breaking down chaos & calm
The fashion industry in Cape Town has seen a wide variety of talented fashion designers bring their ideas to life, and Chaos & Calm is one of the latest brands to take the market by storm.
We were lucky enough to have an in-depth conversation with the genius behind the threads, Robert Dobie, and we got more than what we expected throughout this interview.
Starting a fashion line is notorious for being known as one of the hardest industries to enter. At what point did you believe you were ready for the challenge and what was that experience like?
“It certainly is a tough industry to enter and starting Chaos & Calm was a big challenge, but I was driven by my love for fashion and fabrics, as well as the lack of diversity in the local offering of menswear.”
“Men historically haven't been particularly fashion-conscious, but we are all starting to become more aware of what we wear daily and as a result, I wanted to offer a stylish and fashion-forward look with a somewhat commercial influence to fill that need.”
“I don't think I was ever ready for the challenge, I knew I just had to jump in and do it. I can certainly say that the experience has been a rollercoaster filled with learning curves and rewarding moments.”
“However, establishing our brand and witnessing the positive reception and love from our customers has made the journey incredibly fulfilling.”
Your brand focuses on the two concepts of being both chaos and calm. Two completely opposite states. How do you use those ideologies in your designs?
“The concept of Chaos & Calm is embodied in our design philosophy by merging fashion-forward, statement pieces with classic, timeless silhouettes while using predominantly natural, locally sourced fabrics.”
“We strive to create garments that exude "quiet luxury" - pieces that are visually appealing and trendy, yet comfortable and easy to wear. This duality is reflected in our choice of materials and textures, blending commercial appeal with a profoundly tactile feel. The result is a collection that resonates with the modern individual seeking both style and comfort.”
“The inspiration for the name came from several influences, the most substantial of which is the nature with which the opposing states of "chaos" and "calm" represents our everyday lives so aptly and our customers have also resonated with how it represents them personally in their lives.”
You were successful enough in achieving the possibility of opening your own space at the EGG. What was going through your mind when you received that kind of opportunity?
“In all honestly, the prospect was initially very daunting.”
“At the time, the thought of stocking EGG was a huge deal for us as they were aiming to be the next trendy space where all the influencers and fashion-conscious individuals would be shopping for the latest trends. Being approached by them with the opportunity of a partnership was exhilarating and validating.”
“It felt like a significant milestone in our journey, affirming that our brand's vision and efforts were being recognized. The prospect of showcasing Chaos & Calm in such a prominent space was incredibly exciting.”
“It has since grown into a wonderful relationship and provides an invaluable platform to connect with a broader audience whom we can share our vision of menswear with.”
Where do you envision Chaos and Calm in the next five years?
“In the next five years, we envision Chaos & Calm growing into a recognised name within the fashion industry, known for our commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovative design without becoming too commercialized and mainstream.”
“We always want to maintain newness through our ever-changing ranges of limited, short-run collections which we introduce each season.”
“We are forever expanding our product range and presence, both online and in physical stores, while maintaining our core values of slow fashion and local manufacture.”
“Our goal is to continue fostering a community that values self-expression and timeless style.”
We're aware you sell your products at different markets. Which markets are those and what are the other means of acquiring your items?
“Chaos & Calm is proudly showcased at various music festivals, shows and markets including the Kamers Makers Market which takes place twice a year in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria. They are also hosting a show in Salt Rock (DBN) on 14th - 17th June this year for the first time.”
“Additionally, our garments can be found at our studio in Woodstock or at select retail stockists such as We Are EGG's stores in both Cavendish (CPT) and Rosebank (JHB) as well as The Foundation (Knysna) and at our store at The Market Off Main (Plett).”
“Customers can also explore and purchase our collections through our website (chaosandcalm.co.za) and social media channels (@chaosandcalm.cpt), for those who prefer to shop online. We are very open to chatting, so feel free to reach out to us if you have any queries or if you want to come visit us at our studio in Woodstock.”
