In the ever-shifting realm of wearable art, collaboration frequently paves the way for innovation and personal evolution. The Champion No Permission campaign is the latest chapter of the Champion What Moves You’ program that supports Creators worldwide. With a history of shaping iconic streetwear brands; Supreme, Bape, Pyrex, and KITH - all of which began with Champion’s foundational blanks, Champion has long set the benchmark for expressive and groundbreaking fashion. The Creator Program continues to honor diverse, groundbreaking artists, challenging conventions and expanding the boundaries of the streetwear industry by providing product, resources and funding.

Amid this exciting evolution, we have the pleasure of engaging with Jaida, the visionary behind Sanctuaire. Her brand harmoniously marries introspection with a bold approach to innovation, aiming to redefine our perception of reality with intention and introspection.

Jaida’s No Permission pieces are a profound exploration of color, texture, and experimental dye techniques, re-imagining her brand on Champion blank hoodies. Her pieces are a tribute to the magnitude of natural landscapes and the comfort of an inner sanctuary. Sanctuaire, while known for its meticulous garment construction and personalized fit, delves deeper into the human experience—investigating consciousness, identity, and our place in the world. Through her creative process, Jaida’s work not only celebrates the art of fashion but also fosters a genuine connection to oneself and the broader human condition.

In this conversation, we uncover Jaida’s creative journey through her Champion collaboration, her insights into the collaborative process, and her vision for the future, her commitment to artistic freedom and community. As we explore her approach to design, innovation, and sustainability, we gain a deeper understanding of how this collaboration represents a pivotal moment for Jaida and for the many artists poised to follow in her wake.

Can you share what initially drew you to the Champion Collaboration and what informed your choice in participating? I’ve worked with Champion prior to this, and it’s always been such a positive experience. I like to know that who I’m working with has my best interest at heart, and with this it was a no brainer. I will always appreciate how the team at Champion genuinely cares about platforming and amplifying artists’ voices and ideas.

What was your creative process like, and How has being part of the ChampionCollaboration influenced your personal design philosophy and creative process?
My creative process is very free flowing. A lot of the time a final design or project isn’t exactly the same as the initial idea, it’s better- through embracing the so-called ‘mis-steps’ and following my intuition.

The Collaboration allowed a lot of freedom, of course as designers we have to be problem solvers and are good at working with limitations, however as an artist having that openness to play is so important.

The Champion Collaboration emphasizes innovation. What new techniques or ideas did you explore during this collaboration, and how did it challenge your usual approach to fashion design? This whole project for me was stepping into unknown waters. I’ve never manufactured or produced, usually focusing on one of one pieces and more recently custom fit orders. So when we were given 40 hoodies, I decided to re-work the fit and dye them in a unique way- on paper this doesn’t sound like much work, however once actually executing I realized how big of a job it was. As everything was done locally with a small team and tight deadline, we definitely felt a bit of pressure- but the final outcome has been super rewarding and fulfilling and I’ve learnt so much during this process.

What were some of the most exciting or surprising outcomes from the collaboration? How do you feel about the final pieces? As I stated, we were working on a tight deadline, so I didn’t have time to make samples and see what dye colors would look like- the dying for the ‘Beige’ colourway actually came out super different to what I initially intended it to be, however I embraced this and I think it’s safe to say I prefer this happy accident over the previously intended colourway.

How do you hope your collection will resonate with audiences and the creative community? A lot of people and friends have known me for a while in Naarm now, I just hope my journey can be a point of inspiration for some that what we talk about and dream about can actually become a reality- I believe this year has been a massive leap in my career and I hope that can serve as an example for others that anything is possible for their own goals.

Has this collaboration inspired any new directions or future projects for you? How do you see your experience collaborating with Champion influencing your upcoming work? I think the biggest learning from this project was how much of a team it takes- for so long I’ve been a one person team; of course I collaborate with friends now and then, however it’s always been a lack of funding that has stopped me from reaching out to others for help. Moving forward, I plan to begin building a team.

