Young, talented and making their mark

The Rise of Fallone Tambwe and Chanté Jenae

Both graduates of the prestigious University of Namibia Art Department, Fallone Tambwe and Chanté Jenae have very distinct aesthetics and a shared vision for an authentic, sustainable Namibian fashion story told in their voices.

If you followed their work from their student days, you would be proud of their growth since then. The two have worked diligently to craft their brand identities, amassing a growing legion of supporters who love their work.

You see, supporting fashion designers in Namibia has become an extreme sport. But somehow, Fallone and Chanté make it easy to keep rooting for them. The two have adopted business models steeped in efficient delivery to their customers.

It should therefore be no surprise that both designers made my list of young designers to look out for at this year’s MTC Windhoek Fashion Week. And they did not disappoint, showcasing excellent collections.

CRAFTING WAVES: CHANTÉ JENAE’S LIFE AT SEA

Based in the beautiful coastal town of Swakopmund, Chanté Jenae continuously paints a beautiful picture of slow fashion through her unique perspective. Her debut collection for Fashion Week was no exception, serving as yet another call from the ethical designer to save the environment.

“The collection draws inspiration from the ocean and its wonders, a choice rooted in sustainability,” she explains. “The beauty of the ocean and its intricate ecosystems provide an endless wellspring of creativity,” she adds, clearly inspired by the body of water that her hometown is famous for.

“The fragility of our oceans compelled me to head in this direction. Our oceans face environmental challenges, from pollution to overfishing and climate change. By crafting this collection, I aimed to spotlight these issues and emphasise the urgent need for sustainable practices in the fashion industry.”

To communicate this vision, Chanté opted for natural fibres and explored the significance of fabric waste in her commitment to align fashion with the environment.

“By incorporating elements from Ocean Conservation Namibia, such as fishing lines and ropes, we pay tribute to the beauty of the ocean and serve as a call to action, urging everyone to become stewards of our oceans,” she says.

Life At Sea is a fusion of fashion and environmental consciousness, encapsulating Chanté’s dedication to sustainability. “My commitment to sustainability and aligned values with the brand keeps me going. The Life At Sea collection represents these values, inviting others to join us in creating a world where fashion and sustainability go hand in hand. This shared vision pushes me forward, motivating me to navigate the hurdles in the industry.”

FALLONE TAMBWE EXPLORES THE INTERSECTIONS BETWEEN FASHION AND METAL CRAFTSMANSHIP

“This is a conceptual collection which draws inspiration from my journey of self-discovery and exploration. From my childhood to present-day adulthood, I have experienced events that have shaped me into the person I am today,” says Fallone Tembwe.

The young designer explores themes of identity, belonging, rebellion, stability and love (or lack thereof). Each piece in the collection was thoughtfully curated to embody different aspects of her journey, from the colours and textures to the silhouettes and details. “Overall, my goal with this collection was to help me deal with personal struggles,” she explains.

On her creative process ahead of her fashion week debut, she reveals that it included immersing herself in a visual journey. She searched for images that resonated deeply with her inspiration. “One particular image that captivated me was a painting by Ismael Shivute, a renowned Namibian metalsmith. His ability to transform metal into works of art sparked a fire in me, and I knew I wanted to incorporate a few pieces into my collection.”

This realisation birthed the collaboration between Fallone’s vision and the power of metal craftsmanship, extending beyond aesthetics. “It held a personal connection for me. It reminded me of a pivotal moment when I transitioned from the bustling city to the serene surroundings of Groot Aub. In this rural setting, I found myself surrounded by humble zinc houses owned by the locals. With their raw and weathered beauty, these structures became a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness, inspiring me to explore the duality of strength and fragility in my designs,” she reflects.

During her creative journey, Fallone has delved deeper into metalsmithing, experimenting with different techniques and materials. Each piece of metal was meticulously shaped, engraved or textured to reflect the balance between the industrial and the organic, evoking the metallic gleam of modernity and the rich, earthy tones of nature. “Throughout this process, I remained open to unexpected discoveries and embraced the merging of artistic disciplines. The fusion of metalworking techniques, inspired by Ismael Shivute’s artistry and my memories of the zinc houses, culminated in a collection that pays homage to tradition, resilience and the beauty of transformation.”

Someone who is equally excited about these two designers’ Fashion Week debut, fashionista and ethical consumption advocate Disney Andreas, says that she could not be prouder of the two collections. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with both Chanté and Fallone. They are both incredibly talented and the end product of their creativity is immaculate –something I’m proud to have in my closet.”

Fallone Tambwe and Chanté Jenae invite fashion enthusiasts to connect directly for purchase enquiries as the collections prepare to hit the market.

Connect with the designers on Instagram:

Chanté - @chantejenae

Fallone - @fallone333

Rukee Kaakunga