14. 11. 22
BEHIND THE BRAND: STUDIO LIXX
We recently worked with Melbourne-Based acrylic decor brand, Studio Lixx to create our Spring Summer concept at our flagship Nakedvice Boutique in Melbourne. Get to know the founder, Milla, as she shares the journey of Studio Lixx and the creation of her 'functional and funky' designs.
INSTAGRAM?
@studiolixx @millaabathh
HOMETOWN?
Melbourne, Australia. Although, I grew up in Hong Kong for 11 years so I also call that my home.
WHAT IS THE MEANING BEHIND STUDIOLIXX?
Our furniture is designed with acrylic perspex. At the time of starting my business I was really struggling with a name and after a few weird conversations, I played with the word acryLIC and came up with LIXX. Nothing too deep but we love working with acrylic so wanted to keep it aligned with what we’re designing.
STAR SIGN?
Cancer Sun, Sagittarius Rising and Capricorn Moon. Take that as you will.
TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR LIFE?
Always coffee and pilates to start. I still work full time in my career in Public Relations so in a typical 9-5 you’ll find me working in office. My 5-9 is straight into Studio Lixx emails, product design, managing orders, and literally everything and more that goes into running a business. Of course, the casual wine and catching up with friends always makes its way in. Let’s just say there is not enough hours in the day.
WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU STARTED STUDIOLIXX?
I was 20 when I started Studio Lixx. I was still in University, coming to the end of my PR degree, thinking that would probably be all I do. Melbourne’s lockdown had also just hit before I got started, so life in that period was pretty stagnant.
WHAT WAS THE IDEA THAT STARTED STUDIOLIXX?
I have always been a creative person. I have always grown up around cameras, fiddling around with film & making movies out of videos on my camera roll. My creativity eventually branched out into interiors, furniture design and homewares. When COVID & a long string of lockdowns came around, I was feeling so stuck in my creativity and everything around me felt a bit bland. I really just wanted to make my space feel more exciting than it was and I wanted that challenge. I had always wanted to start my own business and I wanted to create something I had never seen before. After a lot of thinking, sketching and research, the idea popped into my head just like that & I knew straight away that this could be something.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?
My parents have been big inspirations. Mum is a photographer and stylist and both my parents have an eye for mid century architecture (so much so that the house we’re in is a renovated 1960s mid century home) so they really opened my eyes up to the world of design. I feel really connected to that era & to home interiors itself, but in saying that, I have never felt limited to one style. That’s the beauty of design, there is no conformity or restrictions in what you can create. The rest of my inspiration comes almost everything I experience, from the creators and designers I follow, interior pages and magazines, Pinterest boards, fashion trends and life in general.
BIGGEST PINCH ME MOMENT?
Probably my first ever Studio Lixx drop. I remember sitting on my bed at home after a day at University, having only 500 followers, thinking I wouldn’t sell anything. We sold out of everything in the same night. To be honest, probably every drop. It’s surreal to me that we are selling out every time we launch.
YOUR FAVOURITE INTERIOR DESIGN IG ACCOUNTS?
I will always vouch for
@rocket_spaces
@interiahysteria_
and @ted.amsterdam
… to name a few.
The collection of pieces and spaces they post, touches modern and vintage, colours and neutral staples, designs that make you question function versus form, that’s my favourite. There isn’t one style or any limit as to what design is or can be.
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WANTING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
Find a niche and go for it. Anyone can start a business, but not everyone can set themselves apart. You have to be passionate and commit yourself to your own vision.
WORDS TO LIVE BY?
“The biggest risk you take is not taking any risk at all”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR STUDIOLIXX?
We have a lot of ideas in the works. Our ethos has always been to produce limited drops as we never want to create excess waste or create products for the sake of it. I’ve seen a lot of growth in the interiors space lately. People are beginning to own their space and dabble in the individuality of design, and we are really excited to think we are now helping people do that. Trust me, lots to come.
TOP 3 NAKEDVICE PICKS?
The Min Top, The Cameron Black Gold and The Lottie Nylon shoes.
