Fashion designer: Chanté Bock

From a young age, Chanté Bock was captivated by the world of fashion, designing outfits for her dolls and dreaming of a future in design.

This childhood passion has shaped her into the innovative fashion designer she is today.

As a sustainable fashion and textile designer, Bock draws significant inspiration from the natural world, alongside diverse fields such as science and architecture. This blend of influences fuels her creativity, resulting in collections that are both environmentally conscious and artistically unique.

Design philosophy

Bock's design aesthetic has undergone a significant evolution, transitioning from a futuristic focus to an emphasis on minimalism and functionality.

Her brand, Chanté Jenae, is defined by several key elements.

"Chanté's designs are adaptable and multifunctional, offering various styling options to maximise utility and minimise the need for excess clothing," she said.

She said she focuses on designs with clean lines and simple forms.

"I offer sustainability. Eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices are prioritised to reduce environmental impact and create timeless pieces," she said.

She explained that her craftsmanship consists of high-quality construction to ensure the durability and longevity of her garments, emphasising quality over quantity.

"I enjoy telling stories through my collections. Each collection explores meaningful themes or ideas, adding depth and engagement to my designs," she said.

Career

Entering the highly competitive fashion industry, Bock's journey has been marked by perseverance and a clear vision. Finding her unique voice and establishing a distinct brand identity have been crucial to her success.

One of the most rewarding moments of her career was transforming Chanté Jenae into a completely sustainable brand, aligning her professional goals with her personal values.

Bock views fashion as a circular industry, with current trends often reflecting past ones.

She is critical of fads, which she sees as unsustainable and driven by consumerism.

Instead, sustainability is at the core of her design process.

Recognising the fashion industry's significant environmental impact, she is committed to minimising her contribution to waste through responsible design and production practices.

Collections

Bock's latest collection was staged as a capsule release, unveiled item by item over the past three months.

It blends her personal, edgy style with the brand's clean, essential focus on craftsmanship.

The collection includes ensembles representing her personal 'staples,' with some pieces originating from her debut collection and remaining at the forefront of her wardrobe season after season.

Characterised by sculptural yet simple designs, these pieces offer limitless options for wear, ultimately increasing their cost per wear.