March Influencer: Shannon Heth

Our featured Canadian influencer this month is Shannon Heth, who is also our cover model for the March issue of VITA! Read all about Shannon below, and watch for more fabulous influencer insights in the coming months! —Vita Daily

Hi Shannon! Tell us a bit about yourself to start (full-time runway model or … ?!).

I am a mother of two rambunctious boys ages 7 and 5 and when I’m not chasing after them I run a lifestyle PR agency in Vancouver named Milk Creative Communications. I’ve been riding horses since I was seven years old and still ride a few times a week. I’m an avid yogi, love to travel, I read a book a week and, for the last few months, I’ve been trying to teach myself how to play the guitar.

You’re VITA’s cover model this month, and we must know: how did your stint on the runway for Laurence and Chico happen, and how did the day go down? How did it feel walking the runway at NYFW?

I was asked to model for them after I worked with the brand to launch their eponymous cafe in Vancouver. That was in 2018 and I’ve been walking for them since, but this show was particularly special because my seven-year-old was able to join me and watch me walk the catwalk. He loved it! It’s always such a blast to walk for Laurence & Chico. The day starts around 11 a.m. with hair and makeup and usually the makeup is very elaborate, which means it can take up to an hour and a half to get it on. We always do a quick run through of the show about 30 minutes before where we get to hear the music for the first time, then all the models run backstage to dress. I am always nervous before I walk and thinking I’m going to fall face first on the runway but thankfully that’s never happened. There’s always a fun theme for each collection; for S/S 2020 it was Sex and the City. I think my outfit is very “Carrie,” but in fact it was designed just for me, which makes it extra special.

The outfit you wore on the catwalk was definitely incredible, but what’s your personal (non-fashion show) style mantra?

Classic and comfortable is always my go-to but I’m fond of prints, suits, colour and making a statement. I think of clothes as an extension of my personality so they’ve got to feel right. I’m never afraid to experiment or to overdress, but if you run into me on a Sunday I’ll probably be in a Brunette the Label tracksuit and some sneakers.

Classic Blue is Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2020; what’s your favourite colour and why?

I have a lot of red: red dresses, red suits, red sweaters. I remember watching an Oprah episode years ago where she said people in the audience who wore red were always picked up on camera. Red gets you noticed.

Find and follow Shannon online and on Instagram.