Meet Shon Gardner of Cloud Nine Couture by Shon Gardner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shon Gardner.

Shon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Here I am just a young boy with big dreams from the unfashionable city of Fort Worth, Texas. It was in 8th grade at Wedgwood Middle School when I discovered I could draw without tracing, and then my love for fashion through art was birthed. After watching many episodes of Project Runway. I then developed a structured brain for the real Lights, Cameras and Catwalk action of fashion runway production. By the age of 20, in the year of 2009, I co-produced my first charity fashion event. Keep in mind, I still had no real clue of what was really going on. All I know is that I had the vision to execute what I saw in my mind. At this time in my life, I was more focused on being this RnB star.

I was traveling doing auditions for Simon Cowell’s American Idol, X-Factor and Apollo Theater New York City and even performed at the annual K104’s Kwanzaa Fest. It was in 2011 I realized music was not the path I was supposed to take, although I had a great voice. I guess it needed to be heard in a different lane of the industry. Before I became a self-made boss from 2011 to 2012, I worked alongside Oklahoma City designer Melysha Reed, building my brand portfolio as a wardrobe stylist and creative director. It was then when some of the top models and photographers in Dallas/Fort Worth would book me for test shoots, and I would volunteer to work backstage at some of the hottest fashion socialite events in the city such as BDonnas PPP shoe shows, Ese Azenabor’s Phantom of the Runway and several others.

2013 came, and I decided to touch the waters again with producing my first real fashion production called “Fashion Forward Affair” it featured some of DFW’s unspoken fashion designers. After a great response, I then decided to make the show annual. It was in 2014 when I realized I should soar to my next level and show people that I could design. I made my debut showing my preview collection at my annual show, but this time it was the “Men of the Hour”. I wanted to highlight some of the best male designers who were soaring like myself. That was then when I felt like my destiny and purpose for fashion was in full effect. I became more confident, I felt unstoppable and began to understand the real meaning of self-worth.

Within the year, I created my first vision board on this huge life-sized science project board. It had no blank space, it was filled with a lifetime of endless goals including New York Fashion Week. As the years progressed, I would think of different ways to reinvent myself and expand my creativity. There was so much gun violence going on against us African American men from 2015-2016. I remember reading Facebook a post from Dallas designer Tiffany Walker of “Pink Lucy” saying “Use your voice to make a change for Justice.” That was when I had the thought…. “Well my platform is fashion, and I definitely know how to capture an audience in that way.” My third show Fashion for Peace hosted by K104’s”DeDe in the Morning” was a redefining moment in the Dallas fashion culture.

Designers from all walks of life and areas were in attendance from Houston, Mississippi, Louisiana, etc. I always take the time to analyze my life, from the Good, Bad, Ugly and Great. Sometimes life’s process will help you make a believer out of your own self. Here I am, and it’s 2018, and I am 29. I am invited to come to show my collection during SS19/NYFW 2018. I can honestly say I have never been so nervous in my life. My mom dropped me off at the airport, I’m getting all of my luggage out of the car, and then I feel this complete life-changing shift run through my body. The feeling was soo unexplainable. I know that it’s not great to compare because everyone’s journey is different, but I’m pretty sure everyone in life has had a moment of self-questioning “why me”?

I am here to say that I don’t regret any of the process and curve balls that life has thrown at me from, people who flake and pretend to be in your corner to all of my downfalls. All I know is that I’m here to see what undiscovered blessings are left to be revealed.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I would like to call my business a fashion house, just because I do everything from personal shopping, creative business branding, fashion event production, wardrobe styling, creative directing, and designing. I always say you can’t put creatives in a box.

My clothing brand Cloud Nine Couture caters to women of all racial backgrounds and personalities. Every look has its own personality. I would say my designs are known for the unique contrasting textures and eye-popping prints.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
It really all depends on how you take advantage of your resources and how well you develop a personal grind. Hustle and passion is everything! I say that because it keeps you going when the money is not coming especially when you’re starting from the bottom. Now theirs other advantages in cities who are more established, but making your own lane is best.

Contact Info:

• Email: StylistShonGardner@gmail.com
• Instagram: @Draeshyn
• Facebook: @Shon Draeshyn Gardner

Image Credit:
Hatton Photoz, Chad Ballenger, Charles SoSoCity Gbadebo

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