Wilmington Designer Shakira Hunt on Her Signature Style

Photo by Joe Del Tufo

Wilmington-based artist and designer Shakira Hunt of Shakira Hunt Creative Studio marries form and function in her everyday style.

Describe your style.

Free-flowing and dictated by my mood. Because I’m always on the go, I like to grab pairable, transitional things that feel light. Most of the time, I’m in athletic wear and oversized shirts—those are my thing. Tights, a crop top with an oversized white linen shirt and a pair of Chucks [Converse sneakers]—that’s my everyday kind of look.

Art school influence:

(Hunt attended Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia, and Delaware College of Art and Design in Wilmington.) The second I got to art school was game-changing for me. I realized, oh, I don’t have to wear my pants this way and look like everybody else. I’m allowed to cut them up and be more expressive.

You never leave home without:

A tote bag. I dump my laptop, camera, water bottles, notebooks—anything I might need to keep me productive.

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Solids vs. patterns:

I could be into print if it’s a geometric pattern, painted words or letters, or a custom piece. I like to support other artists.

Sources of inspiration:

Places and environments. New York has always influenced the street style I gravitate to. But when I went to the United Kingdom, I loved the expressiveness. I felt more alive fashionwise there.

I gravitate toward warm, neutral tones like earthy greens, mustards, beiges and white. Those are the colors of my interior aesthetic and my wardrobe.

So, you match your house?

Yeah, but not in a weird matchy-matchy way.

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Fashion no-nos:

Letting the clothes wear you; you should feel comfortable and confident.

Must-have accessory:

I love big chunky scarves in fall and winter. I love layering.

Best bargain shopping:

Goodwill, of course. Buffalo Exchange in Philly is another good one.

Earthy sense:

I definitely could go with a no-scent vibe. But if I do, it has an earth tone like rose oil.

Hair do’s:

It’s transitional. It’s already short and curly. If I don’t feel like rocking my natural hair, I’ll rock some braid extensions.

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Go-to designer:

My creative business partner, 7GOD. He does a lot of wearable art and custom pieces. You can give him a bag, tote or blazer, and he’ll completely flip it and give it new life.

Favorite fashion era:

The ’90s fresh millennials style—’90s prep.

Signature pieces:

I love a Converse platform sneaker or Dr. Marten’s boot.…I have seven of the same white linen shirts.

If money were no object:

I’d buy more platform Converse [shoes] and flowing, oversized shirts!

Shakira Hunt Creative is a branding and photography studio serving brands and entrepreneurs with a focus on black women entrepreneurs within the wellness, beauty, and creative spaces. To learn more, visit shakirahunt.com.

Related: 1970s Model Roi Barnard Maintains a Bold & Dapper Style

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