When it comes to becoming a certified designer brand, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. One has to be mindful of so many factors, ranging from fabric selections and thread quality to logo design and model selection.
That’s why my hat goes off to these three up-and-coming designers/brands right here in the St. Louis area. Shan Keith, Traces of Truth, and N3VRMND the BRAND are three of the area’s most promising apparel brands. We shot them and their premiere pieces to give a glimpse into what they have in store for 2014.
Shan Keith – Shan Keith Designs
As a contestant on Lifetime’s reality show “Under the Gunn,” designer Shan Keith is destined for fashion greatness. Now, I have a tendency to be a design snob when it comes to fabric usage, garment construction and pattern pairings, and Shan slays all three categories. His line “Shan Keith Designs” consists of garments for women, men and children, and he plans to expand his line to include licensing and branding of other apparel items like home goods, and cosmetics.
“I want to capitalize on my 15 minutes of fame and make Shan Keith a household name,” he said.
Follow him on social media sites @ShanKeith and catch him on “Under the Gun” every Thursday on Lifetime at 8 p.m.
Tracie McKeown – Traces of Truth Jewelry
When asked about her niche as a designer, Tracie McKeown spoke with pride about her line “Traces of Truth Jewelry” and its brand image.
“My customer is not the normal person that might wear dollar store jewelry,” she said. “They are trendy, but they like classic pieces that pop. I see how my work is compared to some crap that’s being sold in the stores, and I know my quality of work can contend with major name brands.”
Tracie plans to expand her jewelry line to cater to the high end boutique retailer nationwide and build a stronger, more notable brand. “It began as a hobby,” she said, “but I’ve taken it more seriously since I’ve been in constant production.”
You can check out her pieces in apparel retail tradeshow events throughout the Midwest, as well as on “Traces of Truth” website at www.tracesoftruth.bigcartel.com and via social media @TracesofTruthJewelry.
Kurt Brady – N3VRMND the BRAND
Nowadays, streetwear brands come a dime a dozen – and very few stand out in a crowd. But this young gent has a jewel on his hand.
N3VRMND the BRAND is the area’s hottest streetwear line, and it hasn’t even dropped in stores yet. Designer Kurt Brady isn’t new to the streetwear game. His former line, Koncrete Clothing, was an underground favorite throughout the region. Now, he’s back with a vengeance. Keeping in line with the gothic, somewhat sinister overtones of the streetwear genre, N3VRMND is leading the pack in fresh gear.
“The idea behind N3VRMND is never conform to the perception of popular belief,” he said. “Basically, do you.”
N3VRMND the BRAND plans to officially launch in April exclusively at DNA Boutique. For now, you can check for it on social media outlets @N3VMND_THE_BRAND.
For more info on St. Louis’ hottest design talent, follow Danie Rae on Instagram and Twitter @DanieRae_StyleBroker and like the Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/brokerofstyle.
