Whom You Know: MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Shawn Ward, President/Co-Founder of SHANE&SHAWN

Thursday, March 12, 2009

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Shawn Ward, President/Co-Founder of SHANE&SHAWN

One half of the twin design duo behind Detny by SHANE&SHAWN, Shawn Ward spent his youth in Detroit amidst a large, close-knit family. Ambitious and intelligent, he went from being a star-student at Cass Tech high school to attending the University of Michigan on a full, four-year scholarship. He was a member of the fraternity Omega Psi Phi and he graduated at the top of his class with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Shawn then went on to work as a Product Engineer for Daimler Chrysler, all the while attending night classes to achieve his Master’s in Mechanical Engineering.

After a time, Shawn moved to New York, working as a day trader on the NASDAQ stock exchange before joining Shane in operating their own freelance athletic footwear design consultancy, SW2DESIGN. Shawn handled business affairs, leaving his twin brother to create winning designs, which were commissioned by, among others, Fila, AND1, Puma, Royal Elastics, Adidas, and Converse.

Within a year, Shawn’s business savvy and his brother, Shane’s, expert designs allowed them to build a solid reputation as one of the most sought-after freelance design consultancies in the footwear industry. It was in the wake of this success that Shane and Shawn launched their own chic footwear line, Detny by SHANE&SHAWN.

Today, as president and co-founder of Detny, Shawn manages the company’s marketing, research, and finance, as well as contributing, on occasion, to the design process. Peachy Deegan chatted with Shawn Ward recently.

Peachy Deegan: What do you like most about being a design consultant?
Shawn Ward: Sharing my creative ideas that fit the goals and vibe of the client.

What projects are the most challenging to work on and why?
Products that are totally different from SHANE&SHAWN. However, they are the most interesting and fulfilling when done, because I learn so much.

What is the best thing about working with your twin?
I'm never alone. Always have a partner in crime.

Are your feet your favorite part of the body?
Haha. No. It's my arms, because it's my girlfriend's favorite.

What is your favorite kind of dress shoe?
Clean black oxford laceup.

What would most people not realize about being a shoe designer?
How much work and how hard it is just to ship shoes that you design.

What is your favorite place to be in NYC?
Wall Street. It represents history, capitalism, and opportunity.

What is your favorite shop?
SHANE&SHAWN store. And also Pinkberry!

What is your favorite drink?
Malibu w/ a splash of OJ

What is your favorite restaurant?
Nobu

What is your favorite NYC book?
History of NY

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC that you can do nowhere else?
Walk down any block and see at least 10 nationalities, races, etc. Nowhere else as diverse.

What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Underrated is the people's kindness. Overrated are the hot dogs.

What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
My favorite show ever is Sex and the City and Good Times.

How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
design@shaneandshawn.com

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