Art is said to be a reflection of the soul; an outpouring of one’s innermost thoughts and desires. Sharleen Lagon says she has always been artistically inclined, practically glued to her sketchpad from a young age. Surprisingly, although she’s a fashion designer, she was not always into designing, but spent most of her early years dabbling in fine arts. It was not until Sharleen was 21 that she really began to take fashion designing seriously and now she has clients that span across the globe. She shares her journey in the world of fashion with Dazzle readers.
How and where did your journey begin?
I started dabbling in fashion design at the age of 21 but prior to that I used to design pieces off and on for people. I designed my prom dress and different party outfits for friends. I really decided to pursue fashion designing when Joyce Mederick hosted ‘The Aspiring Designer of the Year’ competition. I participated for three consecutive years, 2004, 2005 and 2006 before leaving for school in Barbados.
Were you always artistically inclined?
I would say yes. I started off doing fine art, namely paintings, drawings and later went into interior design and architecture. I studied art at St. Joseph’s Convent and eventually went on to write it at CXC. I wanted to pursue architecture at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College but when that did not materialise, I settled for building trades. In my second year of the programme I realised that it just was not for me. So I decided to work with the family business for a while. It was during that time, I saw a commercial advertising the ‘aspiring designer of the year.’
What have been some of the defining moments in your career so far?
I would say, graduating from Barbados Community College with honours and winning a grant from CIE to start my own business. Every year I do shows that are bigger and better. I have had my work featured across the Caribbean, in islands like Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and the Bahamas to name a few. Last year I did Mission Catwalk which is a Jamaican version of Project Runway, which lasted for six weeks.
How did the opportunity for Mission Catwalk come about and describe your experience.
I was contacted by the organisers of the show who asked if I wanted to participate. I was like “sure!” The next thing I knew, they were sending me a plane ticket; all expenses paid … come on up to compete.
To be honest, it was intimidating. The show would be televised and I would be competing with other designers from other countries, some of whom I knew. One of my competitors was a former classmate from school in Barbados, Alexis who is so good at what she does. I made it to the final six before I was eliminated.
Tell us a little about Hot Couture.
I was actually in Jamaica when I heard about it. When I heard that Vincent McDoom would be coordinating the event, I was like I need to work with him, especially with his big Diva status in Paris. So, when I got back I contacted Daune Charlery-John at the St. Lucia Tourist Board and she eventually set-up a meeting between Vincent and myself. He guided me along in creating my new collection. He urged me to get out of my comfort zone and also to work with something other than madras which I was already known for.
What are some of your greatest challenges thus far?
One of the biggest challenges has been getting people to take you seriously, especially when you are doing something people tend to be sceptical about. The general opinion is either you can’t do that down here or you have to go to the US or Europe to be successful. I do believe there is scope for an industry here, it will happen in time. I have noticed that people are starting to take artistes more seriously. The Hot Couture show really helped to show that Saint Lucia has talented designers.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Any and everything; sometimes it is listening to a song; watching a movie or reading a really good book and most times thinking, ‘How can I shock people?’ After which I just come up with a concept.
What do you believe sets you apart from other designers?
No two designers think the same. I do not limit myself to doing one set of clothing. It is all a work in progress, building my portfolio so I do not limit myself to one design aesthetic. I can do suits, children’s wear and accessories; I can do pretty much anything I set my mind to. Although I love working with madras, I work with all different types of fabric. I do not mimic people’s work; there are a lot of designers who do that but I try to always be original.
Describe what fashion means to you in three words?
Art, life…Me
Can you share with us some of your future aspirations?
I would like to participate in some of the major international shows like Miami Fashion and New York Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. I would also like to participate in London, Paris and Milan Fashion Week. I am also keen on trying out Project Runway. I want to be recognised as a designer because aside from Anya Ayoung-Chee from Trinidad, you never hear about the design scope outside of the Caribbean. There are few Caribbean designers who are known internationally. I would like to change that.
Are there any persons you would like to work with?
I would like to work with Vincent again, the Governor General and the Prime Minister. Internationally, I would like to work with Beyoncé, Celine Dionne, Angelina Jolie and possibly Rihanna.
In your opinion what can be done locally to assist designers?
There was a meeting recently to discuss a Saint Lucian Fashion Designers’ Council, which I think is a really great idea. Once it can get off the ground, it would be a great avenue for designers. I also believe that a fashion design programme can be introduced at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, which goes beyond what is taught at secondary schools in clothing and textiles.
Do you possess any other talents apart from designing?
Other than designing, I still paint and draw. I dabble a little bit in the literary arts with poetry and story writing. I also like making candles and accessories.
