SixChel || Celebrating The Launch of the Capsule Collection
You all know how much I love a good brand launch and today I have the honor of introducing a brand new sustainable and ethical brand founded by Dina Chavez, an (ex-fast fashion brand owner and) fashion designer with deep roots in the fashion industry who is passionate about making fashion more transparent, ethical, and planet-friendly.
SixChel, launched their kickstarter campaign TODAY and the first collection features elevated basics that are perfect for everyday wear, paired with items you already know and love. Dina uses sustainable, eco-friendly, and biodegradable materials for her pieces to create clothing that is both feminine and cutting-edge.
I had the privilege of getting to know Dina a bit better through an interview and can't wait to share it with you. Her heart for slow fashion has a beautiful story behind it and SixChel is an up and coming brand that is truly worth supporting.
Share a little bit about your background in the fashion industry; what prompted you to start an ethically minded brand?
I began my career in fashion working under my name as a private label. Most of the clothes I made were custom and, usually I made evening gowns. I loved working with clients on a one to one basis because it gave me the opportunity to learn how she wanted to look and feel in the dress I was making for her. So, when I decided to re-brand my fashion label, SixChel, into an ethical and sustainable fashion brand, I knew I wanted to keep an element of the personal connection with the customer. Women are so different from one another. We may like the same dress, but would like it in a different fabric, print or color. The fast-fashion industry has created an industry of cookie-cutter trends to fit the masses. There is little room for self-identity in fashion today. On a slow-fashion platform, we are cutting cost and waste by providing the customer with the opportunity to pick certain design elements before they order their clothes. This not only opens up a line of communication between you and me, the designer, giving me the chance to learn more about you and the styles you want in your closet, it also allows you to keep your individuality.
My sister was diagnosed with cancer six years ago, she passed two years later, and it was during this time that I decided to re-brand SixChel into a sustainable and ethical fashion brand. The toxicity the industry creates is massive and it does harm us and may be a cause to certain illnesses. I did not want SixChel to be another brand, producing trends and fashion by the masses without meaning. I wanted to create a fashion brand that would not add to the toxins fashion has already produced and I wanted the clothes that I design for you to have a purpose to make you feel proud and beautiful while wearing your SixChel garment.
What inspires your designs for SixChel?
I tend to find social issues related to women to research and develop into a collection. I like taking the juxtaposition of those issues and mixing them into design elements. For example, The Capsule Collection was based on the clash of the strength and femininity of women which pertains to the social idea that women can only be either strong or feminine, when in fact, we are and can be both. You will see in The Capsule Collection feminine fabrics, soft and flowing paired with vegan leather which is strong and sturdy.
What obstacles have you faced and how do they differ from the way things work in the fast fashion industry?
The fast fashion industry is fast and we have become used to wanting the newest trend because we can and we are not able to put thought into our shopping needs and wants; we’re just buying and buying at a high rate. This is the obstacle: to get consumers back to putting thought into what you are buying and why you are buying it. The want for consumers to put money into well-made clothes. Making consumers to believe in individual style again. Trends are great, they’re fun, I love them, but we have been trained through fast-fashion to lose ourselves in our clothes when fashion and style was created for us to stand out.
What are a few fun facts that most people don't know about you?
Hmmm. This is a hard one. I had to ask my friends their ideas and opinions on this question and this is what was mentioned. I have 2 tattoos, 1 is on my right arm, on the edge of my wrist and it is of a sunflower in memory of my sister (the sunflower was her favorite). The other tattoo, I no longer discuss. ️ I love dogs and am usually the person at the party talking and hanging out with them. They have so much love and no judgment to give. I am still friends with my large group of childhood friends. We have known each other for more than 20 years and I can’t imagine going through life without them.
Once your campaign ends, what's next for SixChel?
We plan to continue working on a slow-fashion platform as well as continue to expand our knowledge and products in ethical practices and sustainable fabrics. Our collections will be available seasonally for pre-order on our website. www.sixchelbydinachavez.com We also do plan to attend markets geared toward modern womenswear, sustainability and ethical practices.
How can SL&Co. readers support you?
You can support SixChel by making a pledge, ordering one or more of our pieces from The Capsule Collection and/or by sharing our campaign on Kickstarter with friends and family via your social media platforms. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter via our website www.sixchelbydinachavez.com to receive updates on our campaign, new collections and blog posts.
*This post was compensated by SixChel. As always, all sponsored posts are authentic and hand selected by me. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Simply Liv & Co. possible! #sponsored*
