- Born: New Zealand
- Nationality: New Zealander
- Notable Works and Collaborations: Editorials for The Face; projects for Acne Studios and Farfetch; founder of the eyewear label Thistles (launched 2023).
- Signature Style or Philosophy: Focuses on youth culture, identity, and performance, exploring how clothing and accessories connect to personal image and visual storytelling.
Thistle Brown is a New Zealand-born stylist and photographer based in New York City. He began his career after moving from Whangārei, New Zealand, to Manhattan, where his first job involved working in an optometrist’s workshop cutting and dyeing frames.
Brown holds a foundation in textile design, and his creative work spans styling, image-making, and photography. In his practice, he has collaborated on editorial shoots with publications such as The Face and projects for brands including Acne Studios and Farfetch.
In 2023, Brown launched his eyewear label, Thistles, focusing on sunglasses designed to complement the wearer’s outfit rather than impose a specific look. The brand’s debut model, AL, features a rounded square frame inspired by Jacqueline Onassis, available in black or tortoiseshell with multiple lens options.
He is represented by the agency CLM and continues to work in styling and photography while developing his eyewear business.
Brown’s approach to styling reflects his interest in youth culture, identity, and performance, exploring how clothes and accessories interact with image. His work often bridges the worlds of fashion and visual storytelling, emphasizing the relationship between personal expression and aesthetic presentation.