents the environment, and the patterns surrounding it symbolise protectors—those who safeguard nature and the world around us. This design speaks to the responsibility we have in nurturing and preserving the earth, protecting it for future generations.
Sei
Pronounced "Say"
Full Name: Lo’u Sei Ua Mamae
Meaning: My Flower is Slowly Dying
This design reflects the life cycle of a flower—its bloom, peak beauty, and gradual fading. Itsymbolises the passage of time and the cycles of life. As the flower fades, it leaves seeds to grow anew. Similarly, embracing our heritage allows us to honour its beauty, face its challenges, and carry forward its legacy, ensuring it thrives in future generations.
journal
This collaboration was never just about beautiful swimwear, it was about doing things differently. Susu & Meli are a creative consultancy that connects fashion brands with Indigenous artistisans of the...
