I am a fashion designer, fit expert, and founder of the Shanna Britta label - a luxury women’s wear brand rooted in sustainability, artistry, and positive body image.

From the very beginning, fashion has been my language. As a little girl, I was constantly sketching and experimenting with fabric, learning through trial and error how to transform simple materials into something meaningful. Even then, I knew I was most alive when I was creating with my hands - shaping, refining, and bringing ideas to life.

My formal training began at Purdue University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and Technology, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. During my years in New York, I worked with iconic fashion houses including Tommy Hilfiger, where I helped launch the H Collection at Fashion Week in Bryant Park. I also gained invaluable experience working with Versace and Michael Faircloth, whose couture work - including Laura Bush’s inaugural gown, deepened my passion for custom, hand-crafted design.

Traveling to Europe was a defining part of my education, allowing me to study couture from multiple perspectives. In Paris, visiting couture houses such as Lanvin and Christian Lacroix revealed the artistry, precision, and discipline behind true haute couture. In Scotland, I visited historic textile mills in the countryside, gaining insight into the creation of couture-level fabrics and the sustainability behind them, from sheep to loom. These mills supplied fabrics to renowned fashion houses, including Christian Dior, and together these experiences shaped my understanding of design at the highest level.

My career continued in Houston, Texas, where I worked as Design Assistant and Production Coordinator for contemporary womenswear designer Linda Segal, gaining hands-on experience in production, pattern making, and garment construction. Later, after moving to St. Louis, Missouri (now my home), I joined Lori Coulter, LLC (now Summersalt Swimwear), where I led Design, Product Development and Production for custom, made-to-order swimwear. Through these experiences it refined my expertise in fit and reinforced the importance of designing for real women’s bodies.

Through every chapter of my career, one truth remained constant: fit is everything. I design with intention, using each woman’s individual measurements to create garments that honor her shape, her movement, and her life. I believe luxury is not about restriction, it’s about freedom, confidence, and feeling completely yourself in what you wear.

Shanna Britta is, quite literally, my name - and my lifelong dream. I have known since childhood that I would build a brand centered on craftsmanship, integrity, and women feeling beautiful in their own skin. My collections range from elevated everyday pieces to elaborate, one-of-a-kind couture garments, all united by thoughtful construction, high-quality materials, and timeless design.

Sustainability is woven into every decision I make, from sourcing materials to creating made-to-order pieces that reduce waste and honor longevity. I am proud to have been named a finalist in New York for the FGI Rising Star Award for Sustainability, a recognition that reflects my commitment to responsible luxury and thoughtful design.

At the heart of everything I do is my mission: to help women feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful, at any age, any size, and any stage of life. Fashion should celebrate who you are, not ask you to change.

Thank you for being here and for supporting handcrafted, intentional fashion. I hope you enjoy my collections as much as I love creating them.

— Shanna Britta Mellnick