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ISU Fashion Show Designer Spotlight: Shannon Bowie

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois State chapter.

Shannon Bowie knew fashion was the right path for her as soon as she came to Illinois State University. She loves using unique mediums in her designs. Last year she used safety pins, so we can’t wait to see what she uses this year! Read on to learn more about Shannon!

Her Campus: Have you always been a fashion major?

Shannon Bowie: I transferred to ISU my sophomore year of college and was undecided, but declared my major right away because I loved fashion so much!

HC: Why do you love fashion?

Shannon: I just love that every single thing is so different and everyone has such a different perspective on it. You can have a million people design a white dress and every single one would be unique to the designer. Also, who doesn’t love clothes?

HC: What do you like to do in your free time?

Shannon: Free time is rarely a word I get to use. However, if I do have free time I like to have photo shoots with my friends, watch The Office or watch vloggers on YouTube!

HC: What is the inspiration behind my collection?

Shannon: I actually had a whole collection planned out and scrapped it, so I had to come up with a new idea pretty quick because I decided to ditch it very last minute. With that being said, I randomly came across a Spanish brand called “Aristocrazy” and fell in love. I wanted my collection to be similar, but obviously have my own spin on it.

HC: What is something interesting about yourself that sets you apart from other designers?

Shannon: I think something that set me apart from the other designers is that I like to use other mediums besides just fabric. My designs are not just clothes because their will always be some type of unique feature that isn’t always wearable for the everyday lifestyle.

HC: Who is your biggest fashion inspiration?

Shannon: I really love Olivier Rousteing, who is the Creative Director of Balmain. I started paying more attention to his collections after last year’s fashion show when I saw him do a collection with safety pins after I did a collection with safety pins. I just thought it was interesting that we had similar ideas. In no way am I comparing myself to him because he is a creative genius, but I always look out for his designs now!

HC: Give us a little idea about what we can expect to see in your collection.

Shannon: Just like last year, I am trying to keep it as secret as I can. BUT! I am vlogging my process to document all the ups, downs and all around crazy experience of making a whole collection. Go keep up with my vlogs and subscribe to get notified every time I post a new one! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYrxfzBkkqhlfazALMi1RVg

HC: We will definitely be checking out your vlogs! Can’t wait to see your process and end results!

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Allison O'Brien

Illinois State

Contributor account for Illinois State