We Interviewed the Designer of Your Fave New Little Black Dress
Who doesn't love a little black dress?
And one that sucks you in, in all the right places? Count us in!
With spring in full bloom, it's the appropriate time to put away the frumpy jackets and oversized sweaters (even though we do love 'em), and slip into something that shows a little skin.
Sheer Sebag, a Los Angeles-based financier-turned-fashion designer, was sick of wearing SPANX under all of her skintight ensembles (we feel you, girl!), and decided to take matters into her own hands by creating her own line of form-fitting dresses with built-in shapewear. Appropriately naming her line SHEER, the brunette beauty's inclusive apparel comes in several lengths, and sizes ranging from XS-XXL (0-18). *Based on personal experience, they're tight-fitting, so we recommend going a size up.
But these dresses are about more than just built-in shapewear. They are meticulously designed with a built-in bra, seamless stitching, triple-layer tummy control, booty-lifting material, dig-free straps that cover underarm fat and fancy ponti fabric that hides cellulite, lumps and bumps.
We had the pleasure of chatting with the designer, to get the scoop on how she went from finance to fashion, why her line is different from others out there, and what it takes to create a fashion brand. Keep scrolling for her video story and our interview!
Sweety High: How did the concept of SHEER come to be? What inspired you to do this? When did the business officially launch?
Sheer Sebag: I came up with the idea about three years ago, when I was in my mid-20s. I was working in finance at the time and had a really demanding job that required being on the road a lot and attending work-related events almost every day, which meant wearing an outfit that can take me from day to night; typically a dress, which I always wore with shapewear underneath. The problem was, halfway through the day, I was always feeling extremely uncomfortable in my shapewear, which was constantly pinching and cutting into my skin. I would literally make restroom runs just so I can adjust the shapewear that was rolling up on my thighs and cutting into my waist.
Being a woman in my mid-20s, I'd become much more aware of my body and sensitive to its changes. I woke up one day and was just really fed up with shapewear and the clothes not fitting me well—that's when the idea for SHEER was born. I wanted to invent a "magic dress" that solved all my problems and would have the shapewear seamlessly and discreetly built into the dress. I was trying to solve a struggle I had with my body, but what I quickly learned was that it was a real problem that millions of other women go through as well, every single day—and I wanted to help them!
SH: Tell me about the actual production and trademark process, and everything that went into seeing the idea come to fruition.
SS: I first spent a good six months just marinating the idea and doing a lot of research every day. About six months into it, I realized I was obsessed, and, if I was going to actually do this, I needed to make some changes and put all my time and energy into it. So I left my job, moved into my parents home (so I can self-fund everything) and teamed up with a top shapewear specialist who previously worked at SPANX, and brought years of industry-related experience and credibility, and together we spent almost two-years prototyping the product before feeling really really good about it and being absolutely sure it was perfect.
Aside from product development, there are so many other aspects that are just as important and require a lot of time and work; the patent, the trademarks, the branding, the website… I was working on everything all at the same time.
SH: What was the most difficult part of launching the brand?
SS: The most difficult part was finding the right resources to team up with, making sure they really understood my vision, and convincing them to believe in me. Once I built my team, it made things so much easier!
SH: SHEER is perfect for the girl who…
SS: Is ready to love and believe in herself! No matter what shape, size or body type, we all need to learn to love and embrace our bodies.
SH: SHEER might not be perfect for the girl who…
SS: I think every woman needs a good little black dress—LBD—in her closet, especially one that she can feel supported and comfortable in for many hours. But If you're not really into body-hugging clothing or shapewear in general, then maybe this won't be the best fit for you, and that's okay.
SH: What's the most important thing you want people to know about the line?
SS: It's so much more than just a piece of clothing: It's a tool that combats self-hate, promotes inner confidence, and provides women with hope—no matter what size, shape or body type. It's your very own "magic dress." It's like your body's best friend. You can always count on SHEER to help you look and feel your best.
SH: What is a way for someone on a budget to justify the higher-end price? (The dresses start at $325.)
SS: When you buy a SHEER dress, there's a lot of of value behind it. You're investing in yourself and your wardrobe. It's a high-quality, all-in-one dress that you'll be able to wear over and over again and always rely on. If you had to go out and buy a designer LBD and shapewear of similar quality, it would run you three times the price.
SH: What's next for you and for the company?
SS: I really believe in the power of starting small, focusing on that one really good product you have, and scaling quickly. I plan to continue to improve the concept and quality, while also expanding the line into more exciting products that are essentials in every woman's wardrobe. We're currently working on introducing new colors for the dresses and creating more new, innovative products. Aside from that, I'm also very passionate and focused on connecting to the female community worldwide in an effort to empower and promote body love and positivity in women. There's a lot more SHEER magic coming soon, so stay tuned!
SH: Who are your favorite designers? Is there a public figure who you think exemplifies excellent style?
SS: One of my favorite designers is Diane Von Furstenberg. I love all the bold colors and fun feminine prints she uses on her clothes. She's also just such a strong and iconic woman and a true visionary in the fashion industry. For best style, I really love Eva Chen and Chiara Ferragni. They both have great style and really just have fun with fashion, which I think is important.
SH: What's your beauty routine? Any favorite products in particular?
SS: I'm a big believer in "less is more" and quality over quantity when it comes to skincare and beauty in general, and using all natural products that are clean and free of toxins and carcinogens. I also think consistency is key for best results. I recently discovered a really great face and eye cream through GOOP called Lavido beauty. It's an Israeli company that was inspired by nature and is super clean, and I've seen wonderful results so far. It's also great for all skin types.
Another skincare product I love is Kate Somerville's Intense Exfoliator Treatment. I use it 1-2 times a week while in the shower. It's amazing and leaves your skin super soft and clean. For makeup and beauty, I really love all of IT Cosmetics' makeup. Basically all of my makeup is from their line. I also really like YSL and Bobbi Brown for lipstick.
Is your closet in need of some spring cleaning? HERE's everything I learned from taking the Marie Kondo approach and getting rid of 75% of my wardrobe!