PROVOKING SINCE 1970.
“I didn’t go to fashion school. I went to the streets.”
SOCIAL WORKER / REBEL WITH A CAUSE
I am Chris, based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. My profession as a social worker has led me to the fringes of society. I’ve witnessed struggle, but also incredible resilience.
My rebellion has a soundtrack. I was raised on the raw energy of Grunge, Hip Hop Rap, Metal and Funk — Living Colour, Rage Against The Machine, Beastie Boys, A Tribe Called Quest, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Daft Punk — and the authentic flow of early 90s Drum’n’Bass. That aggression and truth bleed into everything I create.
My Vision? To create positive emotions through design. I believe every individual deserves to express their unique identity. Gripping Life is the bridge between the raw reality of the street and the joy of expression.
Gripping Life is my way of taking that reality and turning it into art. We don’t make clothes to hide in. We make armor to stand out in.
Provoking since 1970.
Born into a changing world. Growing up with the dawn of technology, the shadow of Chernobyl, and the raw energy of the 80s. We were like in a bubble.
The Berlin Wall falls. It marked the end of one ideology and the dawn of another. We hoped for a united, peaceful world. That hope still drives me.
Traveling overseas unlocked my design eye and opend my mind. From the vastness of the USA in ’96 to the neon streets of Tokyo and Hongkong, and through the chaos of South East Asia. Gripping Life was born out of these miles—inspired by the diverse street cultures of the world.
Bringing that global inspiration back to Biel, Gripping Life is officially born. A fusion of social work reality, grunge aesthetics, and streetwear culture.
You joining us. Together, we wear our values and make the world a happier place, one slogan at a time.
WHY THE RAT?
The rat symbolizes the city. It is the ultimate survivor. Punk and Hip Hop originated in the underground, just like the rat. It represents the underdog, the non-conformist, and the resilience required to survive in a broken system.
LIKE US.