The Bite Magazine - Spring 2019 - Issue 24

bite fashion Being a fashion designer and having her own fashion label means that she can be an independent artist that creates whatever she likes within her own timeframe and taste. When constructing a piece, Chanel hand-embellishes her designs with Swarovski crys- tals and beads, and can also do this with diamonds if the client so wishes. “The work from start to finish takes many hours, starting from the planning and sketching, choosing the correct fabrics and colour schemes, pattern-making, fittings and adjustments and the final garment construction.” Whilst she admits she is inspired by Christian Dior, Chanel says she is not inspired by designers but rather the world and her sur- roundings, as well as events, people and stories. Embracing her commitment to diversity, I was very impressed with this young designer’s views on the subject. “Diversity is a very important part of fashion, therefore I don’t feel my models need to be a size 0.” “Women all over the world have different backgrounds, race, etc, and when designing my collections, I like to see my clothes worn by all of these women; real women. Whoever they are and wher- ever they come from, no matter the size, race or colour. Therefore, my shows would have a variety of different models.” Her collec- tions also tell a story and a message to society. “In my runway shows people come to feel the story as well as looking at the col- lection. I like to create emotions in my runway shows.” I was even more amazed by Chanel’s preparation for a fashion shoot and show, with the former being less complicated than pre- paring for a runway show. “Having an independent runway show in Fashion Week requires a large team and takes a long-time plan- ning in advance. I have a team of about 35 people who work with me during Fashion Week. This is besides the 35 models. These people are make-up artists, hair stylist, nail technicians and back- stage dressers.” Giving us further insight into the planning of a fashion show, Chanel added, “Usually, I plan the colour scheme of the collection and make the designs according my inspiration. Then, when this all comes together, I meet with my team: the heads of hair, make- up, nails and backstage, as well as the production team and PR. We all plan the show together, the look and choose the models.” Chanel is a designer who likes both stretching and constructing her designs. “I like every step of the design process. Sometimes I get an idea for a garment, so I go and drape it on the mannequin to create the shapes which I have in my head and then develop it from there.” Her fashion goal was to complete all of the big four fashion weeks by the age of 20 and she has accomplished this. Her next goal is to begin the foundations of a big global fashion house. If she could go back and tell herself one thing before starting her career, it would be, “Don’t worry, you can make it.” And to as- piring fashion designers, she would tell them that they need to understand that they need to put a lot of hard work into it as well as continuously being creative. “There are lots of hurdles to jump over in order to achieve the goals. The most important thing is to never give up.” www.chaneljoanelkayam.com