by Shanna Britta / photographs by Casey Otto Photography

The essence of couture is intimacy, artistry, and transformation - that is the world that I have created for my clients at Shanna Britta. On October 2nd, I hosted MUSE at the iconic 21C Museum Hotel St. Louis, where my guests savored a four-course gourmet meal as couture creations moved through the gallery like living works of art. Surrounded by art installations on The Future is Female, the evening was designed to awaken every sense - taste, touch, sight, sound and smell. This is what couture means to me: not something distant or untouchable, but something deeply personal and profoundly luxurious.

At MUSE, guests savored a four-course gourmet meal as couture creations moved through the gallery like living works of art.

For me, luxury fashion has never been just about clothing - it has always been about the experience. Every woman who becomes my client enters a world that is as pampering as it is precise. We begin with a design consultation where I take her measurements and give her a positive body shape analysis, but more importantly, I listen. I want to understand her world. Does she travel often, moving seamlessly between airports, meetings, and dinners? Is she a mother who needs clothing that feels polished and effortless even on the busiest days? Is she stepping into a new role or a new season of life where her wardrobe needs to reflect her transformation? These conversations allow me to design not only garments, but confidence. Couture becomes her armor, tailored to her body and her lifestyle, created to make her feel like the most confident version of herself.

St. Louis socialite and model Kelly Bagwe models one of Shanna Britta’s creations at the MUSE fashion show at the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis.

Once a woman steps into my world, she is always my client. I get to know her beautiful body shape, personal preferences and lifestyle so that her wardrobe evolves with her. Clients often notice that my personalized creations fit them better than off the rack luxury brands. That is the power of true passionate couture at Shanna Britta - craftsmanship, fit, and artistry that make the garment feel like it was made for one woman - because it was. My philosophy has always been simple: you don’t change - the clothes change.

Modern luxury also demands responsibility. My brand was recognized as a finalist for the Fashion Group International (FGI) Rising Star Awards in the Sustainability category, an honor that reflects my dedication to thoughtful, ethical design. Every piece I create is made-to-order, eliminating waste and ensuring garments that are not only exquisite, but lasting. I work closely with local artisans whom I know personally, masterful craftspeople whose skills give life to each creation. Supporting my work means supporting theirs, and together we keep the artistry of true fashion alive.

Designer Shanna Britta (center) after the MUSE fashion event.

The fabrics I use tell their own story of luxury. I source vegetable-dyed leathers from Spain, where the entire animal is respected and nothing is wasted. My swimwear is crafted from advanced recycled nylon from Italy, combining innovation with elegance. I select designer deadstock fabrics from houses such as Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta, and Carolina Herrera…just to name a few. I also discover vintage textiles that I reinvent into modern couture pieces. Each material is chosen for its quality, its beauty, and its ability to become something timeless.

In addition to construction, print design is one of my signatures. I am a graphic print designer, and every print you see in my collections is my original work. Chiffon gowns flow with my artwork, turning each piece into a wearable canvas. For clients who want to take exclusivity even further, I design bespoke prints so that their garments are truly one-of-a-kind - couture taken to the highest level of individuality.

At MUSE, the models who embodied my collection were radiant reflections of what couture means to me. They were diverse in age, size, and appearance, proving that beauty is not singular. Their presence showed that couture is not about fitting into a mold but about elevating every woman who wears it. They wore sculpted leather corsets, sweeping cape coats, flowing gowns that carried an energy that was amplified by the women themselves.

The evening was as much about experience as it was about fashion. Guests who attended MUSE indulged in a night of haute cuisine and couture, and many left with more than just memories. They scheduled design consultations and had one on one personal shopping experience with a fashion designer. My consultations may take place in person at my studio or over Zoom, but it always begins the same way: with listening, sketching, and envisioning.

At Shanna Britta, couture is not just about what you wear, it is about how you feel. It is about confidence, elegance, and the joy of being seen and celebrated exactly as you are. Clients don’t just receive garments; they receive an experience - one that pampers, empowers, and transforms. This is the ultimate luxury: couture that is designed for you, with you, and about you. I invite you to experience Shanna Britta, where couture becomes personal, sustainable, and unforgettable.

My thanks go out to MUSE producer Dwight Carter of Brainchild Next, and to the staff of 21c whose invaluable made for an memorable evening for my guests that evening.