Kultoure magazine had the grand opportunity to converse with the creative and dazzling, Chante Jenae who gave us a glimpse into what it’s like to navigate the Namibian fashion industry as a sustainable fashion designer, the ups, the downs and why slow fashion and quality clothing are important.
When did you know that you’re interested in fashion and that you want to become a fashion designer?
I think I just always knew, when I was little, my cousin and I had these paper dolls, that we would draw on. It’s just always been there, I obviously didn’t know what exactly in fashion I wanted to do but I applied for Fashion and Textiles as my majors. I always say this, I was lucky enough to know ever since that this is what I want to do.
Where did you study Fashion and Textiles?
At the University of Namibia
In which year did you graduate?
2018
Who are some famous fashion designers that you look up to?
I would definitely say Iris Van Herpen, especially because of her work with textiles and technology as well as Japanese designers because of how innovative they are, I actually did some research on Japanese influences such as Issey Miyake and Yoji Yamamoto.
Is there anything about your job that might surprise people?
That I do everything from scratch, I have to do the creative direction, making patterns, the sampling…
What are some quintessential steps you take when you’re creating a collection?
My steps are basically reversed as I start from the end goal and move myself backwards by asking myself who is my client, how do I want to make this person feel? And then I think about what kind of fabrics I need to use keeping quality and comfortability in mind.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Definitely nature, I spend most of my time there and sustainable fashion is my goal, so it only makes sense that I look to nature for my raw materials and concepts. I’ve also always been intrigued with buildings and I like to incorporate both of those, but most of the time it’s nature.
Do you sketch your designs on a paper or digitally?
I’m still old school so I use paper, I just think I can portray my ideas better on paper. I am taking a few online courses to better my digital drawing skills however I still prefer pen and paper.
What role does colour play in your designs?
I don’t wear colour that much and I incorporate the same mindset within my designs, but when it comes to textiles that’s where I usually explore with colour. I mostly go for neutrals. Colours that we see in nature such as blue and cream.
How do you know when a design is ready?
When I’ve done fittings, I look at it and there’s nothing to change anymore.
Do seasonal trends influence your designs in any way?
Not at all, I’m a sustainable fashion designer most of the time I only design one collection a year and with trends you always have to keep up so they have no influence on me. I design with the angle that my clothes can be worn with anything and at anytime, I focus on simple pieces.
Which fashion trends do you like the least?
Patchwork with overlooking stitches is not for me, as well as those little bralettes that are just ruffled but completely open at the back and thigh high boots.
Are there any challenges you face as a slow fashion designer in a world that uplifts fast fashion so much?
First and foremost, sustainable fashion is not the cheapest, natural fibres are expensive because everyone involved including the farmers who we source the fabrics from have to get paid. Unlike fast fashion which is cheaper, because somewhere somehow there could be someone who didn’t get paid. Then manufacturing is another issue, especially living in Namibia we don’t have many resources, most of the time the fabrics in the shops are imported and made of polyester which isn’t sustainable.
Do you have advice for anyone who will like to be more sustainable when it comes to fashion?
As a consumer, supporting local people more and buying second hand clothes. As a designer I would say using everything you have to avoid fabric waste. I always say waste doesn’t exist because you can always use everything to make accessories and gifts.
-This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity
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