To gear up for our Summit21 Conference this year in Atlanta, 21Ninety has scored exclusive interviews with some of this year's participants.
Shamirra Danielle, artist and designer of Richie Clark Clothing, says she aims to create fearless, daring and bold statement pieces through bright and unique colors and patterns.
Read 21Ninety's exclusive interview below:
Photo: Richie Clark Clothing
21Ninety: Can you give us a little of your background? What inspired you to create Richie Clark Clothing?
Shamirra Danielle: What was the vision behind the name? My aunt passed suddenly from an aneurysm, and that inspired me to create Richie Clark. I always designed clothes and wanted a line one day. I felt once I graduated, I would create a line someday, and when my aunt died, I sat on her porch and said today is that day. You never know how much time you have. My aunt was a second mom to me. She always believed in me and supported me. , and it’s the force behind my work.
The name “Richie Clark” is a play on my grandmother’s name. She bought my first sewing machine for me when I was sixteen. I still have that machine!
21N: How long have you been creating this apparel?
Photo: Richie Clark Clothing
SD: I’ve been creating apparel for over six years seriously. It’s been longer, but I would say consistently it is at least six years.
21N: What kind of work goes into the process of creating them? What materials are used?
SD: What kind of work goes into the process of creating them? What materials are used? My creative process starts with the vision for the look and its purpose, whether I’m working on a custom look for a customer or ready to wear pieces. I usually sketch the design out and break down the construction from there, which determines the material I use. Once I have that done, I make a pattern, cut my fabric, and get to sewing.
21N: Which ones were the most fun to create? Any customer favorites?
Photo: Richie Clark Clothing
SD: Customer favorites for the past couple years have been my kimonos and full skirts. My favorite pieces to make are the ones that I hand paint fabric for. I love marrying art in fashion. Fashion is another art medium. Bringing my two loves together is the most fun!
21N: What do you think makes your business/platform unique over others like it?
SD: How I bring art to my clothing, and my eye is what makes my business unique. I bring my essence and my history to my platform, so it’s a unique blend.
21N: What do you hope to gain from Summit21 this year?
SD: I am so excited about Summit 21. I cannot wait to meet so many amazing women and hear the speakers. I am open to the experience and making new connections.
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