What legacy or impact do you hope to leave through your participation in the Champion? How do you envision the program influencing the fashion industry in general? I think there is so much amazing talent in Naarm, and in the world! I hope that I can continue on what Champion has done for Sanctuaire - spotlighting other amazing artists and designers.

Astrophe, like Champion, celebrates the power of creativity in uniting communities. How do you see your creative practice contributing to the sense of unity within your creative network? I love making clothes, that love has led to me having opportunities to host physical spaces. Which is really what we need. Because there’s others that love making clothes, or music, or taking photos, the list goes on. We just need spaces to share our love for creating.

Sanctuaire emphasizes creating a safe and mindful space for personal and creative expression. How do you cultivate a safe and nurturing environment within your own creative process? I’ve observed that my own creative process is a spiritual one- especially when I’m making clothes. Sanctuaire is all about bringing what’s inside to the surface, so curating the physical space I'm in to comfort my mind and heart really helps, the space you’re in physically can impact the space you’re in mentally - vice versa.

How do you balance the demands of the creative industry with maintaining your peace and well-being? I’m still trying to figure this one out- unlike most jobs; creative work doesn’t end when you ‘clock out’ or leave a studio. Your mind is always taking in the world, everything you see and experience is a part of your work.

Some things that really help me re center and ground myself include; Meditation, journaling, yoga, going to the gym, making time to have a self care routine, spending time in nature and time with the people you love.

Remembering you are a human before you are an artist and you need care for yourself just as much as your art.

Sanctuaire’s commitment to sustainability through slow fashion is a significant part of its philosophy. How does sustainability factor into your creative practice, and what steps do you take to minimize your environmental impact? Fabric is second hand most of the time, otherwise sourcing from local fabric stores to execute ideas that need specific fabric qualities. I hold onto as many off cuts and scraps as I can with the intention to utilize them in future projects.

Astrophe values the importance of championing one another within the creative community. Who are some creatives or organizations you admire, and why? Honestly, there’s sooo many people in Naarm alone that I admire and hope to collaborate/ work with. Too many to name here, but I’m always thinking of ways I can highlight this.

Over the past five years I’ve watched the creative community grow and grow. I admire everyone that’s putting themselves out there to push their art, ideas and messages.

How do you support and uplift your peers in the creative industry, and what advice would you give to others looking to foster a culture of mutual support and encouragement?If I like what someone’s doing, I’m gonna tell them. Regardless of how well I know them. We need to be doing more of that. No ones too cool to support someone else’s work.

We’ve just gotta remember it’s never weird to openly like someone else’s art, the phrases ‘fan behavior’ and ‘dick- riding’ have been born to make fun of people openly showing their support to someone else. I think it's weird that people hate on others for sharing what they enjoy.

Looking ahead, what are some goals or projects you are excited about? Definitely runway- it’s one thing seeing clothing on mannequins, or on a photo online. Actually experiencing them being worn and showcased in a way that contextualizes the pieces in their world and atmosphere, better brings people into the world and story.

Also excited to do more small drops, to be able to share more of Sanctuaire designs with friends.

How do you envision the future of creative collaboration and sustainability, and what role do you hope to play in that future? I believe as more people choose creative careers, we need to focus on creating more resources and facilities to nurture this.

I plan to contribute through actioning permanent third spaces. My residency earlier this year was proof - creative people need creative focused spaces that act as an unrestricted / in-exclusive space for all types of artists to come together and work.

Implementing more accessible education on creative pathways with sustainability at the forefront of this is important as well.

SEE MORE ABOUT CHAMPION NO PERMISSIONHERE, MORE FROM SanctuaireHERE.

SEE MORE ABOUT CHAMPION NO PERMISSION HERE, MORE FROM sanctuaire HERE.

TEAM
STILLS + DIRECTION SIMON WONG
LIGHTING JOSHUA NAI
VHS: MEL GEBREWOLD
STYLING + CO DIRECTION JAIDA
VIDEOGRAPHY COLE SURREY
HMUA TRINITY HILL