About Me
LaShanda McGee was born and raised in Freeport, IL. She moved to Georgia in 2001 and started school were she obtained her Associates of Arts degree in Fashion Design from Bauder College in 2003. LaShanda later returned to school to receive her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Fashion Product Development from Bauder College in 2011.
As the owner and lead designer of Vertical Fortress clothing line, Lashanda McGee always had an eye and passion for fashion. LaShanda knew she wanted to be a fashion designer since age of 8. She would take towels and sheets and would drape them into clothes. She used to sketch clothes that she wanted to make one day. LaShanda was influenced by three women in her life, her Aunt Vickie (Walker) Smith, her friend Odessa’s mom Mrs. Canada, and Mrs. Sara. LaShanda would watch these women make clothes for their family and people in the neighborhood. Even though LaShanda didn’t started sewing until later in life, she was constantly involved in fashion aspect.
LaShanda started Emerzon Santana after college that was geared for women of all shapes and sizes. However, Vertical Fortress will specifically focus on providing clothing for tall women like herself. As LaShanda started tapping back into her dream, she realized the need for a line like Vertical Fortress. It was an every day struggle of hers since childhood to find pants long enough. Jackets were always a couple inches too short. She questioned, “when was someone going to notice the need for more tall fashionable clothing”? On the runway it’s there for the models but when you bring it to consumers it’s more average sizes.
Vertical Fortress will offer high fashion, cutting edge styes at an affordable price. LaShanda loves mixing fabrics to give a sense of individuality and uniqueness. Vertical Fortress will release in March 2022. Test items will include a boot cut and skinny jean, jumpsuit, dress slacks, tshirt and blazer.
Aside from being a fashion designer, LaShanda is a freelance accountant. She worked 12 years for Simmons. She currently works as a contractor handling accounts for several businesses.
LaShanda raised two very successful daughters as a single mom. Shanteona graduated with honors with a degree in Mass Communications from Georgia College. Andreona, graduated with honors with a degree in Public Relations from Purdue University. They both respectively played women’s basketball during college. Shanteona is a sideline reporter with her own Podcast, Major Keys. Andreona currently plays women’s basketball overseas.
For more information on Vertical Fortress:
Website: www.verticalfortress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/verticalfortress
Instagram: www.instagram.com/verticalfortress
