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RAW Christine Helena Greeve interview

What was the initial spark that led you to create Antoxic Studios, and how has your vision for the brand evolved since its conception? How long has the brand been running for?
The initial spark for ANTOXIC STUDIO came from my need to overcome toxic behaviour towards myself. My personal stories and the continuous effort to break through self-imposed limitations and embrace liberation are at the core of the brand. The name ANTOXIC STUDIO comes from the words "ANTI TOXIC."
My interest in latex was further ignited during my internship at UNTITLED RUBBER, where I discovered the beauty of latex and the community around it. I was fully accepted in my exploration of what latex meant to me. Everyone during this time holds a special place in my heart, and without this internship, I believe I would have struggled significantly with myself. During this period, ANTOXIC began to blossom slowly.
In my final year of study, I was intensely focused on self-discovery alongside working with the material. During my graduation, I was approached by Lover Management to lend my latex designs for a photoshoot with Vex Ashley and Anna Sampson. This moment was a turning point, giving me immense joy and more positive reactions to my work.
Since then, the essence of my brand's vision has remained steadfast. ANTOXIC STUDIO continues to serve as a powerful instrument for personal growth, particularly in light of my battles with performance and general anxiety. The brand has become a sanctuary, a source of resilience and empowerment. The primary shift lies in my newfound commitment to sharing my creative journey with the wider community.
ANTOXIC STUDIO was established in September 2023.

 

Latex is a unique material with specific challenges and advantages. What are some of the most surprising or unexpected aspects of working with latex that you've encountered?
The moment of revelation came when I recognised latex as a silent collaborator, almost like a partner in conversation. It's intriguing how the material communicates its desires, often taking the lead in our creative dialogue. During one memorable photoshoot, my alluring curvy dress suffered an unexpected tear as the model moved gracefully. Despite latex's renowned resilience, the intricate lines of the design proved too demanding. It was as if the fabric itself whispered, "Consider your design more carefully." This incident inspired me to introduce a strategic split along one of those lines, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
Another surprising moment was when I found a stain on my favourite top. I couldn't help but wonder where it came from. Later, I realised I could view it as a reminder of the item's journey—a sign of its use rather than a flaw. finding beauty in the decay

 

What trends do you foresee in the future of latex fashion, and how is Antoxic Studios preparing to lead or adapt to these trends?
Currently, I'm driven by my personal creative process. Rather than focusing on assembling collections, I've always gravitated towards crafting individual pieces. This preference stems from my distinct style and aesthetic, where each creation naturally complements the others. I aim to give my designs a timeless quality, ensuring they remain both wearable and stylish for years to come. Furthermore, being relatively new to the industry, expanding my designs to accommodate various sizes requires thoughtful consideration and time. Consequently, I opt not to conform to trends but instead prioritise authenticity, as ANTOXIC STUDIO serves as a kind of love letter and anchor for me.
I sincerely hope to share the beauty of this material with others, just as I experienced its allure when I first encountered it. I aspire to serve as an introduction to latex for those unfamiliar with its potential, offering them the opportunity to explore its unique qualities firsthand.

 

