November 18, 2016

Are you in deep need of a fabulous dress? You know… that frock that brashly screams, “ATTENTION! ATTENTION, PLEASE!” as soon as you walk through the door. If so, then you will need to have Lashaya Diaz on speed dial!

Lasheaya Diaz
Photo credit: IG; @Shadesofshea_
Retrieved: November 12, 2016

Lasheaya is the owner/designer of her fashion brand, Shades of Shea and man, is she talented! Laura Govan and Claire Sulmers are two among many who have donned her designs on the red carpet, ultimately giving her the official seal of style approval. Recently, EGL had the opportunity to catch up with Lasheaya to ask a few questions about her designs and overall style. Check out our interview with her, below:

EGL: What made you decide to become a fashion designer?
Lasheaya: “I decided to be a fashion designer, because it was the one thing I was passionate about throughout my childhood. I wasn’t into sports, however, I loved shopping and dressing up. I will live just to flip through the new issues of Vogue, Elle, and Glamor magazine, for the season’s new looks. My grandmother and mom were also big influences. My mom worked with Tommy Hilfiger and grandmother sewed, so fashion was prevalent throughout my childhood.”

EGL: How do you describe your fashion and style?
Lasheaya: “I will describe my fashion style as glamorous and traditional with a modern twist, I love playing with ultra-vibrant prints.”

Fantasia wearing Shades of Shea
Photo credit: Getty Images
Retrieved: November 12, 2016

EGL: Did you receive any formal training in Fashion Design? If so, from where?
Lasheaya: “I attended Fashion Industries High School in New York, where I learned basic training in fashion design. However, most of the silhouettes I design are self-taught.”

EGL: What is your favorite part about being a fashion designer?
Lasheaya: “My favorite part of being a fashion designer, I would say, is seeing the finishing design of my vision and making people feel and look beautiful. The feeling of people all over the world loving my creations feels amazing. I feel like my custom designs are a secret code of expression, being able to connect with people around this vast world, through the art in fashion.”

Laura Govan wearing Shades of Shea
Photo credit: Fashion Bomb Daily
Retrieved: November 12, 2016

EGL: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Lasheaya: “My inspiration comes from the world around me, the everyday struggles of being a woman, running a business and finding solutions within my fashion. Simply put fashion is my sanity and I see designs in everything from movies to picking out fruit. It’s crazy, but the color patterns I choose sometimes comes from the assortment of fruit at the fruit stand.”

EGL: What material is your favorite to work with?
Lasheaya: My favorite materials are printed, sequins and glitter, as well as Ponte… tough to choose just one, you know (bats eyelashes)?!

EGL: Who is this biggest celebrity you’ve ever styled?
Lasheaya: “In my mind… Michelle Obama, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. LOL! But, so far, Jazmine Sullivan and Fantasia all come to mind as celebrities I’ve dressed and said to myself, “Whoa! This is big!”

Claire Sulmers wearing Shades of Shea
Photo credit: IG; Fashion Bomb Daily
Retrieved: November 12, 2016

EGL: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned since starting your company?
Lasheaya: “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned was work/life balance. Sometimes when you’re so passionate about your goals you lose sight of the important things in life, such as family loved one’s health and peace of mind.”

EGL: What advice do you have for other aspiring fashion designers?
Lasheaya: “Stay true to yourself, believe in YOU, work hard, be patient, consistent and have a plan. Dedication and consistency will get you where you want to be in life.”

EGL :What are your plans for the future?
Lasheaya: In the future I plan on finding manufacturers to help mass produce my designs, to sell globally and upgrade from my showroom to a new store front.”

Written By: Tiffany Greene