“I wasn’t the usual youngster who threw a tantrum and
wanted to leave the store after only being there for 20
minutes,” Heard laughs.
He began drawing his own designs and got his first
sewing machine at age 13. He taught himself how to
sew and began making gowns and formal vests for his
classmates at Penn Hills High School. Heard completed
an internship at Sugar Boutique in Lawrenceville where he
met a number of other designers and models. He hosted
his first fashion show at the Omni William Penn Hotel
and has participated in Pittsburgh Fashion Week for three
years. Heard specializes in creating bold designs for fullfigured women.
“There aren’t too many designers who take that avenue
of clientele,” he says. “Plus-size women don’t have the
greatest selection to pick from in the department stores.”
“PLUS-SIZE WOMEN
DON’T HAVE
THE GREATEST
SELECTION TO
PICK FROM IN
THE DEPARTMENT
STORES.”
Balmain is Heard’s favorite fashion line and a number
of designers have influenced him, including Malcolm
Williams, Darlene Perkins, Miyoshi Anderson, Kari
Kramer, and Evon Renda. He also looks to his family for
inspiration. When Heard begins creating a new collection,
he starts with a color story and begins sketching designs,
although some elements will change along the way. Then
he selects fabrics and models.
Heard’s business has grown and, although it has been
stressful at times, he says eventually it won’t feel like work
because he’s so passionate about design. He has learned
from his mistakes along the way and urges other aspiring
designers to remain humble and follow their hearts.
“My heart has been my GPS through everything, even
when I doubted myself,” he says. “Your heart will sort out
the bad and guide you to your dreams faster.” n
Penn Hills | Winter 2016 | icmags.com 9