The Brvtalist is pleased to present the latest collection by Berlin-based jewelry line Chaca. Submissive, shielding and versatile, "Lockdown" is an inspired collection that infuses elements of Shibari, fetish and classic elegance. We love the line's unisex appeal and each piece's ability to be completely transformed. While currently based in Berlin, founder and designer Chaca is of Danish descent and graduated from Middlesex University in London in 2012. Since then she has worked under several acclaimed artists such as Florian and Ateier Ted Noten. Instantly drawn to her work's dialog between art and fashion, along with quality materials such as gold, silver and luxurious black rope, we were very excited to speak to the designer about the collection, her inspirations and more. Please find the Q&A below.
The Brvtalist: How does "Lockdown" build upon past collections from the label?
Chaca: Inspired by the flexibility of identity, I continue the role-play as in my previous collection C.C. Hammer, where I invite the wearer to take on the identity as a bejewelled gangster. I love to play around with different alter egos, which is the reason I designed LockDown. The collection contains adaptable pieces inviting you to interact with the design of your jewelery and inhabit a world of multiple personalities. The black signature rope from my previous collections ties the collections together.
TB: Talk about the materials you use for Lockdown and how do they reflect the collection and the brand?
Chaca: As I mentioned before, I'm using the black rope as a continuing element in my collections. For this collection I decided to make a gold and a silver option, whereas before I have only made gold versions. I felt that it was time for me to explore new fields and I believe that silver and black works well with my inspiration from the fetish scene. The latex piece is a new element, which I have been very excited about launching, which obviously is also very much a piece inspired by the world of fetish.
TB: The brand is based in one of our favorite cities, Berlin. Talk about your relationship with the city and how it helps feed your creative energy.
Chaca: Berlin is indeed an amazing city to live in. It gives you a lot of space and freedom to unfold your creativity. I feel that it really opens its arm for all the individuals out there. I love to meeting people and get inspired by them. The city really offers a lot of different thing. I spend a lot of time in galleries for inspiration and joy. Another thing that I really love about Berlin is that it is one of the greenest cities on the world. There are tons of small parks where I love to sit and read by my self or just to look at the nature. I always bike no matter the weather and I love to see how the nature changes along with my rides. That really gives me a lot of energy and appreciation for the city.
TB: There's so many great references in this collection. I can't help but think about Shibari and other fetishisms. Talk about some of your influences in art, music, fashion and more.
Chaca: Yes, I have been very inspired by Nobuyoshi Araki for the LockDown collection. I have always been fascinated by his photographs and very much had him in mind when I created the LockDown universe. There is especially one photo of him with horn in his forehead, where he has the most fascinating facial expression. The way he ties and pictures the woman is absolutely fascinating!
Silver latex harness.
TB: What's next for the brand and where would you like to see it go?
Chaca: I recently became extremely interested in crystals and stones and I'm studying crystal healing. I started a new brand called CHACA mandala where I create crystal healing jewelery. It is an extremely interesting new field for me and I am very intrigued about how amazing and powerful nature is. I’m very excited about seeing how CHACA mandala will unfold as I also have some other projects in the works within the same brand so stay tuned on chacamandala.cc. In the meantime I'm taking a small pause from the original CHACA brand, however I’m constantly seeking inspiration, wherever I go so you never know when a new adventure for CHACA will evolve.
The Brvtalist would like to thank Chaca for taking the time to contribute these insightful responses. We admire her ever evolving world and her willingness to go in new directions and explore new, spiritual fields. We look forward to her upcoming projects. For more information please visit www.chaca.cc.
