Photography by Diane Harvey
Name: Samantha Shanks, Senior
Hometown: St. Clairsville, Ohio
Internship: a.a. Antonio Azzuolo
I am inspired by anything that makes me think past the inherent idea of something. I try to envision a story behind the things that grab my attention–a personality, object, place, song or idea. I look to interior decorating often for aesthetic inspiration, and I love to people-watch to gather insight about who would wear my designs and where they are heading.
My favorite style decade the 1920s, when women defied tradition and did their own thing. I admire that!
I never leave home without a hairbrush, my iPhone and a jump drive.
The designers I most admire are Raf Simons, Consuelo Castiglioni and Phoebe Philo.
The best advice I ever received came from my boyfriend, Stu, who told me to chill out and look at the bright side. He’s taught me to realize how amazing life is.
Tell us about your collection.
The collection initially took inspiration from so many intriguing concepts: Doris Eaton [from the Zeigfield Follies] and the spirit she exuded; computer code and the way technology has changed society; the fantastical spaces design by architect, Friedensreich Hundertwasser; and the classic nature of a floral print on the feminine psyche. Eventually all of these concepts molded into Century Girl, a narrative of a woman who has live for more than 100 years, and has approached every step of modernity along the way, truly experiencing revolutionary change first hand.
What’s next?
I’m heading to design at Macy’s one day after graduation! Someday soon, I want to branch off into a more contemporary design label for a few years then start my own line.
Meet Blake Smith HERE>>
Samie,
So proud of you .The article was great .
That someday to wotk at Macy’s has become real . Good luck in all you do.