The Bite Magazine

Fiona James

delves into the colourful and exciting

world of designer Shara Hayz who creates fashion for

the style conscious.

hen you think Shara Hayz, an explosion of colour

seems to light up the night sky, with the radiance

of sci-fi imagery, pop art and ‘80s electronic

music illuminating the stage. The east London-based fashion

designer could in our opinion be likened to the Banksy of

alternative art or the Antonio Lopez of illustrations (in terms

of colourful pop art), for her bold digital prints and use of

LED electronics integrated into her outfits.Or even the modern

colourful interpretation of fashion pioneers Zandra Rhodes

and Vivienne Westwood when punk was at its prominent

height. Shara’s influences cover a wide spectrum and include

1950s sci-fi comics and films, ancient civilizations and their

gods, sun worshippers, pop art, alternative cultures, symbolism

and superheroes. Early on, she captured the attention of stylists,

celebs and photographers including David Sims who shot

her work and has appeared in magazines such as

WAD, Vogue

Online, Kurv, Fiasco, Noise

and

125magazine.

Her designs have

been worn by the likes of Lara Stone for Hot Chip’s video ‘Night

and Day’, Scissor Sisters’ Ana Matronic on the cover of

Beige

Magazine

and A*M*E for her ‘Heartless’ pop video and single

cover.

It may seem only yesterday that Shara Hayz appeared on

the fashion scene, but the designer has been working in the

industry for nearly ten years.“I was lucky to gain a job designing

straight after graduating for a good street wear label. I have

worked my way up in the industry, gaining a lot of experience

with designers like Betty Jackson and Katherine Hamnett, and

making contacts along the way, leading me to create my own

label in 2012.” Completing both a BA Hons and more recently

an MA at London College of Fashion, Shara found both courses

valuable experiences that set you up for working in the fashion

industry. However, she adds, “Though the reality of working

in fashion is very different to university and nothing can compare

to working in fashion than actually getting a job in the industry.”