Fashion Friday's with Fashion Designer Shanikki Peterson from Lujeanik Designs

 
 Welcome to Fashion Friday's! This is a new monthly segment that will feature minorities in the fashion industry. There are so many successful fashion designers, stylists, models, photographers, etc. in the fashion industry that doesn't get much recognition and I wanted to highlight them.

This Friday I had the pleasure of interviewing Shanikki Peterson of Lujeanik Designs and Attitude Behavior Clothing. Lujeanik Designs is a swimwear company and Attitude Behavior is an exotic clothing line.

 

  1. What do you do in the fashion industry? In what city or state? I am a Self Employed Fashion Designer of two fashion brands; LuJeanik and Attitude Behavior Clothing.  I create the concept by design, create patterns for design then sew garments ready for retail sale right here in Tampa, FL.
 
  1. At what age did you become fascinated with fashion? Ever since I was little,  I grew up watching my grandmother sew in her kitchen at a young age and ever since then I have had a passion for fashion and style.

  1. Who is one of your biggest fashion influencers?  Chanel and Balmain

  1. What made you decide to become a fashion designer? Seeing a Fashion School commercial;  I realized the possibility of making a career out of something I love.

  1. How did you get your start?  I went to school and graduated with a Bachelors in Fashion Design and Marketing, however after seeing how tough it was to enter the fashion field being in Florida I decided to create my own line, LuJeanik.  Then inspiration by a college friend lead me to making costumes for exotic dancers which really took my skills to another level.

  1. How long have you been in the business?  I have been in business for over 7 years, but officially in business full time a little over a year.

  1. How do you stay updated on the current trends? I seek a lot of trends by looking on social media sites such as Instagram.  I also allow my customers to customize items and often they will let me know what is trending.

  1. Have you been to fashion week? If so when and where? And how was your experience?  I haven't done the major fashion weeks in NY or Miami but I did do Charlotte Fashion week for 2 consecutive years.  The experience was great.  It was my first big show.

  1. How important is fashion week to you?  Fashion week is very important, because I haven't yet had the opportunity to attend I always look at the latest blogs or review the runway shows online to also see what is trending.  It's very exciting to see the designers prospective of what is the next best thing.

  1. Have you ever designed for any celebrities? If, so who were they and did you have a favorite? I have designed a few swimwear pieces for a cast member from a reality TV show, "Black Ink Crew".

  1. What is the one item that you can’t leave home without?  My cell phone and only because it has everything on it like my contacts to keep in touch with family, the Bible app, YouTube, my Calendar and Social Media.

  1. What is your favorite accessory?  Can I have two? Shoes and Handbags

  1. Name the top three things you make sure to have at a fashion shoot. Safety Pins, Liners and a whole bunch of pieces.

  1. Who is your favorite fashion designer and why? Chanel because their style is classic and very detailed.  The workmanship on their garments is ridiculously good.
15. What is your favorite fashion trend, and why?  I enjoy the classic looks because they never go out of style.
16. What is your favorite color? Royal Blue and Purple
17. What is your dream job in the fashion industry? I am living my dream job as a Fashion Designer
18. What are your plans for the future and where do you see yourself taking your career?   My plans are to be a big fashion mogul that is world renowned.  I see myself as a global brand because I hate being placed in a box.

  1. What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a fashion designer?  Just do it! And this is with any dream you desire.  Forget all the negative reasons why you shouldn't, the first step is to just take the leap and everything else will follow.  Yes, there are many designers out there but everyone's style is different and there is room for everyone.

  1. What sort of things do you do, to prepare for a photo shoot that you are the designer for?  Making sure I have adequate clothing and keeping an open communication with everyone involved to make sure everything runs smoothly.

  1. When in your career, did it feel like a surreal experience?   When I left my Corporate America job to be a full-time Fashion Designer, I realized I had to make it happen.  Waking up every morning driving to my own company is a great feeling, almost still unbelievable.

Ladies, if you are interested in purchasing swimsuits for next summer, please visit www.lujeanik.com and https://www.etsy.com/shop/AttitudeBehavior for the exotic clothing line Attitude Behavior.  like them on facebook, follow them on Instagram, or tweet them on Twitter at Lujeanik and AttitudeBehaviorClothing. If you live in the Tampa Bay area you can visit Fashion Plug Boutique currently located at; 5508 N 50th St. Tampa FL. 33610, for purchasing.

Please leave your comments below and tell me what you think about Fashion Friday's and what you would like to see next month. Stay tuned for the next Fashion Friday segment in November!

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

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