Exploring Slow Fashion with Designer Chrystel Anne

On my journey exploring slow fashion, I came across @chyrstelanneoffical ’s instagram account. Aside from the beautiful designs and exquisite outfits, it was learning that each piece was handcrafted to cater to all shapes and sizes that truly impressed me most.

As we question more and more our perceptions around the standardised image of beauty we are changing to be more body positive and embrace the differences our bodies boast. So it was incredibly refreshing to see a young designer cater so inclusively for us all.

Furthermore, the benefit of bespoke pieces also means the wastage we see for mass produced fashion ceases to exist. Speaking to Chrystel Anne in this post we hear what inspires her incredible fashion journey and why it is important for us all to consider the importance of slow fashion.

Please tell us a little bit about you and your background

I am a Filipina Designer born and raised in the U.A.E. I have always been interested in Fashion and art at a very young age. I come from a family that has many seamstresses which easily influenced me to pursue and fall in love with the process of making clothes. I eventually started designing and sketching gowns in my teens for my family and friends. Everything I learnt when I was younger was from Youtube and that’s how I initially enhanced most of the skills I have now. I am a Business Management graduate and a scholar in Fashion Design. I have yet to finish my second degree in Fashion Design which I am still currently working on.

What inspired you to become a fashion designer?

I was inspired to pursue Fashion Design by my late aunt, Felicidad Tuviera. She designed and created my mum’s wedding dress and I always thought what she did was pure magic. She also used to make us different kinds of clothes as my sister and I were very petite compared to other girls our age.

How would you best describe your brand’s style?

I would describe Chrystel Anne Fashion as a luxurious contemporary brand that caters to all shapes and sizes.

Fashion week is coming up and it couldn’t be more exciting to see you featuring! You must be so proud; what fulfils you most about showcasing at NYFW?

Probably the fact that I am slowly living my dream. Many people never took me seriously when I said I wanted to become a fashion designer. That really pushed me to work hard and strive to do better. It is very humbling to know that my hard work and sleepless nights are rewarded by opportunities like NYFW.

What challenges do you find yourself having to overcome, being a slow fashion designer?

Trying to educate customers about slow fashion and making them understand the importance of it. We are so used to buying clothing that’s cheap and manufactured by fast fashion brands that it becomes challenging for us to make the shift from fast fashion to slow fashion.

What is slow fashion and why is it so important?

Slow fashion is the complete opposite of what fast fashion is, which is what are all used too. Slow fashion focuses on designing and creating pieces that are timeless and high quality construction that will last you longer than fast fashion pieces. Most slow fashion brands are made-to-order because brands don’t pre-make any of their stock so there is no wastage and when they do produce clothing it’s usually in limited batches. Slow Fashion is important because the fashion industry is the biggest contributor to waste in our environment. Which is why we must learn make conscious decisions when buying clothing.

All of us know we must better our shopping habits against fast fashion. Can you advise us how can we better educate ourselves in slow fashion?

BE CURIOUS! Read more, Watch documentaries like The True Cost. Understand and question why things cost as much as they do. Curiosity will motivate you to really get the slow fashion message. Follow and learn from other slow fashion brands to know more regarding their production process.

Is there any advice you can give your average, fashion-loving, high-street shopper like me on how to shop slower while still building their wardrobe?

Invest in high quality basics then shop for pieces from slow fashion brands. You don’t have to buy everything they offer but shop for 1 or 2 pieces that catch your eye. Shopping secondhand or altering existing pieces in your wardrobe if you are on a budget is another way to get new pieces out of what you already own.