Meet Shanice Harris, a fashion design graduate from Birmingham City University. Shanice’s final year collection is a menswear collection inspired by the Windrush generation and the story of her great grandfather, who was the first Black man to own his own club on Carnaby street in London. She wants to raise awareness and recognition of the Windrush generation and their profound impact on post-war Britain. Read on to learn more about Shanice, her work and plans for the future!
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt at university?
The most valuable thing I have learnt at university is resilience, self growth and the importance to strive to aim for greatness. From a practical element I learnt how the express strong narratives through creativity, design development, pattern cutting and sewing skills.
Tell us about your current projects and work, what have you been working on?
For my final year of university I producing a menswear collection with a creative cutting tailoring approach. Based on the Windrush generation and the story of Agustas Gustavas Leslie (My Great, Great Grandad) being the first black man to own his own club on the famous Carnaby street called the Sunset Club. Moving forward I am currently branding my 'Recognise' menswear brand and teaching myself how to use clo3d software to showcase my final collection in a 3D form and also gain a new skill ready for industry. As I am sure there is going to be a lot of changes within the creative industry.
How have you evolved as a young creative while studying / working?
During my placement year is where I evolved as a young creative the most. I went through a lot of highs and lows, I learnt how to work under pressure, how to work as a team and gained a lot of industry practical skills.This experience gave to the confidence and motivation to take on final year and finish university on a high. Being a part of 2020 class, the most unique year in history, tells me that I can adapt to a situation and still succeed.
What are the messages and themes behind your project that you want people to take away? Do explore any topics like diversity, sustainability or politics in your work?
The main theme I want people to take away is one of Recognition. Recognise the Windrush generation and their positive impact on rebuilding post-war British society. To tell my Great Great Grandfathers story of the contribution he has made to Black British history. For being the first black man to own his own Jazz club on the famous Carnaby street and the starting of a multicultural London.
Illustrating the Caribbean creative style, fashion and music which has added to British culture expressed through my designs using classic tailoring and explosion cutting. Lastly As a Black British Woman this has been a significant project for me and a lifelong aspiration to document my families story. ‘I believe it is important to know your history to Know where you are going’. I encourage you to continue documenting and sharing these stories for generations to come.
What’s an aspect of the fashion industry that you’re passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
I am very passionate about shedding like on Black British culture and giving recognition to the past a present. Improving the BAME representation within the fashion design industry and most importantly working toward building a strong foundation for the Black community in owning our business and self belief in ourselves and as a community. Creating a brighter future for the next generation.
What is your plan for the future?
My plans for the future would be to design for a luxury brand part time, while I work on my on business creating a menswear brand called 'Recognise' that sheds light and knowledge on Black British culture through creativity and collaborations. Then expand into networking events for young people and motivational conferences on industry knowledge, self improvement, creating a open space to talk and create opportunities.