Meet Shaun Bean-Arnold | Creative Director, Fashion Stylist & Merchandiser

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaun Bean-Arnold and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaun, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born & raised in Kingston, Jamaica where I lived with my mom and older sister for majority of that time. I was somewhat of a stand-out in some circles, not appreciating the norms of the ‘Jamaican way’. Growing up there throughout the 2000s & early 2010s the homophobic and misogynistic nature of the island, heavily influenced by dancehall music really plagued, as it continues to, the freedom and true beauty of the nation. My ideologies have always been rooted in liberty and equality for all — which further developed in my university years studying courses like international human rights law & Caribbean fashion. Moving to New York a few years ago, opened my eyes to see that this kind of narrow-minded thinking exist all over the globe, not just the Caribbean. Resultantly, in an effort to play a part in truly impacting human rights and shape equality worldwide, through fashion and streetwear, my mantra is always this: ‘gender-less, gender neutral, gender-free style’.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Gender-less, Gender neutral, gender free. I can’t stress enough how much this means in fashion and streetwear. In my opinion, our dress is a crucial part of our cultures, self-expression in one of our truest art forms. Style isn’t some illusive concept that only the most dripped out amongst can capture — its however you feel comfortable in expressing yourself. Something I’m most proud of is being able to share that message, through wardrobe styling with the all the lovely models, photographers, videographers and stylists I’ve been working with and everyone who appreciates the looks generally. How’d I get here? That’s a bit of a trail to follow but definitely through a number of avenues, some related to fashion, some quite far of that path. It hasn’t been easy, nothing worth having never is easy of course, but it’s been worth it every step of the way. Overcoming the trials by having a strong support team who believe in my aspirations and goals has been immensely helpful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a tricky one because I feel like majority of my to-gos are food spots — I love love love food so much lol. Different restaurants for brunch/lunch and dinner each day. The in-betweens: Savant Studios as aforementioned, Soho for the all around shopping experience (luxury, streetwear, fast fashion, vintage shops, thrift and consignment stores), and of course nearby Bowery. The MoMA is a must for anyone visiting NYC, and a few art galleries I find much solace in areas like Lower East side and Williamsburg including KAWS. In the summer time I do enjoy hopping on a. Citibike around Brooklyn and exploring the streets of the beautiful borough as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
1463 Fulton St — the address of an intimate black-owned garment store, safe space and creative marketplace: Savant Studios. A year ago I saw a barrel bag my good friend and photographer Julia had. She put me on, and since the first time visiting and every time after that, I’ve met such beautiful, incredible people, been so creatively enlightened and felt a new sense of freedom in a sense. So shoutout to Mike, Deva and the whole crew over at Savant Studios, if your ever in New York, check them out in the heart of Bed-stuy.

Website: https://shaunbean.myportfolio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaunbean__/

Image Credits
Julia John