The Clermont Twins, Shannon and Shannade Clermont, have become household names in the realms of fashion, entertainment, and social media. Their journey from reality TV contestants to influential fashion icons is a testament to their resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. This article delves into their early lives, rise to fame, fashion endeavors, and the challenges they’ve overcome to establish themselves as trailblazers in the industry.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Born on March 21, 1994, in Montclair, New Jersey, Shannon and Shannade were raised in a Haitian-Jamaican household. The youngest of five siblings, they moved to Dallas, Georgia, at the age of nine. It was during their time in Georgia that they began to experience the challenges of being among the few Black students in a predominantly white school. These experiences, though difficult, played a pivotal role in shaping their identities and fueling their determination to succeed in the fashion world citeturn0search1.
Their passion for fashion was ignited by their aunt, a fashion designer in New York City, who introduced them to the world of design and style. Inspired by her, Shannon pursued a degree in fashion merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology, while Shannade attended Parsons School of Design, focusing on strategic design citeturn0search2.
Breakthrough on ‘Bad Girls Club’
In 2015, the Clermont Twins gained national attention as cast members on the fourteenth season of the reality TV series Bad Girls Club. Their bold personalities and unapologetic attitudes quickly made them fan favorites. Although their time on the show was cut short due to conflicts with other cast members, the exposure provided them with a platform to launch their careers in the entertainment industry citeturn0search12.
Fashion Career and Collaborations
Following their appearance on Bad Girls Club, the Clermont Twins ventured into the fashion industry, leveraging their unique style and growing popularity. In 2018, they were featured in Kanye West’s Yeezy Season 6 campaign, where they appeared alongside models like Paris Hilton as “clones” of Kim Kardashian. This collaboration significantly boosted their visibility in the fashion world citeturn0search12.
The twins also modeled for Gypsy Sport during New York Fashion Week in 2018 and walked for The Blonds in 2019. Their distinctive looks and fashion-forward sensibilities have made them sought-after figures in the industry citeturn0search12.
Mont Boudoir: A Fashion Empire
In 2017, the Clermont Twins launched their own fashion label, Mont Boudoir. The brand, which they describe as “timeless” with a blend of Western cowboy and ’90s starlet influences, reflects their unique aesthetic. The twins have expressed aspirations to expand Mont Boudoir into a global brand, drawing inspiration from designers like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen citeturn0search12.
In June 2020, Mont Boudoir introduced its first sunglass style, the ‘Money’ Shade, a unisex square frame made from jet-black acetate. The launch was met with enthusiasm, selling out within 15 minutes. The twins have plans to release additional eyewear styles and are also working on a bikini line inspired by their personal experiences citeturn0search3.
Challenges and Resilience
The journey of the Clermont Twins has not been without its challenges. In 2019, Shannade Clermont faced legal issues that led to a prison sentence. Despite this setback, she used her time to further her design skills, creating sample pieces for Mont Boudoir while incarcerated. Her resilience and determination to rebuild her career upon release exemplify the twins’ unwavering commitment to their brand and vision citeturn0search5.
Mental Health Advocacy
Beyond fashion and entertainment, the Clermont Twins are passionate advocates for mental health awareness. They have openly discussed the mental toll of being outcasts during their upbringing and the importance of self-expression and authenticity. Through their platform, they aim to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and prioritize their mental well-being citeturn0search1.
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Conclusion
The Clermont Twins have transcended their initial reality TV fame to become influential figures in fashion, entertainment, and social media. Their journey is a testament to their resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. As they continue to expand their brand and influence, Shannon and Shannade Clermont remain dedicated to inspiring others and leaving an indelible mark on the industries they touch.
