Meet SaVonne N. Whitfield, M.A. of 27Hangers

Today we’d like to introduce you to SaVonne N. Whitfield, M.A.

SaVonne, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was quite a reserved, yet creative and visually stimulated kid. I like to think my initial interest was not clothing and fashion but what I didn’t realize was that fashion would be my choice of creativity. My earliest memories are of playing in my grandmother’s closet. She would allow me to entertain myself there for as long as I wanted to— I even took a liking to her beautiful perfume bottles & jewelry that lay a top her dresser. From there, I grew to really like clothing and began to express myself in that way. I never really cared to follow trends. I liked what I liked & it had to feel good to me. I remember in middle school winning the ‘best dressed’ superlative & by the time I was in high school, I began to recognize that I had taste— a complex simplistic taste. I wanted to share it in some way so I assumed the thought of being a ‘boutique’ owner, selling one of a kind style. While in Los Angeles studying undergrad at California State University, Northridge, I worked at corporate retail headquarters for a woman who owned a few clothing stores at malls in the surrounding area. The clothing & accessories were geared towards teens and college students. It was there that I learned the many elements of not just fashion, but running a business in fashion. Working hands on with the ability to showcase my knowledge and talent had also gifted me opportunity to learn everything that I could from behind the scenes.

By the time I had graduated undergrad, I was into vintage clothing & thrift shopping. I realized that my passion for style had grown a lot larger than I had given it credit for. I began to understand that there were far more areas of fashion, style, and art that I wanted to explore, and the evolution of full figured fashion was one of the important areas I wanted in on. None of my educational degrees are related to fashion and I was not technically trained to sew/design. I always had a natural eye and openness to exploring all things fashion. Today, I am a self-taught seamstress & fashion designer, owning my own business in fashion. My journey has consisted of: professional bridal styling, wardrobe consulting, NYC theater wardrobe & costuming, working NYFW, owning a brick & mortar shop, running an online shop, working for FIDM, heading entrepreneurial networking, youth fashion mentorship and fashion workshops.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has never been a smooth road but, it has been extremely fulfilling! Struggles along the way for me have been, gaining the experience to get the opportunity and of course financial stability as a freelancer. In my opinion, today’s world is far more accepting of creatives and the idea of freelancing. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience both worlds of non-acceptance and acceptance of contracted work operations. I think it’s what has kept me on my journey of exploration and working with so many great individuals but also, pushing myself to degrees of strength and capabilities I never knew I had. All of which are elements added to each of my experiences. Eventually, things level out and the focus becomes stronger. Opportunities and finances follow when you’re doing what you love— I am living proof of that.

Please tell us about your business.
I am a California native, currently residing in Las Vegas, NV. I created 27Hangers in April of 2013. What began as a vintage-resale, Instagram-shop, representing all body types in Style and Grace; has since shifted into a creative collection of domestically sewn and branded clothing curated for all. Switching gears from the Las Vegas arts district Studio & Shop location, 27Hangers is now accessed through the online avenue: www.27Hangers.com.

As a wardrobe consultant, I have created a virtual safe haven for clients to reinvent their personal style. They can express themselves and their lifestyles through their wardrobe with my guidance.

Fall & Winter looks are my absolute favorite for layering and exaggerating. I enjoy working with faux fur, vintage denim, and of course— sequins! I love pops of color & detail in classic fashion. These materials provide a unique detail that I enjoy including in my designs for clients to step out of their comfort zones.

I am most proud of the courage to journey through this process. Everyone’s story is different. I have yet to reach the levels of satisfaction and success that I hope to. Some people do it & get it right, and take off in no time. I am learning to respect my process & liberation in learning and growing my craft and future goals.

What sets me apart from others is— MY story and the evolution I share with my audience and clientele. As a self-taught seamstress, fashion & costume designer, stylist, and wardrobe consultant, I am inspired by the culture of everyday people and the class and unique details of high fashion. I’ve lived the essence of art & fashion in cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Houston, St. Louis, and now Las Vegas. I admire multi-faceted elements of all things fashion, style and body positivity.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Essential characteristics most important to my success have been creativity, passion, courage, and motivation. The truth is, at any point along the journey I can and have fallen short of some or all of these characteristics, and it gets really tough. What I found most important, is to allow myself to reevaluate and to change direction. Considering challenges and growth, then reviving each of the four characteristics allows me to rebuild, often getting me back into focus of my goals. I have found that, reinventing yourself, brand and/or company is forward movement, although sometimes it can feel like stagnation or lost momentum. Simply put, if you have a passion for something, find the courage to go after it and keep yourself motivated to accomplish your goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.27Hangers.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: 27Hangers
• Facebook: 27Hangers

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