The Bite Magazine - Spring 2019 - Issue 24

bite fashion C hanel Joan Elkayam is the young- est fashion designer to showcase a couture collection at Paris Fashion Week at just 18 years old. The simple and timeless appearance of her collection appeals to all tastes with their alluring cuts and sensual fabrics. Her most recent show at London Fashion Week opened with Munroe Bergdorf and Kate Grant who were absolutely stunning in an inspiring t-shirt with the slogan ‘I DON’T FOLLOW I LEAD’. Models from every ethnicity were present on the runway, presenting a sense of com- munity that transpired. At the end of the show the staff walked onto the catwalk to be congratulated. A collection that combines both sophistication and glamour, the inspi- ration behind her latest collection is based on an independent woman with a sovereign mind who believes in the empowerment of women. Chanel describes her as a “feminine, seduc- tive leader who is at the same time opulent and chic. She is fearless and unstoppable. She is also powerful and comfortable in her own body.” This message was implemented within the aesthetic of her designs and with the launch of her campaign ‘I DON’T FOL- LOW I LEAD’. The designer believes that everyone should lead their lives on their own terms, unconstraint of other people’s expectations. Having started her career as a fashion de- signer at the age of 16, Chanel is self-taught but enhanced her knowledge by attending Central Saint Martins, the most prestigious university for Fashion Design. “I continued developing my career whilst studying a BA in Womenswear Fashion Design at Central Saint Martins. Even though I am actually self-taught, I still feel that the BA education added to my career and skills in fashion.” Using her obsession with art, texture and materials as inspiration to get into fashion design, Chanel believes that fashion is an art and through this art, she is able to express her inner thoughts, feelings and therefore convey a story in her collections. She also believes in empowering women and high- lighting their best characteristics. “I believe in diversity and inclusion. Every woman is beautiful. Every woman will find something in my collections that will compliment her figure and highlight her presence wherever she goes.”