“To me fashion has always been about self expression and creativity. Everyday I use clothes to express a certain style that I’m currently feeling. I admire how creative we can be with fashion and the countless possibilities it offers. Fashion wouldn’t be what it is today if individuals didn’t take the chance to be bold and try something new. I also believe that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to be stylish.”
-Chanté (@taethecreative)
Meet Chanté Gibbs!
Why did you choose fashion designing as a career?
My grandma exposed me to fashion publications and trendy clothes at a young age. One of the many things I loved about her was her ability to be stylish while on a budget. Because of her, my interest in fashion turned into a passion I want to do for the rest of my life. My grandparents and my mother introduced shopping secondhand and the world of reselling to me. I remember talking to customers at my grandparents’ stand in the flea market and taking a quick trip to the thrift store. I really appreciate them involving me in those special moments.
How do you stay updated with the trends in the fashion industry?
Social media and pop culture events are a few tools I use when I want to stay up to date. A lot of what my friends and associates wear gives me insight on what is currently trending. I also do other forms of research online in my free time.
What inspires you? What does your creative process look like?
“Everything I do is influenced by everything that I am. I feel that I go through life like a sponge. Absorbing things and then squeezing them out.” -Iris Appel
Even though I ran across this quote before I started my fashion journey, I believe it fully explains how I go about life and my creative process. I utilize what I see everyday in nature, music, and how I’m currently feeling when creating my designs. As a result, a lot of my projects are a reflection of me and my interests. My mother and grandma are some of the many family members who made me who I am today. Also, sketching out my designs has helped me stay organized and really express my ideas.
Any tips for people looking to do their own Goodwill Alterations or styling?
- When upcycling I tend to look for clothes that are 1 or 2 sizes bigger than me. This makes it easier for me to alter or drape to my desired design.
- Check the go back racks near the fitting rooms in thrift stores. Sometimes you will find a few good items before they go back on the sales floor.
- For general styling, bring a tape measure with you to the thrift store. This is helpful if you don’t want to try on your clothes, but still want a guaranteed good fit.
- I know it can be tempting, but try to buy clothes and things you need. This helps out the environment and decreases over consumption.
Now let’s get into Stitched Up!
Explain your process for selecting the item from our store. What drew you to it?
When I was going through the sets and dress section, this dress surprisingly stood out to me. The color and the tribal print were the main things that drew me to the dress. I fell in love with the color combinations and the texture of it. After analyzing the dress, I started to envision going on a summer vacation enjoying life and learning new cultures.
Explain your process in altering/editing the item.
First thing I did was use a seam ripper to take off the shoulder pads inside of the dress. Then I cut above the waistband that was in the middle of the dress. Since I wanted a more summery look, I decided to cut below the pockets on the skirt. This allowed me to drape the skirt on the dress form to my actual fit. Depending on location, I tend to see trendy two piece sets with bright colors, patterns, and good fit. I did the same to the top by draping it on my dress form. After pinning both pieces to my desired design, I marked new hemlines and where I needed to cut on both pieces. Next I cut the sleeves of the top to make it shorter and began sewing on it. When I finished I reused the sew on snap fastener that was originally on it. Once I had desired fit, I hand sewed hooks and eye fasteners on the skirt.
What was your inspiration for the finished piece?
Lately, I’ve been seeing brands on social media release two piece sets with interesting cut out or hem lines. I also noticed many people were going on fun trips like cruises, romantic getaways, and self care retreats. I ultimately decided to use these things as inspiration and give the dress a more vacation aesthetic.
Parting thoughts to leave the reader with?
“Being stylish and being fashionable are two entirely different things. You can easily buy your way into being fashionable. Style, I think, is your DNA. It implies originality and courage.” -Iris Appel
Continue to be yourself and continue to wear what you like!
Credits:
Photos of final pieces were modeled and styled by me. My amazing fiancé was the photographer!
