Interview: Haus of Shay

Murder Case Turned Fashion Line

By Raquel Lynne
QuailBellMagazine.com

A few weeks ago I was on the quest for baubles that made bold statements of strength and courage. That's when I happened upon Haus of Shay. Haus of Shay is an accessories line based on a short story, written by the designer, that takes place in the 1800's. An unsolved murder in London leads the reader to an American factory. Haus of Shay is a customer-focused line carries edgy pieces with studs, spikes, and bullets (emptied of primer and gunpowder), plus loads of leather. Reading about this particular accessory line led me to the creative source behind it all" Shay herself. What follows is Shay’s story:

"From a young child, I was always big on art and anything that allowed me to be creative. I loved reading teen fashion magazines while in high school, and had a subscription to them all.  I took a fashion design course, and that is when my creativity took off. My love for creative writing and fashion excelled, which inspired me to not only create a fashion line, but also a storyline with a symbolic meaning behind it. Kill the Smoke was birthed. The meaning behind Kill the Smoke is simple: it's about stopping the killing in the streets, hence the reason I use bullets in my designs. Let’s wear bullets as art, not to kill. Couple this with my love of Tupac and his lyrics, and not only was my brand and line solidified, but my way of working, too. I work hard, push myself and strive to be better. With my mother, a breast cancer survivor, rooting for me with her daily encouragement, I have learned that "through every dark night, there's a bright day after that."

"I have been blessed to see my pieces strutted down the catwalk at NYFW, which is such an honor, seeing my work on BBWLA, and on my wonderful customers through passing. My dream is to see Rihanna strut around in my pieces at events and in concert, or to even design a line for her."

"I am about encouraging the next generation of designers, and I would suggest that they keep their head held high, and remember that we all must start from somewhere. It's important to never limit yourself.   Please don't ever stop dreaming! And, don’t follow trends…create your own, and I mean that in the good way!"  

For more information about Haus of Shay:

Twitter: @hausofshay                
Instagram: @Shaythedesigner_
Email: [email protected]
Store Site: HausofShay.com

#HausOfShay #Design #Fashion #Jewelry #KillTheSmoke #Bullets

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