BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – “EDGY, chic, sometimes sexy but always comfortable. Everything I design for my collections are outfits I would and do wear myself. They represent who I am. They are my works of art.”
These are the words of Shannen Azuredee, the designer in focus.
Shannen grew up in Baker’s Corner where she attended the Wings of Love Pre-School in Thibou Avenue, Mc Knight and gained her primary education at the Seventh Day Adventist School. Upon graduation, she entered the Basseterre Junior High School and finally completed her school years at the Basseterre Senior High.
New York is where she now calls home, though she says St. Kitts would always be close to her heart. Leaving St. Kitts and moving to NYC was a move Shannen made in order to find a place where she can grow as a designer.
Shannen recalled the first time she got her hands into fashion designing.
“When I was six, I got tired of the outfit my doll came in. After seeing me drape fabric around my doll, my grandmother taught me to hand sew. She taught me the exact way to sew as if I were sewing for a real person. Imagine a six-year-old learning to set sleeves. It was a bit challenging at first but she taught me in a way I could overcome it. After that, I just combined my love for drawing with that desire to dress my dolls, and my grandmother would help me make the patterns.”
A poet, Shannen wanted to give her clothing line a name that speaks volumes. Initially, her brand was intended to be a T-shirt company, but she wanted so much more. So, seeing that poetry must have rhythm and life in itself, she chose the name Poetic Rhythm.
Poetic Rythym represents freedom of expression as that is something very important to this designer. It is a great source of energy she feels. Keeping to her own unique vision, she does not want anyone else’s vision to overshadow hers, which is why she does not have partners or investors. She said her brand and vision need to be solely of her, otherwise she would not put her name to it.
She stated that her brand is to represent powerful, sexy women who love their skin, whether they are a size two or a size 20, adding, “If you don’t believe in yourself then who else will?”
Asked to describe the process of designing pieces, Shannen explained: “Everything starts with inspiration. I create what is called a mood board of what feel I'd like the collection to have then I start sketching based on what comes to me. Lots of the sketches do evolve into other creations by the time I start draping them on my dress form…and that's okay! Letting the fabric lead you can be so liberating! There are no restrictions in art…no right or wrong way. I think the only way you can ever be wrong in art is if you're not true to yourself and your vision.”
When creating pieces she enjoys working with polyester, jersey knits and satins, but is always open to whatever appeals to her at the time.
Designers who inspire this artist include Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Vera Wang, Donna Karen, Micheal Kors and Amsale.
On her mission to be world renowned a household name, Shannen has many plans in the works for different extensions of her brand. “Epic!” she said it would be.
To date, Poetic Rhythm has been showcased at the New York Fashion Week. On July 13 her ‘Resort 14’ Collection will debut at the Summer Sizzle BVI in Tortola and, a few days later on the 18th, her swim collection will debut in South Beach Florida during the Mercedes Benz Swim Week. Thereafter, she heads back to her home to prepare for New York Fashion Week in September.
Shannen was asked to describe the line she showcased in NYC Fashion Week.
“After a very challenging ordeal in my personal life, I felt like I needed fresh start - push forward - and so I chose Push Play. I had been putting off putting my brand completely out there. The colours were turquoise, gold, black, beige and dusty brown.”
Her greatest challenge has been financing her collections. As she stands firm on only having her vision for her brand, she has not been open to investors, so she therefore uses her personal funds to finance her brand.
This Kittitian Fashion Designer on a mission, shared that she would like to see an actual avenue for the art in St. Kitts. The absence of this is why she left. She said, “I think people need to understand that creative folks need an outlet to blossom.”
Every fashion designer has an eye out for a model who they would love to model their line. Shannen’s model pick is Cara Delevingne, an English fashion model and actress. This model appeals to this designer because of her energy and drive, her quirky look and hilarious vibe definitely has Shannen’s attention. “Not to forget her super gorgeous eyebrows,” shared Shannen.
Shannen is a Certified Nursing Assistant, a single mom to one nine-year-old, She loves travelling, cooking and going to art shows and museum.
Visit Poetic Rhythm on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/PoeticRhythm
