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Q1 When did you first want to be a designer?
I guess I am kindoff lucky, because since around 8 years old, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew-up. Some people spend over half their lives trying to figure that one out.
Q2 What's a highlight of your recent design career?
It actually pretty lame and rather unprofessional sounding, but most recently I decided the direction I wanted to take my company. For the first few years I was kindoff just doing things without a solid plan. I recently (like really recently, a few weeks ago) decided I was ready to step things up and take SharDann to a different level. I don't know why, but for some reason I was a little scarred to make that big step. Actually I do know why, it's mainly because of money and making the big investment. But like the saying goes, "the higher the risk the greater the reward."
Q3 Where do you go for inspiration?
That's a hard one. I get inspiration from literally almost everything. Nature, Fabrics, Colors, Technology, Music, Movies, Personalities, Culture.... I can go on and on. My most recent inspiration is birds and more specifically the Black Swan. It is such a graceful and extraordinary species. It's sleek black feathers and red beak are a powerful color combination for such a graceful bird. I don't know where I want to take this, but I am excited by the possibilities. |
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Q4 Please tells us about your brand. What is the concept behind it?
The essence of SharDann is funky, diverse, exciting and sexy. We believe personal style is often a declaration of one's unique spirit. Our goal is to help reflect this uniqueness by forging an exclusive relationship between the customer and our fashions. SharDann piece's promote individuality through the use of vibrant colors, distinctive shapes, premium techniques and distinguishing material. Quality and individuality are also evident in our one-on-one customer interaction as we are dedicated to building and maintaining sincere and reliable consumer relationships.
Q5 Tell us your secret favorite store.
I know this is probably not what you mean, but I get super excited when I get to go to Sam's Club. It's one of those super stores that sell everything in bulk. They have a horrible apparel selection, but a great place to go when you what to buy a 20lb bag of gummy bears. |
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Q12 Music to live by
This is hard. When I'm working, I like to listen to music that has a fast pace flow, and sometimes I am embarrassed to say what songs make the cut. If you look on my ipod I have some cool stuff and some cheesy stuff. So I won't fake the funk. I will tell you the #1 most listened to song from my ipod. Okay, and the Grammy goes to "Punky Reggae Rock" by Bob Marley and in 2nd place is "Paper Plans" by M.I.A. Actually those weren't embarrassing at all, but number 3 would be.
Q13 If you can travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Most definitely, Africa. My Spring/Summer 2008 collection is inspired by Africa and I am sad to say I have never actually been. It is my plan to go some time this year, but taking time away from work is really hard. But then again, life is short, so I got to think of a way to make it happen... soon!!!
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Q14 Would you like to add anything for the Japanese fans?
Sure... Actually, I will be in your hood (Tokyo specifically) in a few weeks, so if you see me, come give me a high-five. I know high-five is kind-off nerdy, but I like them and I'm proud of it. I would be totally shocked if a single person recognized me, but maybe someday soon. |
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| SharDann was an inevitable path for Sharmaine Wilborn. She was sketching, sewing and manipulating patterns from a very young age, all practice for the "big show" SharDann. She received a B.A. of Textile and Apparel Management from North Carolina Statue University in 1999 and a MPS in Design Management from Pratt Institute in 2003. The Germany born, California raised and now New York based designer started SharDann in the summer of 2003 by selling off-the-rack garments, via local New York markets. The markets gave Sharmaine a chance to build one-on-one customer relationships, which resulted in a customer base strictly interested in specially made pieces. In 2004, working directly with individual customers gave Sharmaine a chance to focus on creating more unique garments. Realizing her childhood dream, Sharmaine produced her first official collection under the SharDann label for the 2005 Fall/Holiday season. Going forward, each season promises to reflect the powerful, yet feminine essence of SharDann and the SharDann customer. Fashion use to be easily defined by a decade of trend. Those times have passed and fashion is now more about the individual self expression. What is your Individuality? |
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Q6 What do you offer to consumers different than others?
I think SharDann offers customers quality, funky, and wearable, silhouettes in interesting colors. I know it sounds a little basic, but the fashion industry is another one of those heavily saturated markets. I think people get tired of sameness and want unique wardrobes that make a statement of individuality.
Q7 Is there a designer who inspires you the most?
There are so many great designers and it would be hard for me to narrow it down to just one. I would say my top 5 are Vivian Westwood, Nicolas Ghesquière (Balenciaga), Donna Karen (circa Donna Karen Collection 1995 – present day), and Karl Lagerfeld (Channel, YSL), and Rick Owens.
Q8 What project you are working on right now?
Right now I am working of finishing Fa/Ho'08. Even bigger than that, re-writing my business plan. |
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Q9 Tell us about your next collection. Any future plans?
Next collection is really going to be about the individual pieces and their ability to make a statement all by themselves. I also want each piece to be transformable. I love when a garment has more than one use.
Q10 Whose closet would you like to raid?
Gwen Stephanie always looks cool, and I think her line is pretty awesome too.
Q11 What is your favorite guilty meal?
I do have to say I get the hugest craving for coconut ice-cream with canned pineapples. My mouth literally starts watering every time I fix a bowl, and lately I have been fixing a bowl at least once a day. Not such a great habit since one the ingredients in the pineapples is high fructose corn syrup. What can I say, I like to live life on the edge. |
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