What is your creative process like from concept to finished product? Do you have any unique rituals or practices that help you stay inspired?
My creative process is deeply intertwined with the events of my life, forming a narrative of growth and transformation. I am intrigued by taboos and psychology, often exploring them through imagery in my own unique way. Images serve as my primary form of expression, and I draw inspiration from the visuals around me, crafting captivating collages to initiate my projects.
Starting with capturing concepts, my creative journey culminates in bringing these visions to life. Sketchbooks and my WhatsApp group serve as repositories for my thoughts and inspirations, drawn from the depths of my psyche. Sometimes sketching ideas, other times surrendering to intuition, I find myself on a constant quest for divine beauty. Drawing inspiration from the resilience and strength of the powerful individuals I admire, I am constantly push the boundaries of creativity.
I'm known as "the visual storyteller," guided by my distinct aesthetic style, ensuring each creation resonates with a cohesive narrative. Latex becomes my trusted accomplice in this journey, its unique properties inspiring me to push artistic boundaries.
Engaging with fellow creatives excites me; discussing our processes fosters inspiration and growth. Above all, I cherish vulnerability, infusing it into my work with care and thoughtfulness, celebrating the beauty of authenticity.
This is an example from a moment of my process:
The obsession with the curvy dress, born from a spontaneous encounter, illustrates the power of intuition and spontaneity in my creative journey.
In choosing to showcase the latex not as a mere garment but as an embodiment of beauty and design, I embraced a transformative perspective. By presenting in the sunlight, I revealed the material's inherent allure, casting it in a luminous glow that echoed my own perception.
Yet, beneath this radiant facade lies a deeper truth—a recognition of the material's vulnerability to the elements, symbolised by the subtle decay initiated by the sun's rays. This duality, present throughout my creative process, serves as a poignant reminder of life's inherent contradictions.
In capturing this fleeting moment of blooming and decay, I find inspiration for my artistic endeavours—a celebration of beauty intertwined with an acknowledgment of impermanence. It is through embracing these complexities that I uncover the true essence of creativity, finding beauty in both light and shadow.

 

Can you describe a particular design from your collection that holds special significance to you and explain why?
While each of my creations holds personal significance, there's one design that holds a particularly special place in my heart: the wrap top. It symbolises the genesis of my journey into self-care and self-love, marking a pivotal moment of empowerment and acceptance.
Crafting the wrap top was more than just creating a garment—it was a declaration of embracing my beauty and worth. As the first piece I made for myself, it represented a profound shift towards prioritising my own well-being and acknowledging my inherent value.
What made this experience even more significant was the realisation of its inclusivity. Despite typically wearing size XL in latex, discovering that the wrap top could comfortably fit sizes ranging from XS to XL was deeply empowering. Its adaptability not only affirmed my own journey but transformed it into a versatile and timeless piece that could be shared with others.
This revelation ignited a wave of inspiration, prompting me to explore further wrap designs and champion the beauty of inclusivity and self-expression in my collections. The wrap top serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of embracing oneself and celebrating diversity in all its forms.
Are there any collaborations or projects on the horizon that you’re particularly excited about?

 

Your designs often feature bold and avant-garde elements. How do you balance innovation with wearability in your creations?
I approach this challenge by constantly evaluating how effectively the design interacts with the body, and whether it translates my vision seamlessly into reality. Each creation undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it harmonizes with the wearer and fulfils its intended purpose.
Additionally, I'm in the process of curating distinct ANTOXIC STUDIO art pieces—expressive works of wearable art that transcend conventional wearability, inviting individuals to explore and engage with them as artistic statements.
Currently, I've scaled back on collaborations and projects as I'm managing several other commitments. While I often encounter talent that I deeply admire and wish to collaborate with, I find myself constrained in what I can provide. Ideally, I'd like to compensate individuals with my designs, but unfortunately, it's not feasible at the moment. Nonetheless, I remain open to lending out items for collaborations.
Despite this temporary pause, I've had the privilege of participating in meaningful collaborations in the past, and I eagerly anticipate more opportunities in the future. Each collaboration has added a unique dimension to my creative journey, and I'm optimistic about exploring further collaborative ventures.
However, I sometimes hesitate to propose collaborations when I can only offer loaned items, as I genuinely value and respect the talent of my prospective collaborators. It can feel like I'm not adequately compensating them for their contributions.

 

Brand vison text:
ANTOXIC STUDIO is deeply rooted in personal narratives, embodying the relentless pursuit of shattering individual limitations and embracing personal liberation.
Each garment is lovingly crafted with unwavering dedication, where my attention to detail enriches every piece with refinement and uniqueness. The color palette, reflecting strength, balance, and a touch of tender vulnerability, contributes to the duality inherent in my work.
My approach transcends beyond fashion, emphasising that vulnerability is a wellspring of strength, enabling you to feel powerful in your own body. Wearing ANTOXIC STUDIO is not merely an outward expression but an inner reinforcement—a constant reminder to persevere, even in challenging times.
It carries a unique message of personal growth and continuous learning. ANTOXIC STUDIO represents more than a clothing brand; it is my personal and special compass for empowerment and self-development.

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