Some major codes define the stylistic universe of the brand, such as the hourglass-shaped line inspired by the CALESTIS symbol, which combines structure and fluidity, strength and softness, a harmonious balance between masculine and feminine. Material work is very present in our creations. It’s about delving into the very heart of the fabric, breaking it down, and rebuilding it by unraveling and embroidering its fibers, ensuring a marriage between the raw and the sophisticated.
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About us
WHO IS CALESTIS?
CALESTIS is a Tunisian luxury ready-to-wear brand founded in late 2020. It tells the story of the Mediterranean and its culture, craftsmanship, and traditions, but above all, its inhabitants and the stories that lie behind it. CALESTIS means celestial, which is also the name of the Carthaginian goddess Tanit, a symbol of strength and femininity, much like our clientele.
ENGAGING WITH ARTISANS
ENGAGING WITH ARTISANS
When entering a weaving workshop, one cannot help but be captivated by the sound of clicking wood and the presence of majestic looms
The artisans who work there have inherited these gestures, both primitive and ingenious, from their parents in an almost unconscious way that they have been repeating for centuries..
Every day we come across highly talented people like them who seem oblivious to the treasures they hold due to passive neglect and lack of support in the craft sector, in addition to lack of interest in their handicraft by younger generations and modern consumers. .
These aspects of marginalization have made it increasingly difficult for them to maintain the traditional know-how passed down through generations for centuries, at the risk of becoming rarer and being completely lost and forgotten.
FROM RAW TO SOPHISTICATED
For generations, the use of our rich ancestral craftsmanship has been limited to the folkloric context, mainly visible through traditional ceremonies and wedding trousseaus, or reduced to mere decorative objects and souvenirs to captivate tourists.
Over time, our finely crafted heritage gradually dissolves, losing its value amidst the competitive waves of fleeting fashion trends, and eventually being relegated to oblivion, left aside for time to erase.
As a brand, we aspire to honor the artisanal legacy of our ancestors. We aim to liberate it from the confines of folkloric contexts and to tell our story through the creation of practical and sophisticated clothing that every modern woman could wear and cherish every day.
OUR MISSION
Through our creations, we aim to highlight the diverse craftsmanship of this Mediterranean region, emphasizing both similarities and differences and fostering cultural exchanges.
Our mission is to lift them out of their folkloric context, shed light on them, and explore them differently, thus ensuring their transmission and continuity.
Currently, we are working closely with local artisans in embroidery, leatherwork, and weaving. We aim to expand our collaborations to include artisans from other regions in the years to come.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
At Calestis, we are committed to creating unique garments in collaboration with carefully selected local artisans in each region to preserve their authenticity. We ensure to craft our fabrics from exquisite raw materials; organic threads such as silk, cotton, linen, wool, and some raw plant fibers such as raffia, hemp, or jute for accessories. Our ethical and responsible production is carried out on a human scale, resulting in limited quantities of exclusive and sometimes unique pieces
& SUSTAINIBILITY
We firmly believe that it is possible to break away from the fast pace of the fashion industry, as we seek to adapt to the environment around us, rather than the other way around.
Our commitment and struggle for sustainable fashion, consist of continuing to convey our passion while fully respecting our environment, creating timeless clothing; garments to cherish, preserve, lend, and pass on.
OUR CLIENT
Calestis women embody boldness by embracing their individuality, radiating a captivating power that resonates through their carefully curated wardrobes. They adorn themselves in the finest ensembles, featuring intricate cuts and structured pieces, as well as a palette of vibrant colors. They cherish their bodies by choosing the highest quality fabrics and timeless luxury pieces, expressing their identity through garments imbued with stories that they proudly wear.
With an unwavering commitment to authenticity and their own values, our clients elevate their personal style to the level of art, merging elegance and empowerment, thus transforming their attire into a testament to their self-awareness and commitment to the environment. Acting with deep devotion to sustainability, they choose ethically made garments carrying a heritage to preserve and pass on to future generations. With confidence, they convey a deeper message that transcends the mere notion of clothing, turning the act of dressing into a meaningful expression of their values and a positive contribution to the world.
EMNA GAHBICHE:
FASHION DESIGNER & ENTREPRENEUR
Originally from Sousse, and passionate about fashion since childhood, Emna pursued studies in styling and modeling and obtained her national diploma from the Higher Institute of Fashion and Crafts in Monastir.
Obsessed with garment structure and draping techniques, she continued her studies at the “Académie des Jeunes Créateurs Sidi Bou Saïd” to master the practice of draping and refine her knowledge in haute couture.
After obtaining her second diploma, she went to Paris, completed internships at prestigious Haute Couture houses, and worked on collections worn by internationally renowned stars. Her experience in the world of Parisian luxury made her realize the value of craftsmanship and the importance of the skilled hands behind these grand creations.
Back in Tunisia, she worked on several projects involving stage and show costumes, including a collaboration with Miss Tunisia and an experience in cinema costume that was interrupted by the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020. Confined to her workshop in Sousse, she ended up creating her very first collection as a tribute to her grandmother. Eventually, she decided to launch and establish her own company and clothing brand. This decision coincided with her selection in the Africa 2020 competition, which granted her the opportunity to showcase her creations at the prestigious Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. This experience served as the ultimate catalyst, enabling her to realize her vision of fashion in Tunisia and to collaborate with artisans who would now become integral to her creations. This allows her to showcase artisanal expertise and strengthen her commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Mediterranean, which now embodies the essence of CALESTIS.