The Art of Overcoming Limits: How Chavah Lindsay Turned Tissue Paper into a Masterpiece

For NBCCD alumna Chavah Lindsay, the Cashmere Collection fashion show was more than an opportunity to showcase her artistry—it was a deeply personal reflection of growth, family, and resilience. Inspired by the Bloom theme of the 2024 collection, Chavah drew on her mother’s journey through cancer to craft an emotional and stunning design using an unconventional material: bathroom tissue.

Honouring Her Mother’s Strength Through Artistic Vulnerability

Chavah, who graduated from NBCCD’s Fashion program in 2007, shared how her creative process for the Cashmere Collection allowed her to express vulnerability in her work. “It’s been 11 years since my mom passed, but I had never fully let my guard down to share my feelings in my art,” she explained. “The theme ‘bloom’ resonated with my mom’s strength, growth, and how we came together as a family during that difficult time.”

The result was a breathtaking dress symbolizing transformation. Flowers, symbolic of bloom, graced the voluminous skirt as though lifting the design—much like Chavah’s family lifted her mother during her illness. The corset featured intricate rosebud details, progressing from buds to full blossoms, reflecting the journey of growth and strength.

While working with bathroom tissue may seem daunting, Chavah embraced the challenge. “I love restrictions in design because they make you think outside the box,” she said. Techniques such as spray-painting pink hues onto the material and constructing a double corset added dimension, texture, and luxury to the delicate, unconventional fabric.

Collaboration in Action: Kaylee Comeau’s Role in Bringing the Vision to Life

This inspiring journey was not one Chavah took alone. Kaylee Comeau, a recent NBCCD graduate, played a pivotal role in bringing the design to life. “Kaylee’s enthusiasm and willingness to dive in made her invaluable,” Chavah noted. Together, they experimented with prototypes and overcame the material’s limitations.

Chavah credited the Fashion Design program for nurturing her confidence and creative identity. “At NBCCD, I never felt like the oddball. I felt confident in my uniqueness and learned the skills I needed to thrive,” she shared. Her advice to aspiring designers is simple: “Focus on the positive. If you’re driven and passionate, you can go anywhere.”

NBCCD: Building Confidence and Career Foundations
Reflecting on her time at NBCCD, Chavah emphasized how the college prepared her for a successful career in fashion. “It was my only formal training in garment construction and design, and I felt like everything I needed was in that program,” she shared. The small class sizes, hands-on learning, and mentorship gave her the technical skills and confidence to take creative risks.

“At NBCCD, I was surrounded by people who were just like me—passionate about their art and excited to create. That’s where I truly started believing in myself,” Chavah explained. The program also opened doors to valuable opportunities, like participating in the Heart and Stroke Foundation Red Dress Campaign for eight years. Experiences like these strengthened her portfolio and helped her find her unique voice as a designer.

Chavah’s advice to current and future NBCCD students is to focus on positivity and passion. “Don’t listen to the doubters. I know people worry about making money in creative careers, but I never let that fear stop me. I surrounded myself with people who believed in me and just kept going,” she shared. “If you’re driven, and you love what you do, you’ll find a way. Your passion and hard work will take you past the challenges.”

Learn more about Chavah’s win here.