Stylist Chantelle Thach Embraces Vulnerability in Her Series, "Wearing My Scar"

Born and raised in San Francisco, Chantelle Thach has always had fashion woven into her DNA. Her mom worked at Prada and her dad was always on his A-game when it came to style, even if it meant going to her high school volleyball games dressed as if he were attending fashion week. Style was her native language -- she was even named after a French lingerie brand, Chantelle.

But Thach wouldn't have become the person she is today without the life-shifting incident that happened six years ago. The moment which altered everything and became the spark for her photo series, "Wearing My Scar," where she channels her journey of resilience and transformation into art.

Embracing her vulnerability, Thach shared her journey with us, diving deep into the challenges she faced along the way. With heartfelt honesty, she revealed how her struggles became a source of strength; finding power in the very vulnerability she once feared. Her mission now is to inspire others to do the same, helping people embrace their scars and share their stories with pride. Through her work, Thach is not just telling her own story -- she's creating a platform for others to find their voice and celebrate their fortitude.

Read on for the full interview and click the gallery to see more of the photo series.

How did you become a stylist? Was it always your ambition growing up?

I began styling early in my career, initially for fun, but it became more serious when I started working at Barneys New York at age 17. Clients started hiring me for events and I transitioned from being a sales associate to visiting their homes, which changed my academic path. I attended Oregon State for a year due to their fashion merchandising program but soon realized I preferred luxury fashion. I then transferred to a fashion school in Milan, planning to become a stylist. However, my plans changed after discovering my illness during the summer break.

How did you find out about your illness?

I came home for summer break in 2018 to see my family during my second year of university and my ankles felt so swollen. I was like, "Oh, that's really weird." Then, I started retaining fluids and gaining around 10 pounds a week. It was just so bizarre.

I went to the doctors, but they misdiagnosed me. They said I had Celiac disease, but nothing changed. Until one day, I just looked so unwell. I had gained around 30 pounds at that point and my skin turned yellow, even the whites in my eyes turned yellow. I remember my dad looking at me and saying "You don't look well at all, we need to take you to the emergency room right now." So, I went to the emergency room, did some tests and found out my liver was failing. I needed to get a transplant immediately, so they put me in an ambulance to UCSF hospital to get a kidney transplant. I was admitted into the ICU and after doing some more tests, they diagnosed me with Wilson's disease. This is when your body can't process copper, so excess copper gets built up in the liver, brain, eyes and other organs. At that point, my liver was almost completely malfunctioning from all the copper that I've consumed over the past 20 years of my life. Unfortunately, it also traveled up to my brain and eyes, which is when they diagnosed me, because they found a copper ring behind my eyes. It's such a rare disorder that you can't really get tested. The doctors told me that I needed a transplant in the next few days, otherwise I may not make it out alive.

I went from thinking I was allergic to gluten to having liver failure. All we could do was pray for a miracle. Thankfully, I got priority on the list and on the fifth day, we found a match. It was scary because every day my vitals were declining and when that happens, you start to lose your memory. Every day, the doctors would come in and ask me if I remembered my name, what day it was, who the President was etc.

On June 18 2018, we did the surgery and after a nine-hour procedure, I woke up with a new liver and free of Wilson's disease. I'm eternally grateful and this was nothing short of a miracle. I have heard so many stories of people with liver failure and they don't end up making it out because it's so hard to find a match on the list. My blood type is O positive, which makes it even harder to find a match. God was on my side and he was looking out for me.

But, it wasn't until post recovery that I finally connected with my donors' family. I just knew that they were the source of my gift and they're the reason why I'm still alive. I wrote a letter to them and eventually heard back. I found out that the sweet family that allowed me to live, allowed their son to pass for me, too.

Their son, Eric, was in a coma and I obtained his organ. I got to know his mother, Linda and although her son passed away, she told me she was grateful that I'm an extension to her family. She's so special to me and we're still very close. The name "Linda" is such a significant name for me because my mom's name is also Linda - I even got it tattooed on me. In a spiritual sense, it was fate because she told me a story about her father who served in the Second World War and worked for a company that mined copper. He also has the same birthday as me, March 18.

I just feel like it's nothing short of a miracle. After all this was happening, I thought, "Yeah, I'm meant to be here." It doesn't feel like just a coincidence.

Tell me about the photo series. What was the inspiration behind the creative direction?

About six months ago, I began this project with my close friend and photographer, Enmi. We share a deep connection and when I finally opened up to her about my story, she insisted we do the project in Italy, where my journey had paused. I wanted to document the different stages of my recovery, which spanned years. After surgery, I spent two years bedridden and isolated, with a weakened immune system. During that time, I found solace in nature and reconnected with my body.

Italy and nature felt like the right setting, especially with the theme of rebirth. Six years after the transplant, I finally processed my emotions and felt truly reborn. We began the series in the bedroom, symbolizing the months I spent dreaming of a new life. Next, I wore clothing that represented my early days in New York, using fashion to distract me from my struggles. Gradually, I embraced my scar, showing it for the first time, marking a turning point in my self-acceptance. The final images show me completely nude by the ocean, stripped of all barriers, symbolizing my rebirth.

This experience profoundly shaped who I am today. In hindsight, it was the greatest blessing, transforming me into a different and stronger person.

What was the inspiration behind the chosen pieces you used in the shoot?

I wanted a pure, natural look with minimal makeup for the shoot. I have a strong relationship with Diesel, having styled a tour for one of my artists with their pieces. When planning the editorial, I reached out to Diesel for a runway piece and they agreed. My mom's love for Chanel also inspired me to incorporate vintage Chanel elements. I borrowed jewelry from a friend who owns a vintage consignment store. I aimed to embody power, especially when showing my scar, so I wore black in those scenes.

What's next for Chantelle Thach?

I want to continue furthering my career in styling and creative direction but, most importantly, continue advocating for others who have similar challenges. I know how scary it is to open up and be vulnerable, so I want to continue incorporating that into my work and give others a platform to wear and show their scars with pride. I'd love to collaborate with a brand on a campaign that highlights people with scars, raising awareness and empowering them to share their stories.

For more interviews, check out our conversation with Miista founder Laura Villasenin.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebae