BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE young, multi-talented and vibrant Kittitian designer Shannen Azuredee recently blazed the catwalk with her new line of wedding attires at the Cayman Island Fashion Weekend.
Speaking to SKNVibes Entertainment last week, Azuredee said that she was ecstatic when she received an invitation from the CIFW Committee to launch her new line of wedding attires.
“Last summer I was contracted to do two weddings and I really loved the outcome and have been receiving for more. So at the fashion show I will be introducing my bridal collection,” the designer said.
Azuredee said her love for designing started when she was about six years-old. “I always had a love for art, drawing and creating something uniquely; so that’s where I got my inspiration to do this.”
The talented designer said that she grew up in Middle Island as a toddler before moving to McKnight thence to Ponds Extension in Newtown. “I was well-rounded and I had fun growing up. I remember climbing trees with boys and jumping with the girls. It was always about being free as a child,” Azuredee said.
Her first runway experience
Most people in the field of designing clothes normally start off at local or regional fashion shows, which provide them the opportunity to be noticed by tops fashion moguls in the business. But Azuredee made her debut at the world famous New York Fashion Weekend.
“I had the opportunity to go to NYFW in February 2013. Before that I just did custom work by appointments.”
The designer said that her experience at the international runway was both emotional and exiting.
“It was amazing to see the transition of my designs move from sketch to actual wearable garments. It brought tears to my eyes. My designer walk was beyond real with applauds. As designers, we tend to be sensitive about our work.”
Making it to the runway was not the only life changing experience the Kittitian had, for she had the opportunity of meeting world renowned fashion icons and designers.
“I still feel like it’s a dream. They’ve been so down to earth. I had one tell me I’m way beyond the designer…the normal designer, since I do everything myself like sketching the patterns, making and sewing.”
When she was asked who she was most excited to meet, Azuredee said that meeting world renowned designer Michael Kors was truly a dream come true.
“I still freak out like any other fan of his, but I have to remember not to scream and be professional. He is just as funny in person,” Azuredee said.
Fifty-four-year-old Michael Kors is a fashion designer based in New York City. He is best known for designing classic American sportswear for women. He is Honorary Chairman and Chief Creative Officer for Michael Kors Holdings Limited.
“There is inspiration all around you. Keep sketching every chance you get and if you can, take sewing classes,” Azuredee said when asked about her advice to young designers in the Federation.
The Cayman Island Fashion Weekend was held on April 26.
In a subsequent article we will highlight her new clothing line and what transpired at the fashion weekend.
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