From a Basement Studio to the National Stage - Chavah Designs Makes Waves in Canadian Fashion

A local designer is proving that big dreams can grow from humble beginnings. Chavah Lindsay is the creative force behind Chavah Designs and has turned her passion for sewing into a successful business, recently capturing national attention at the prestigious 2024 Cashmere Fashion Show—and winning it all.

Chavah's journey began when she was just eight years old. Taught by her mother, she transformed necessity into art, sewing gifts for friends. That spark ignited her dream of becoming a fashion designer, a goal she pursued persistently. By Grade 11, she and her mom scraped together savings to travel to Toronto on a Greyhound bus, where Chavah attended a transformative summer fashion program.

“It solidified my dream,” she said. “From then on, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.”

Fast forward to today and Chavah’s name is making headlines far beyond the Saint John Region. Invited twice to the exclusive Cashmere Collection Fashion Show - a showcase where designers craft couture gowns entirely out of bathroom tissue - Chavah has cemented her reputation as an innovator in Canadian fashion.

“The invitation itself felt surreal,” she said. “To be recognized as a designer from the East Coast was a huge honour. Winning the 2024 show was the cherry on top.”

This year’s winning design held profound personal significance. Inspired by her late mother, Chavah poured her heart into the gown, using every detail to tell their story. The flowers symbolized her family’s support during her mother’s battle with cancer, while the lace-up back represented their collective strength.

“It was my most vulnerable piece yet,” she shared. “Seeing it on the runway felt like a win in itself.”

But Chavah’s success didn’t happen overnight. Eight years ago, she was working out of her basement, producing convertible dresses to build her brand. Today, her business has evolved into a tailour-made fashion storefront where she creates one-of-a-kind designs that honour her clients’ unique stories - like transforming an heirloom wedding dress into a modern masterpiece for a bride.

“I’ve come full circle,” she explained. “Now, I focus on meaningful, creative projects instead of mass production. That’s where my joy comes from - connecting with people and their stories.”

As for the future, Chavah has no plans of slowing down. She dreams of continuing to push creative boundaries while staying true to her roots.

“Saint John is where I started, and it’s where I want to keep growing. My focus is on creating designs that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.”