And "Designer of the Year Goes to"....Shavonne DeAnn
What does it take to make it to New York Fashion Week? 1000's of dollars? Representation by the top PR firm in New York City? Over 20 models? or how about a great marketing plan, four beautiful models, a driven soul, and one strong team!! That is what lead designer Shavonne DeAnn on the steps of Lincoln Center during New York Fashion this past September. Beyond introducing Shavonne for her ambition and dope designs sometimes to many words just can't capture what something else can. Watch the video of Designer Shavonne DeAnn and then you will understand why FAB LIFE labels her "Designer of the Year."
Introducing Shavonne Deann
LA: How long have you been designing?
SD: I’ve been designing for 7 years. Since 2003 when I started college. (Moore College of Art & Design.
LA: What was your inspiration to go up to Lincoln Park and present your designs in front of the building?
SD: My family, friends and colleagues always pushed me saying when are you going to design. When is Shavonne going to come out with her line, this and that. So one day I was talking with my boyfriend and we were just sitting down talking while I was sketching and we were discussing what were some different ways for me to show my line without spending little to no money. So After a few discussions I came up with me showcasing my collection Guerrilla style at NYFW because that was the perfect time. Why? Because its NYFW and everyone and their mother will be there from buyers to celebs and what better way to brody NYFW and show my true skill and talent.
LA: What was your first thoughts when walking up to the steps?
SD: I guess I will have to say happy, anxious, excited, a little nervous because I didn’t know if they were going to kick us out, even though there was some slight attempts, it still didn’t stop me or my team that had my back (laughs)! My adrenaline was pumping not knowing how people were going to react because this is New York fashion week, so it was a little pressure, but once I started speaking on my bullhorn I didn’t care what people were going to think or say. Everyone has an opinion and it’s not going to be for everybody!
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LA: How was the reactions from guest going and coming from shows? And also people just passing by?
SD: It was insane! I got back a whole lot of positive feedback. It all felt like a dream. People passing by were doing double and triple takes. People stopping and taking pics, showing me love, saying how this idea was so brilliant, I love your designs, your so fantastic, I’m going to go far in life, the whole nine! So much to say, I can go on and on. It was just a blessing to be there at that perfect moment. Then to run into June Ambrose (my fashion idol), Beyonce’s stylist, Diane Von Furstenberg daughter to take the time out, their personal time for a few minutes and talk to me about how they love what I did and love my designs. I could of died but kept my composure. However, funny story is prior to that, I friendly stalk celebs on twitter to see if they’ll ever talk back and prior to this event I tweeted June Ambrose asking her what did she think of my collection and she said it was beautiful and I died. She totally made my day that day, so to see her at fashion week and personally meet her was phenomenal. She gave me great words of encouragement that I will never forget as well as what everyone else told me. A monumental day that I will never forget.
LA: How did it feel to be featured in New York Magazine?
SD: It felt AMAZING to be featured in NY mag. To me that was HUGE! I was in awe and still until this day I am! I’m still stunned that I made NY mag along with many other magazines and blog sites. Just blessed with this whole experience.
LA: Now that you have conquered such a great moment what do you see yourself conquering next?
SD: Next I see myself reaching out to boutiques, celebs and getting my designs on women for award shows and different events. In particular, Amber Rose, the Kardashians, LaLa, Angela and Vanessa Simmons, Rhianna, just to name a few.
LA: How would you describe the girl that wears your clothing?
SD: The girl that wears my clothing is very confident, yet sexy not afraid to show just a little and not to revealing. She feels like the room is hers when she’s walking into a room with hundreds of people.
LA: What was your inspiration for your Fall/Winter Collection?
SD: My inspiration was more so based on fabrics and pretty much the concept of the season being Fall and using those Fall like colors that are rich colors. I use all knits so I wanted it to be based off fun yet sexy apparel that still read across as sexy but comfortable. I’m all about comfort so just keeping that in mind.
LA: What can people find in the F/W 2010 collection?
SD: You can find lots of soft warm knits. Subtle, rich colors and sexy pieces that are very comfortable.
LA: You are the Fashion Director at American Dreaming Magazine and you design for your own company, what is a day to day routine for you?
SD: I must say it’s not that bad so far! As fashion director with American Dreaming magazine I create concepts and trends for our shoots, contact stores/boutiques to pull clothes, make sure things are on time from our writers, researching and keeping ahead of fashion trends, meetings with my team, it’s a lot but I manage (laughs) I mean grant it I have to juggle two jobs, but I love doing it. So it is true what they say if you love what you do then you really don’t have a problem doing what you do.
LA: How has working for a Magazine helped you with the development of your own brand?
SD: I’ve been with American Dreaming since the beginning when we first came out since 2008. I believe it has given me a pedal stool for me to show my true skill and talent. American Dreaming always firmly believes in giving people an opportunity to show the readers hidden talent and the magazine is the stage for people to show their talent. However, just paying attention and always taking mental notes how a business should be ran and just applying it to my past experiences that I have encountered as well.
LA: What do you think the future holds for you and your clothing line?
SD: I highly believe that the future looks great for me! I believe my brand will definitely have longevity and last a lifetime. I see myself being in boutiques/stores across the globe as well as being on celebs and red carpets. As far as me, I believe I’ll be getting a call from whoever invites designers out to Mercedez Benz Fashion week (laughs) and telling me they would like to participate in the show!
LA: Loving the Fall/Winter Collection when and where can we get our hands on some of your pieces?
SD: Thank you so much! Appreciate that! I actually just launched my first online store last Thursday Oct 14th! So people can go to shavonnedeann.bigcartel.com!
LAKEITHEA
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