"Innovation out of necessity," has long been her modus operandi, she tells me.
Shannon Arter is the creator of ReClaim Design & Accessories - her very own jewelry, leather hand-bags and accessories line.
Creative wheels began to turn for Arter when she started to see or want certain fashion pieces or different items and maybe couldn't always afford it.
So, she tooks matters into her own creative hands and began sourcing out clothing and other items (especially leather jackets!) at second-hand and thrift stores.
One late night, Arter began "playing" and started to see how much she loved taking things apart and learning about how to sew, put together, design and create her very own treasures . . . ReClaim was born!
The clothing was first - then came the jewelry.
Arter's love of all things style and fashion came to fruition when she travelled to the UK and studied fashion design at Glyntaff Art & Design, culminating in a two-year Diploma in Tech, Styles and Fashion.
Even though she was a Canadian citizen, Arter had an interview with the Vice Principal at the school and he saw such talent and promise in her that he waived her fees and personally vouched for her to be treated as a UK citizen.
Arter tells me about this rather significant life event, looking back with happiness and gratitude.
Her time there was invaluable, she says, and she took advantage of this huge opportunity wholeheartedly.
She quickly became inspired, studying fashion history through WWII and loved comparing American and British style. Arter tells me she really loves British style and sees it as very innovative.
During her summer breaks from studying, she travelled and backpacked through Europe, discovering different styles in different countries, seeking more inspiration wherever she could get it.
Now, she loves finding old leather jackets and turning them into killer bags, hair accessories, different kinds of leather bows - and even has her own line of ReClaim leather baby booties (the most adorable little shoes you'll ever see in your life!).
Her bags come in a wide array of sizes, colours and styles and if you have a ReClaim bag or necklace, it will be as one of a kind as you can get (and handcrafted on Van Isle!). Don't even get me started on her jewellery - beyond amazing!
You can check out (and purchase!) ReClaim Design & Accessories goodies on Etsy.com by clicking here. Arter also has her own showcase display here in Nanaimo at Black & Blue Tattoo downtown.
If you're in Vancouver pop in to boutique Front & Company (3772 Main St., between 21st and 22nd Ave) to see it all up close and personal.
For further information you can contact Shannon Arter directly at reclaimaccessories@live.com
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