“At the end of the day, we have to do what we're good at. As a designer, it’s [essential] to define what you're saying and doing , [while also] changing and evolving.”
Words by Zeynep Kerpisci. Portrait by Miro Lovejoy Teplitzky.
Sharon Wauchob is a renowned fashion designer celebrated for her sophisticated and modern designs. Both personally and professionally, she identifies deeply with her role as a female designer, viewing her perspective as a vital component of her approach to fashion. Sharon’s experiences — travelling internationally and gaining deeper insights into women’s needs — have significantly shaped her work. She now connects more closely with her customers, designing in ways that reflect both their desires and her own current stage in life.
Earlier in her career, Sharon’s focus was on displaying creativity, projecting ideas, and showcasing a future vision. However, her current emphasis lies in the present and the tangible, finding clarity in understanding the people who wear her designs. “Fashion is never something I get bored of. It’s always relevant. Fashion, like music, really [reflects] the time we’re in, and that's important.”
Her career took a pivotal turn while attending Central Saint Martins, where watching a third-year fashion show exposed her to the essential blend of creativity, organisation, planning, and timing in the fashion industry. “That was when I experienced fashion as I see it –– where creativity [intersects with] organisation, planning, and timing. I could see [that] all [these] elements were just as important as one another; it really changed a lot for me.” This experience highlighted the necessity of combining creative vision with logistical execution, providing Sharon with a realistic view of the high standards and challenges within the fashion world.
For young and aspiring designers, Sharon advises focusing on honing and perfecting their craft. While she acknowledges that the industry is evolving — especially with the introduction of AI and other technological advancements — she encourages them to stay true to their vision while adapting to the shifting environment. “We [designers] must give practical advice to young designers, because that's what we really have. We can't [offer] precise [guidance] because the industry’s system is very different now. They're entering a different environment than we did, and that's going to be the same in five years from now. It's going to change again.”
Through her design process, Sharon has come to recognise the importance of acknowledging her strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that she surrounds herself with individuals who can complement her skills. “You need a lot of confidence, but [also] humility to understand what you're not good at. You need the confidence to really push what you're trying to say. At the same time, you need to be creative, but also [manage] schedules and finances [effectively]. It's about contradictions. You have to learn to [shift] your mindset depending on the moment.”
The Sharon Wauchob woman embodies confidence, independence, and appreciation for timeless luxury that transcends branding. Sharon designs for women who value craftsmanship and unpredictability in their wardrobe choices. She emphasises hand-made and couture-like elements in her work, ensuring her pieces feel special and enduring. Her clientele is diverse, spanning various ages and geographies, yet they share a common appreciation for luxury that doesn’t rely on the overt branding of larger fashion houses.
Looking ahead, Sharon Wauchob envisions a future that embraces adaptability and change. She is eager to explore new ways of connecting with customers, including collaborations with Asian markets and capsule collections that offer more tailored, crafted approaches. “I'm most interested in reaching customers in new ways that aren’t necessarily online. I like the idea of a pop-up store. For me, it's important that the women can touch and see the clothes, but I [believe] this has to be in an innovative way.”
This Industry Voice is part of The Britannia & Éire Issue. Purchase your copy here.
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