Celebrating 40 years of refined swim and resortwear, SHAN has carved a niche for itself by embodying quality, comfort, and timeless elegance. We spoke to Chantal Lavesque, the visionary founder and designer behind the brand, to delve into her creative journey, the inspirations behind new collections, and the significance of the brand’s East Hampton location.
As you celebrate your 40th anniversary, what inspired you to launch SHAN, and how has the brand evolved since its founding?
My greatest inspiration came from not finding what I was looking for in the market, so I chose to create it myself. Over the last 40 years, our collections have evolved and become more refined, but at its core, the brand has remained true to its roots. SHAN has always stood for quality, comfort, and timeless elegance. We believe true luxury lies in the details, in pieces that not only look beautiful but also feel exquisite to wear. SHAN is more than a brand, it is a lifestyle rooted in authenticity and sophistication.
Can you walk us through the design process — what inspires a new collection?
Travel has always been a source of inspiration for our collections. The places we explore, the people we meet, and the cultures we experience all spark ideas that gradually shape a cohesive vision. It is a creative journey that begins with discovery and ends in expression. Each destination adds new visions that influence our designs. From vibrant cities to quiet moments in nature, every detail fuels our creativity. This process allows us to bring fresh ideas and authentic elements into every piece we create. Whether that is through distinctive colors, rich textures, and even unexpected patterns, we make each collection inspired by the world’s diversity, beauty, and mystery, which we see all around.
Why did you choose East Hampton as a retail location, and how does the store reflect the SHAN brand?
It felt like a natural choice. The local community aligns closely with our clientele — people who appreciate quiet luxury and know how to recognize and value quality. The store and area reflect SHAN’s DNA: refined, elegant, and deeply rooted in craftsmanship. Choosing a location that fits the brand’s values is very important to us. It creates an authentic and welcoming experience where visitors don’t just see the products but also feel the story and passion behind them.
What do you love most about spending time in the Hamptons?
The serenity. To me, the Hamptons is a peaceful escape from the rush of city life and work. It is a place to slow down, reconnect, and recharge, surrounded by natural beauty. The calm energy felt is unlike other locations and allows one to feel at ease. In the Hamptons, time seems to pause, giving space to breathe and simply be present. It is a reminder of what really matters: peace. Once you return home, you truly feel refreshed and reset.
What’s next for SHAN? Are there any upcoming events, collaborations, or creative directions you’re excited about?
There is always something exciting on the horizon! In the short term, my team and I are thrilled about the upcoming SS26 collection. We’re finalizing the details for the campaign shoot in Portugal, which we’re all beyond excited about. Looking ahead, we’re exploring ideas for our 40th anniversary celebration, potentially a capsule collection that revisits some of our most iconic best-sellers from the past decades. Nothing is set in stone yet, but the creative energy is definitely flowing.
