We were lucky to catch up with Shade’ Elliott recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shade’, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project so far that I worked on would be between the music video styling I did for YSL Young Thug & HiDoraah or the fashion show that I held in Richmond, VA in 2021. Both projects are very meaningful to me because I got to work with some of my favorite artists and experience the YSL family first hand. That was a very inspirational project and moment for me. The fashion show that I held in Richmond, VA was a free show that we asked for donations at the door. We did an upcyled theme show in the middle of the street downtown rva. The thrift store which I am very close with called Circle located on broad st allowed me to create this beautiful moment at their store.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a 26 year old fashion designer, creative director and stylist from Virginia. My name is Shade’ Elliott. I sew, design clothing, do photoshoot and wardrobe styling, music video styling as well as creative direction. I began with my brand Vintage Apparel a little after graduating highschool. I started with thrifting and sourcing pieces from thrift shops and reselling them on my own website and in person & via social media. I created a bigcartel website and put the clothing on there as well and created my own little shop. This is where the name Vintage Apparel arised. I then began to make my own clothing from upcycling thrifted items and sewing them to create what my own version of Vintage was. I would revamp or upcycle old items into new one of one pieces including bags, denim, jackets, tees, etc.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the freedom and the satisfaction you get when you complete a project. Also I would say seeing the confidence grow in clients as a stylist is my favorite part. I love seeing people feel good and love theirselves as they should and styling helps people bring that confidence out because sometimes they don’t realize they actually can pull off a look or can wear certain things until they try!
How did you build your audience on social media?
I am currently in the process of rebuilding my social media presence. I had about 3.5k followers before my page was suspended on instagram recently. I now am regaining my following and clients but it is not so hard. i believe if you are just being yourself and being consistent with your work then you will get your following that you should have. people will gravitate towards you if you are just being you. social media can be a helpful tool but it is not everything when it comes to being a creative. use it to promote yourself and to post your work and anything other than that is just for fun. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/stylesbyshade?fbclid=PAAaYOBDWUgm5sR-hEJbJIF6phEi8v_NG9WiBpk0NI-sdtGAQVcNg9730Tt3o_aem_AZX774Jhabh8FEl4F9tipuo8dRGI6kd7NZ0Zs65blVzmlE-KByhqEqzS8feH66aoc4Y
- Instagram: stylesbyshade
- Twitter: l0veshvde
Image Credits
shotbyedahs