Since 2006, Shannon Kramp has been active on the do-it-yourself fashion scene. It was that year Kramp began her self-study by refashioning used and vintage clothing with the help of her mother’s Singer Stylist 538 (her high school graduation present) and DIY fashion books. After many spontaneous inquires, Kramp began taking custom orders.

In 2007 and 2008, Kramp attended Teen Vogue’s Fashion University, where she attended seminars with Vera Wang, Tim Gunn, Doo-Ri Chung, Jill Stuart, Erin Fetherston, Tory Burch, Kira Plastinina, Alice Roi, and Proenza Schouler. After gaining insight and support from these industry professionals and a growing following, Kramp established her own clothing brand Kramp Kouture in September 2008. But don’t let the “kouture” fool you, Kramp’s designs offer the edginess of couture, not the price tag. Kramp Kouture is known for its Skeletanks – artfully shredded tank tops resembling a rib cage and custom tutus, a blossoming art piece of embellished tulle.

Since establishing her independent clothing label, Kramp has been featured in VenusZine, DISfunkshion Magazine, and Glam Rock Magazine. She has also organized several fashion shows in Western New York and participated in Austin Fashion Week as well as a number of student fashion shows held at Buffalo State College and Genesse Community College. Although she is refining her skills by learning couture techniques and practicing draping and patternmaking, Kramp will always stay true to her DIY roots.