Gazelle 14 Spring 1-24_Gazelle Magazine 4/17/14 7:04 PM Page 24
FASHION
DESIGNER
S
TO
W AT C H
TALENT FROM OU R REGION
BY
CILLAHHALL
Fashion is an industry that will continue
to survive its harshest critic. We all live it,
we all wear it, and we all see it, everywhere. The region’s fashion industry is
going through a renaissance, thanks to
multiple events created by strong brands.
Perhaps the most notable change in recent
years was the 2013 launch of Missouri
Fashion Week (Now Missouri Style Week).
The event was presented by Grand Center
and brought to you by the MOTOMuseum.
It drew about 1,600 people during its fourday inaugural year. Everyone can argue
about the right or wrong way to build our
local fashion industry, but Alexander McQueen said it best – “It’s a new era in fashion. There are no rules.”
One thing is certain. The designer talent coming out of this region is impressive
and needs to be supported. In every Issue
of Gazelle STL, we will feature Missouri designers to watch. In this issue, we introduce you to three designers to watch. They
will be on the runway at Missouri Style
Week, which takes place August 20-23 at
Grand Center. You can find photos and
press from last year’s event at www.missouristyleweek.com.
SHANKEITH OLIVER
Shan Keith, a self-proclaimed chic, urban and contemporary designer, creates clothing that enhances and inspires individuality. Creating flirty, feminine and masculine garments, he is well known for creating garments with
a distinctive style that will stand the test of time. Shan enrolled at Southern
Illinois University Edwardsville with the intention of becoming a doctor. He
quickly realized that he had a passion for design and followed his dream.
At press time, Shan was one of five designers still in fierce competition,
edging towards the finish line on Lifetime Television’s new fashion competition series, “Project Runway: Under the Gunn.” Shan won the designer
challenge for episode eleven. His winning jacket can be purchased from
Francesca’s in malls around the country in June. To find about more about
Shan’s national television debut, visit mylifetime.com.
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GAZELLE STL
SAVVY
SOPHISTICATED
SASSY