OBECTRA a statement in black

artPLAY FASHION DESIGNERS…LET’S START PLAYING….

OBECTRA is an independent fashion label based in Berlin, its rebellious mostly black creations, with elements of leather have taken Berlin by storm. So artPLAY spoke to Blaž Čuk, the founder and designer for Obectra, about creative influences, fixation on black and Berlin’s underground culture.

The new collection Dawn is now out, more info on: https://obectra.com @studio_obectra

Editorial in Kaltblut Magazine photo by Moritz Jekat

Obectra Leather mask in Numero Berlin photo by Arcin Sagdic

Editorial in Kaltblut Magazine photo by Moritz Jekat

artPLAY: Tell us a bit about the inspirations and ideas behind your creations.

“Obectra is a fashion statement in black”

The idea behind the brand from the very beginning was to design clothes for normal daily life with a smart twist and spicing the outfit with leather accessories. I have started my own brand 6 years ago, just following my own style, as I want to create clothes that I want to wear.

I was always inspired by darkness and of course black colour. So I studied leather a lot, how to craft and work with it. When I was a student I knew exactly what kind of fashion designer I want to become and I always knew I want to have my own brand. So I started working very early, very hard and already during my studies I had two fashion shows, for those I was proclaimed the most promising fashion designer in 2011. After that I moved to Berlin to follow my dreams.

Berlin gave me this creative freedom and supported my idea of designing only in black, somehow the city became my main inspiration. Berlin offers limitless sexual expression and with techno subculture it combines the freedom one can’t find in any other city.

Obectra is inspired by and is representing all that. Where darkness is converted into androgen sportswear, with great fit and selected materials. Black daring pieces, with BDSM elements and leather goods for every day. From underwear, to outwear. From light, to heavy fabrics.

artPLAY: You are very much influenced by the vibes of Berlin, talk to us about the Berlin fashion scene.

“Berlin can be your best friend and sometimes your worst enemy; and too many times it´s both at the same time”

Berlin has an interesting fashion scene. We have a quite big and important commercial fashion industry that does not surprise anymore. I guess we all know why. But what Berlin has, it is this magical smaller, underground fashion scene, where I am working as well. So, smaller brands, full of hopes and ideas and we are growing and getting stronger and stronger.

And our city supports that. There is a lot of people who will support slow fashion here and this is the main reason I still have my business, so I am able to finance all my projects and dreams.

artPLAY: We are a genderfluid fashion magazine, tell us about the genderfluid culture influences in your brand and the freedom of expression.

“My work is very inspired by this freedom and I am honored to see people partying in Berghain with my clothes and harnesses. Its where my work starts breathing”

They say Berlin gives you freedom. Everyone knows that. But actually freedom is often a place where people get lost, or often they find themselves as well. They learn about who they are, what they want to express, and how they want to live. For some maybe for just a year or two, for some of us maybe forever.

Queer culture is very big, it is everywhere and it has a big impact on our life. Nightlife is daytime, day life is night time. Here in Berlin, where party doesn’t stop and where self expression with outfits and accessories is getting so huge and important. Even if you don’t want to express it, you will do so anyway somehow, with your easiness and your “fuck it” attitude.

Berlin represents sexual experimenting. Sexual freedom. Genderless lifestyle. Being completely naked on the dance floor is not shocking anymore. Berlin has seen it all and that’s why this lifestyle is magical for someone who grew up in a small town in conservative society and just wants to escape from all those rules. And that’s just everyone, right?

It is interesting to observe where Berlin will take us, but I am definitely pushing my brand in the same direction.