Chante Jenae is a Namibian fashion brand that designs contemporary, sustainable women’s wear for those who embrace a slower paced lifestyle.
The brand is driven by the need for conscious clothing among women, primarily based on subtle details, versatility and durability.
Fashion designer Shante Bock, 28, says that all of her Shante Genaé clothes represent her and her purpose, especially to be kind to nature.
Ms Bock, from Walvis Bay, says while fashion is important to her, it is one of the most polluting industries in the world.
“I believe big changes start with small things and as an individual and as a designer, I am working every day to live more thoughtfully and refocus my energy on finding purpose and value in life,” she said, adding that her aim is to create a conscious lifestyle brand that has a sustainable impact in Namibia.
Bock says people can start consuming sustainable fashion by investing in quality products made from natural fibres.
“The most sustainable clothes are the ones you already have in your closet, which means you don’t always have to buy new clothes. You can always buy second-hand if the need arises,” she says.
“My specialism is in sustainable womenswear, surface patterns and textile design. More specifically, I use traditional methods in both textile and garment making and combine them with a contemporary design approach.
“I love that my work is part of storytelling and raising a cause. It might be exploring a theme or idea, or finding new and innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint,” she says.
Bock was one of the designers who showed their work at the University of Namibia (UNAM) Commonwealth Fashion Show, held in Windhoek over the weekend.
The Commonwealth Show aimed to promote ethical and sustainable fashion practices in Namibia and other Commonwealth member states.
“It was a real honour to present Unam at the Commonwealth Fashion Show. We were 11 selected graduates, each presenting a different Commonwealth country.
“I imagined India as a country with rich cultural influences. I created two looks, each with a different influence,” she says.
Having graduated with an Honours degree in Fashion and Textiles from Unam University in 2018, Ms Bock achieved one of her goals by taking part in MTC Windhoek Fashion Week 2023.
“I think as Namibians, we are slowly finding our identity in fashion. I enjoy all aspects of design equally but what has always given me the most joy is textiles, hand craftsmanship and being able to share my purpose with my audience,” she says.
Bock said he hopes to see collaborations between Namibian fashion designers and textile producers in the coming years.
“Fashion is incredibly demanding and I wish good luck and success to everyone who pursues their passion amidst its complexities,” she says. – unWrap.online
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