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Jul 05, 2020 News, Special Person
By Sharmain Grainger
“Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.” At least this is the explanation proffered by American Fashion Designer, Ralph Lauren, and this, I’ve surmised, is fully endorsed by many within the industry.
It isn’t every day though, that a fashion designer worth his, or her, Shan finds the time to share with the world their journey to becoming a truly unadulterated fashionista. Like many professions, eventually mastered, there is usually an associated tale of struggle and dedication only to sometimes fail, regroup and then start again if desperate enough to taste of the fruits of success.
But once infected by that “something else” to which Lauren alluded, there is no turning back.
In fact, if Shan Seecharran is to be believed, his soul has been pierced so deeply with tentacles that sting of such high fashion, that the only hope for his survival is to create pieces of the most jaw-dropping and phenomenal flair.
Seecharran, although barely a quarter of a century old, has been making an unprecedented impact in the fashion designing world, and for him, this is a stupendous journey which he would never trade for anything in this world or even the next.
But realizing his forte was not an overnight affair. In fact, his experience has given credence to the biblical Psalm (30:5): “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
NUMBER 11
Before we delve more into the evolution of his enchanting career, let’s rewind years earlier when he first graced the earth with his presence. On Sunday May 21, 1995, he was the 11th child to be born to the union of Eustace Seecharran, a businessman, and his wife, Desiree, a housewife.
Our flamboyant ‘Special Person’ spoke of being raised in Mabaruma, Region One and then eventually moving to Pigeon Island, a village on the East Coast of Demerara, where he currently resides.
It wasn’t easy being the youngest of 11 children, he recalled. He had to try that much harder to stand out among his siblings. To do so, while a student of North West Secondary School, he took part in numerous competitions and even represented his school as President of its Student Body.
Since then, he had an inclination for things art but wasn’t sure just how he could evolve this into a profitable profession after school. But there it was, that “something within” which, at the time, was inexpressible, but definitely, it consuming every fibre of his being yearning to be released.
DARK MOMENT
Speaking of his entry into the fashionable limelight, Seecharran reflected on his past – a specific period he described as “a dark moment”. At the time, he recalled, he was recently out of a job, perhaps for the second or third time, and hadn’t the wherewithal to contribute to his own wellbeing much-less that of family members.
But it was in the midst of that daunting period of his life, Seecharran with a bit of nudging from loved ones was able to rise ‘like a phoenix from the ashes’.
Recognising that it was near impossible to work under others, Seecharran decided that it was time that he dared to become his own boss.
But exactly what tools did he have to achieve this goal? After all, he was just out of school with barely any work experience and hadn’t really mapped out a career path. He didn’t have to ponder for too long, though, since he was born into a family with quite a few members versed in garment construction.
His paternal grandparents, for instance, both of whom have since passed on to the great beyond, were a tailor and seamstress and, according to Seecharran, he has aunts and uncles too, who have followed suit.
Thinking that this craft was indeed ingrained in his lineage, he became convinced that he too was born for such creative exploits. The more he caressed this thought, Seecharran said that it became ever so clear that his life was finally coming together. “I feel that’s how it all made sense,” he intimated.
TRIAL AND ERROR
Delighted to venture into this realm, like family members before him, Seecharran started testing his skills by sewing for a niece. “My first piece was a mess; a little hand-made dress I did for my niece,” he recalled jokingly. He never sought professional training or even help from any of his relatives but “through trial and error, I’m basically self-taught…,” he confided with pride.
As he started to master the art of designing and sewing pieces together much to the liking of others, Seecharran gradually started to realise that “weeping” was no longer good company and this he traded for joy – the kind that seems too good to be true; as if out of this world. “I wouldn’t trade this for any,” is a slogan he repeats often. It is usually followed by him reminiscing on a cherished experience. “I found my brightest idea in my darkest moment,” he said, explaining how this ultimately helped to define the person he is today.
While he was inspired by some local fashion talents, as he evolved so did his focus. A critical part of his evolution was nestled in the fact that he started to pay keen attention to superb fashion designers the likes of Donatella Versace, Guccio Gucci, Christian Dior, and so many more. As he recalls it, he really started to climb the ladder of high fashion designing at the age of 18 and by the age of 19, he was launching his first collection. “My career took off so fast, I’m even amazed myself with the result… I even ship to clients in the US,” he shared.
Some of his most outstanding creations, with which he was able to make a name for himself, were pageant and wedding gowns, which are, to this day, dear to him.
STAND OUT
Having clawed his way into an arena in which only the exceptional can survive, Seecharran was able to establish SAS (his initials) Designs. SAS Designs, he explained, is today an emerging high fashion brand that produces luxurious customized outfits for any occasion, “be it a wedding, birthday, prom, pageant or for any occasion, you’d like to stand out. SAS Designs exhibit pride and are of standard and quality,” he quipped.
Having gained immense recognition for his superior work, it is not surprising that Seecharran’s days are especially hectic as he tries to meet increasing demands. A glimpse of his social media platforms – FB: SAS Designs and IG: sas_designs_gy – will tell the tale of the outstanding and sought-after designer he has become.
“I market my work through social media, persons are able to check out my work there or through Miss TLC, a television hostess on Channel 11,” he disclosed.
But he warns, persons choosing SAS Designs should not only come because of curiosity but rather for an experience of a life-time. “While I may not be able to please everyone, my intention is always to do my utmost in terms of creating fashion,” he assured. And there is even more to be experienced since Seecharran offers his clients an irresistible package deal. “I also work in collaboration with 592 Wine to give out a free bottle of local wine to all my clients, and also with SR Photography for a free photo shoot for all clients booking high fashion designs with me,” Seecharran said.
AMBITIOUS PLANS
Although his pace has slowed “just a little bit” because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted the globe, Seecharran has ambitious plans to grow his business even more. “I have a new business venture on the way and one of my goals is to turn SAS Designs into a dominating company,” he confided.
But even as he carefully considers his next step, Seechaaran takes some time “to do a lot of soul searching. I’m also doing some studies and I spend a lot of time empowering and elevating myself and others.”
In empowering mode his advice, especially to young people, is to “invest in yourself, focus on what you truly desire and back that up by finding a passion that will keep you motivated…you must work hard and be persistent at it.”
For being an outstanding example of an enterprising young man, unwilling to fail even in the face of defeat, today we at Kaieteur News, with pride, extend our title of ‘Special Person’ to Shan Anthony Seecharran, a self-made fashion guru.
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