Pittsburgh emerging designer: Beth Shari

Beth Shari, former Point Park University graduate with a degree in technical theater and an emphasis on costume design, opens up about her passion for designing.
With her main aspiration being lingerie designing, Beth also designs ballroom dance costumes, and designs for theater.
"Silk and Satin are great for my vintage inspired designs," she explains. "They hug the body well."
However, she does not only limit herself to these two fabrics.
"I'm definitely a fabric junky," she says.
It is a lovely recreation for her to visit a fabric store and explore new materials for her designs.
"Things will inspire me by what I touch," she explains.
Occasionally, Beth also works on other concepts to create. For instance, she recently designed the bridal dress for a friend's beach wedding, and worked on a client's daughter's first communion dress. Right now, Beth has only a handful of clients who are all located in Pittsburgh.

To collect more clients this summer, she plans on hosting a fashion show in which she will show 10 pieces of her lingerie designs.
"We're thinking some time in July," she states regarding the date for the event. For now, she is working with a location to host it.

Aside from designing, Beth finds herself busy with other projects.
"I do several different things," she says.
She has been doing her one-woman show, Carousel of Costumes~Variety Show, for the past three years. She entertains at private parties or senior facilities by dressing up as different characters, such as Betty Boop, Marilyn Monroe and Mae West, and interpreting them (dances and sings like them).
She also does face painting at KinderCare facilities in the Western Pennsylvania, and at different festivals during the summer. She has created her "Pixie Painter" character for these events.
"Each thing has its own joy," she affirms. For example, Beth enjoys bringing good memories to the seniors.
As of now, Beth works at home. However, she hopes to grow her designing company in the future.
"I would like to be designing for Christina Aguilera," she jokes. "I would like to be established enough where I would have a nice clientele and do what I love."

Photo provided by Beth Shari

Photo provided by Beth Shari