One-on-One: Designer Sky Conner

Images by Brandon Todd

CNK Daily is reminded daily that community is what connects the dots in ‘SneakHER Culture’. Everyday we are strolling the social media streets, not only for unique sneakHER style, but also rising stars in and out of the industry. Creating purposeful collaboration has been proven to positively impact the brand we have built and inspired us on multiple levels.

One woman’s journey that has caught our attention is Sky Conner. We were first introduced to Sky and her talents through a mutual friend. After seeing pieces from Sky’s brand, Cléair Monroe, we knew we had to get to know more behind this innovative brand and it’s owner.

A designer, sneakHER aficionado, visionary, and knowledgeable stylist are just a few adjectives to describe Sky. We were eager to learn about her inspiring journey on becoming who she is today glittered with her insight on being authentic when it comes to her craft. Check out our exclusive Q&A with Sky as she deep dives into design, sneakHER culture, and stepping to your own beat.

Interview has been edited and condensed for brevity.

Sky in her Cléair Monroe Signature Inside Out Denim

CNK: Everyone has that goal or dream that they first started thinking about when they were younger. Was designing and styling always a passion of yours?

SKY: I was always into clothes. Whenever I would go shopping when I was younger I would always find something wrong with pieces of clothing. We would go out and my mom always said I wanted a new dress; it was my thing! I’ve always been passionate, I just didn’t know it could be a career path. As a kid I wasn't able to process that someone makes this [apparel] and then I realized, wait “somebody has to make this, who makes this?” Then it became, “Oh, I can do this!” For styling, it was an easier to segue into it because designing is so intricate. Styling was one of those things that I just liked putting things together. Over time, as a stylist, I realized okay, I can do the design part too.

CNK: For those that don’t know, you are the designer of Cléair Monroe, which you said, “Is a brand who believes any moment is the right moment to be fearless, unique, and unforgettable.” What is the inspiration behind that mission statement?

SKY:  I always wanted to blend two versions of myself. I’m a girly girl, but I’m also a tomboy. I didn’t want to choose. Everyone is always like “Are you the girl that wears sneakers or are you the girl that wears heels?” I can do both! There was no lane for that to be flexible before. When I look at clothes, I don’t look at them as as they are. I look at them as a memory or a moment. When you are going out, you’re consciously thinking about what you are going to wear. You’re thinking, “I’m meeting this guy or girl tonight, I want my outfit to be this.” You don’t want to feel like you’re contained. That’s where the brand and the mission statement came from. I know you’re planning something, so when you see the pieces I have to offer, you’re trying to figure out where you are going to wear that to. What you wear when you see people, they remember that. 

CNK: What was that one moment that you said to yourself, “I really want to do this for the rest of my life and/or as my career”?

SKY: I would say after I created my first piece, which was time-consuming. I had it in my head for a while, it’s called the Rope Tee. It’s one of the pieces I really wanted to see come to life. I realized that it became a thing that was therapeutic for me. Taking something from your brain, sketching it, buying fabric, and then making something that you can wear… it’s a high. It’s the coolest shit in the world that I can’t even explain. Everything else has a structure, but with design you can create ANYTHING. It meant something. That’s the thing about clothes… you can’t hold it hostage because once it’s out people can wear it however they want and I think that's cool.

CNK: With the growing rate of designers and stylists, how do you separate yourself from the rest?

SKY: I think it does that for itself. The biggest thing you have to do is not look at everything else. Fashion Week passed and I didn’t participate as much as I used to because I don’t want things to drop into my ecosystem. I think that understanding whatever perspective you have is a perspective that’s needed. We don’t need another Virgil. We don’t need another Heron Preston. We need the very first me. I think people struggle with finding their identity and that’s what makes it hard because they want to do what is working rather than trusting their own instincts.

I think it’s very important as a designer or any creative, that knowing there will be similarities, but keep pushing forward with your work. We are in a digital age where we don’t want to be compared. I think we are so overcautious about it that we aren’t creating as much and as freely.

CNK: You have styled celebrities such as Chris Brown for his Heartbreak on a Full Moon tour. How did this connection come about and how was the vision formed for all the outfits for each show?

SKY:  It was through his is main stylist at the time EJ King. I’ve been working with Chris on and off through EJ since 2015. As far as the vision, Chris is really fun and creative, one of the most creative people I've ever worked with. He has an eye for things. He knows how to wear something from H&M, but also Balenciaga. He doesn’t care about the brands nearly as much as the style. That created this fun atmosphere for the tour. We really accentuated belts, accessories, hats, and sequence as well as his favorite brands. He was so open and that is what made it so dope!

CNK: Who do you hope to work/collaborate with in the future?

SKY: Aw man, two people. Pharrell and YOON AMBUSH. I think she has such a strong point of view and the fact that she is able to be at DIOR, Nike, and then her own brand… that is a level I’m trying to reach.

CNK: Sneakers are a big part of your style from a classic Air Force 1 to Chanel trainers. How has sneaker culture impacted your personal style and your designs for Cléair Monroe?

SKY: I feel like shoes have always been a big part of me. Growing up, I used to always have Jordans and AF1’s. When I got to Chicago for college, I threw all my sneakers away to be more girly and focus on heels. Then I moved to New York and realized that wasn’t going to work [LOL]. There was that lane for you to have sneakers, not only as a tomboy. They were a statement piece!

I think sneakers have become a thing where we customize them. We aren’t taking them as they come, but taking ownership of them. That these are MY shoes. People are becoming more micro-creative in the sense that they may not be designing things. They are taking them apart and putting them back together in a different way. That influences my work.

CNK: What do you hope to see in the future for the female sneakers and streetwear community?

SKY: I really hope that females take more ownership. I’m seeing that we’re starting trends and fighting for certain shoes to come in our size. I just want women to have that ownership to create. You can make those shoes and you can make streetwear. Everything doesn’t have to be bodycon or in pink. To be honest, women have been wearing sneakers better than men. Women have been pioneering sneaker culture for quite some time. The Aleali Mays and the Vashties, those are the women that are holding these things up.

If you want to know what a girl should look like that wears sneakers, go to Kith. It’s the effortless approach. I want to see more of those girls and not only picking one or two girls to spotlight the whole sneaker culture.

Sky in Cléair Monroe Rain Denim Cargo Pants, Rain Denim Bralette

CNK: There are many more generations to come that are full of future designers, stylists, and creatives. If you could give that next generation any advice, what would it be?

SKY: START. Start wherever you can. If it’s styling, okay! Take your outfits, put them together, and have someone take some photos. Get a selfie stick. Post it for the heck of it then get feedback! Same thing with design. Pick out a pattern and find a sewing machine. Go on Youtube, its free! You have to be assertive and self-sufficient. Just start, have fun with it, be courageous, tenacious, and a student always. If you are consistent about it, you will get there. 

Ladies styled by Sky for NYC’s Curlfest

CNK: What do you want to be known for?

SKY: I really want to be known for the girl that built something. I have visions to build a school, and manufacturing company that resembles a Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory and has little shuttles and a roller coaster that takes me into the job! I want to be someone who evolves things and opens doors for other people. I want to do as much as I can, while I can and help push initiatives forward. We’re trying to move forward because it's not just about you it's about the next generation behind you.

Be on the lookout for Sky’s Cléair Monroe Fall/Winter 2019 Collection. Coming soon. You can stay up-to-date with Sky on her Instagram. 

SHOP SKY’S SNEAKERS BELOW