Designer Feature- Cheyenne Chan

Meet Cheyenne Chan, one of the designers contributing to the upcoming Sustainable Style Charity Gala, a new event featuring an exhibition and auction of sustainable, student-made fashion, accessories, and art.

Introduce yourself; name, age, year in uni, degree path, a few interests.

My name is Cheyenne, I’m 20 years old and I’m in my 4th year studying Biochemistry at the University of St Andrews! Unlike many who dream of pursuing PhDs and ground-breaking discoveries with this degree, science is more of a fascination and interest to me. Really, I’d like to just lead a chill, fulfilled life, probably with a simple job in a lab, with people I love, and hobbies I enjoy (crochet!).

Tell me a little bit about your pieces; what they are, why you made them and how they reflect your personal style?

I tend to crochet pieces that I would like to wear, but either can’t find at an affordable price, or are unfortunately, products of fast fashion. Corset tops for example! The two pieces I am exhibiting are corset tops, because I absolutely adore them. The tapestry on the other hand, was something I crocheted on a Sunday afternoon, the start of this semester, when I was feeling particularly overwhelmed by the burden of studies, society,... life in general. It really is self-explanatory and I’m sure most, if not all students have felt this way before. 

'Existential Crisis' Crochet Tapestry

Why did you decide to submit your pieces to the Charity Gala?

I think I just wanted to share with people the beauty of creating something yourself, and being proud enough to wear it and showcase it. Though I do run a business in crochet, I highly encourage others to pick up crochet as a skill themselves!

What does sustainability mean to you and how is that reflected in your pieces?

Growing up in Malaysia, the known dumping ground of waste from numerous developed countries, my own eyes have seen how all these industries, fashion included, is destroying our world. While I really do love current fashion trends, this is exactly what fast-fashion companies feed off. It really is a problem that many people acknowledge but don’t act on, just because it’s so easy to get sucked into consumerism. That’s why I’ve built this approach whereby, when I see something I like, I ask myself if I can recreate this in my own way, and that has made every item all the more special! Yes, it is more effort, and for those who buy slow-fashion, it is much more expensive, but at least when faced with the privilege to do so, it is a choice that should be taken. 

Thank you to Cheyenne for sharing her words and submitting her work to the Gala. Don't miss your chance to see her pieces in person on March 9th. Tickets out now!