Ahava Collection AW21
03/12/21
PRODUCTION - AHAVA AW21
SKETCHING PROCESS
My favorite aspect of the production line is the sketching process. A time to be creative without boundaries. When I begin drawing, I never have a set deadline in mind until I have completed my desired design. This will allow me to create designs without feeling rushed to complete the collection, preventing me from producing unsatisfactory work.
The designs for this collection were created in Procreate. a sketching application that allows you to quickly erase and redraw your sketches.
I began sketching in March 2021 with the intention of launching in Spring/Summer of 2022, but God had other plans! Some of the cancelled concepts can be seen down below. One of the most difficult challenges a fashion designer might face during this process, is when the sketch does not match what you imagined it would look like in real life...
But it's all part of the adventure!
PRODUCTION - AHAVA AW21
FABRIC SOURCING
Finding the perfect fabric might be difficult when you are not always able to feel the material (due to distance). Because of my background in textile technology, I am able to identify the exact fabric texture based on the material composition given by the factory.
For the Ahava Collection I challenged myself to step away from deeper tones (which I adore) and incorporate a bit more color in the winter months. We don't have to dress according to the weather all of the time. When it becomes colder, consider wearing a brighter color to make yourself feel a little better!
PRODUCTION - AHAVA AW21
FINAL DESIGNS
We finished the collection in November 2021 (yep, one month before we launched!) after several faulty samples! Take a look at the sketches down below. Colorful, high-quality fabric, and a smooth satin feel!
PRODUCTION - AHAVA AW21
COLLECTION NAME
"Ahava" is the Hebrew word for "love". This collection is designed to make women realize and feel that they are more valuable than rubies, and all that one may desire cannot compare with her. Self-love is the best love. A collection of five designs focused on comfortability, modesty and color. The designs are named after the different types of love in Greek.
Agapé – God’s love (Selfless Love)
Philia – Brotherly love
Eros – Romantic love
Philautia — Self Love
Storge – Familiar Love
AHAVA, loving yourself isn't vanity its sanity.
Khadasha Collection SS21
23/07/21
PRODUCTION - KHADASHA SS21
BAG BASE PROCESS
When we began the material sourcing process, we were primarily focused on locating the ideal material for the Khadasha Bag's base.
We started testing with a PVC base. We quickly realized during the testing process that this was not the best choice in terms of sustainability as they were made from non-renewable sources. As a new fashion brand, we strive to produce our products as sustainable as possible while also educating ourselves on various production and material options. Using PVC was also not the best option in terms of quality. PVC bags can easily change shape over time due to melting or heavy bumping. PVC material, when compared to other bag materials, is not resistant to high temperatures and easily ages, so its service life is relatively short.
ACACIA WOOD
Eventually, we looked into more sustainable options that ensured durability. The final material we chose was Acacia wood, which is long-lasting, lustrous, and comes in a variety of shades. Acacia wood is environmentally friendly. The trees grow quickly, can thrive in almost any soil type, do not require fertilizer, and rarely require pesticides. It thrives in warm, tropical climates, but a few species can also thrive in colder climates.
WHAT IS ACACIA WOOD?
Acacia wood is a dense wood that is both durable and water resistant. Its water resistance keeps it from wrapping and buckling and makes it resistant to fungus and mold growth. Acacia wood is derived from the Acacia tree, which is native to Australia. These trees are also found in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. Acacia trees produce hard wood, which is ideal for making long-lasting furniture, home accessories, or handbags. Because of its durability, this wood can easily result in high-priced items that are seen and known as long-lasting investments. The decision to make the Khadasha Bag out of Acacia wood was an expensive one, but it was well worth it! One of Atarah Chai's core values is durability, and if properly maintained, these pieces will last for decades due to the incredible properties of this material.
