Award-winning designer Naballah Chi is transforming the fashion landscape for Muslim women, combining her faith with her Caribbean heritage while advocating for sustainability in her designs.
Naballah Chi, an award-winning designer, is reshaping the fashion landscape for Muslim women while infusing elements of her Caribbean heritage into her work. Initially facing challenges in finding fashionable and modest clothing options, Chi has emerged as a distinctive voice in both the Islamic fashion scene and the Carnival industry.
Chi’s journey began with a personal quest for style that adhered to her faith. She noted, “People think because you are a Muslim you have to dress down…that Muslim women have to dress so drab and just dress boring.” In response to this perception, she is challenging stereotypes by incorporating vibrant colors and bold designs into her collections, a departure from the traditional black abayas typically associated with Islamic wear.
Growing up with a seamstress mother, Chi developed a passion for fashion early on. Her official brand, Naballah Chi, was launched in 2015, inspired by her artistic background and a desire to blend tradition with modern fashion. “My designs are deeply-rooted in my heritage, blending tradition with modern fashion,” she explained. With an emphasis on eco-conscious materials and ethical production, Chi actively prioritizes sustainability in her work, making use of upcycled materials in her collections.
Chi’s dedication to her craft was recognized when she won the award for best fashion collection at a transcultural competition funded by UNESCO, which allowed her to visit Cuba. This recognition was significant for her career, as she expressed feeling “invisible” in her own country. “It felt like validation for my work,” she stated, highlighting the bittersweet nature of her achievement. “Just knowing I had to leave my home country to go out there and be recognised as an award-winning designer, it was kind of a bittersweet moment, but I just choose to focus on the positives.”
Her connection to Carnival is particularly notable, as she navigates the controversial intersection of her Muslim identity and the revelry associated with the Trinidad and Tobago festival. Chi commented, “As a Muslim woman, I love Carnival… it’s something that naturally makes me happy, especially the creativity.” However, she emphasized her preference for modesty in design, stating, “The nudity is a different side which I don’t relate to.”
Despite the challenges she faces, Chi remains optimistic and active within the Carnival scene, expressing a desire to design costumes for Carnival band Lost Tribe, which she describes as her “dream band.” She remarked on the importance of maintaining the traditional essence of Carnival, suggesting that comparisons with events like Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival detract from its unique heritage. “I think if we had taken a different, more traditional route in terms of our Carnival designs, we probably would not have to deal with [those comparisons],” she said.
In addition to her recent accomplishments, Chi participated in a reality-TV competition called Carnival Catwalk, which blends fashion with the vibrant culture of Carnival. She praised the show’s diverse cast and expressed excitement for its innovative approach to showcasing Trinidad’s Carnival to a broader audience. “It’s very engaging, very exciting and very new,” she remarked about the show’s format.
Chi also raised concerns about the lack of support for creatives in Trinidad and Tobago, citing insufficient funding and infrastructural limitations as significant hurdles. “A lot of times I would reach out for (government) funding and it just never happened for whatever reason,” she noted. She believes that many talented individuals in the creative sector are seeking opportunities abroad due to these challenges.
As she continues to advocate for her vision, Chi encourages emerging designers to embrace their authentic selves. “Do not be afraid to fail,” she advises. Her commitment to sustainability, cultural expression, and authenticity has positioned her as a vital figure in contemporary fashion, gaining attention both locally and internationally. Chi is set to enhance her skills further through a fashion residency in Europe, aiming to continue her journey at the intersection of faith and fashion.
Naballah Chi’s brand resonates with a blend of personal faith, heritage, and modern design, and she is dedicated to representing these elements in all her creations. She remains a compelling example of how art and identity can converge to create new expressions in the fashion industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
