So role models. Do you have one? Well mine was my Nanny Olive who lived with us for seven years. She use to live in London and whenever she visited, she would always, without fail, bring me back a new pair of shoes. They were never a pair of ordinary shoes. They were usually from Camden or she would pick them up in random vintage shops. I use to be a Spice Girls fanatic and my favourite member was Baby Spice so my Nan searched all over the UK to find me a mini sized pair of Baby Spices glitter platform wedged strap shoes for Christmas when I was 6. I wore them until they were literally falling apart. Nan bought me dresses throughout the years and my entire Communion ensemble! She then continued to get me boots upon boots and when I got older, she bought me my first pair of heels. They were only kitten heels but they were amazing all the same. The thing that made my Nan so inspirational was her ability to see the strengths in others. She always told me not to let anyone tell me that I couldn't do something. And if they did, it was because they were envious.
I received my Junior Cert results on my birthday and unfortunately, my Nan was in hospital. I went in to see her and she had a present for me all wrapped up, despite the fact that she was ill. She asked how my exams were and when I told her how I did, she went round telling the whole ward and would stop any nurse who would listen. Seeing how proud she was of me made me smile so much, even though it was just the junior cert. I went to the Junior Cert disco that evening and she asked me to wear my outfit into her the next day. It was a thing we had. She stayed in the room at the very end of the hall and each time I was going out or had anything new, she would make me walk up the hallway and into her room so that she could evaluate my outfit. Over her years of staying with us, we grew incredibly close. I talked to her about my first "boyfriend", I gave her facials and did her nails and hair every week when she became quite weak, I'd take her to town in her wheelchair whenever she was feeling down. Her jewelry collection was amazing and she would spend hours talking me through where each piece came from.
My Nanny died on a beautiful summers evening in May 2011. I was given the honor of picking out her burial clothes. Of course I put her in baby pink because it looked so pretty on her and she loved the colour. She was buried next to her mother in Dublin but not before the community showed their love by giving her a beautiful farewell ceremony. During the whole funeral process, the sun did not stop shining and for the first time in years, the rose bush that she planted in our garden began to bud (freaky right?). The room that she use to stay in is now my studio space and I use her chair as my desk chair. It may be kind of morbid but I feel close to her when I'm in there designing. I feel like she's still looking over my shoulder. I was left all her jewelry and a beautiful vintage jewelry box. I keep it all very safe of course.
The overall result of this post is that my Nan is the reason that I have the courage and confidence to pursue my dream in fashion design. She picked me up when I was down, always told me how it was and supported me unconditionally. I owe it to her to at least let this new community know who inspires me. It is her, my beautiful, sweet, shining grandmother who I miss everyday but I know will be with me on my journey to excellence. Thank you my Angel and hopefully I'll continue to do you proud.
Some of my favourites from her
Much Love to all of you and your loved ones,
Shannon.
xoxo
<3
ReplyDeleteLovely post.
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