Today we’d like to introduce you to Akira Robinson
Hi Akira, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
AKI THE LABEL started as an idea based on using fashion as a unifier. We all wear clothing, at least most of us do, and I truly believe that we’re more alike than we’re different overall as well. As a scientist, I know this to be true even at the cellular level!
AKI as it has now come to be known is being built to be a generational brand, so we’re not chasing trends here. As the world’s first traveling brand, we’re highlighting cities and towns around the country, designing collections in their honor, working with creatives who lives there, and partnering with a local nonprofit to leave something behind as well.
We’ve now launched 4 collections, with the latest being AKI x CHI for Chicago. The latest collection is our largest with over 20 pieces and counting. Over time, we’ve adjusted our strategy, been featured in GQ 3 times, and have a partnership with CAA and MLB baseball players. Much more to come!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, I wouldn’t say it’s been smooth. I’ve had to work full time while building the brand and that has led to some very busy weeks and conflicting priorities. Another struggle has been trying to decide when and if we should take on investors and determining the brand growth trajectory we’d like to see. Finally, the design aspect of the brand has been a struggle because the more collections we design, the more our brand identity is set, which is great for marketing but for a new designer can be intimidating when putting pen to paper and having to ask yourself “Does this look like AKI?”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about AKI THE LABEL?
When AKI THE LABEL started, we wanted to partner with non-profits in every city we designed collections for as a way to give back. It was an ambitious goal for a startup fashion brand but we’ve held fast to it. For our AKI x CHI collection, we took this idea a step further and helped create a new non-profit, The Series Foundation. This brand new non profit will connect Chicago’s youth to educational, financial, and other supportive resources, and it will serve as a one stop shop to make connecting to those resources easier for parents and their children. I’m proud that AKI took this additional step!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Right now, the e-commerce market is slow or stagnant, which I think we can expect since the economy in general is a bit stagnant right now. But over the next decade, I think ecommerce will grow even further and stretch into the Web3 and metaverse as well. Another trend that I expect to see if more brands entering the market and more niche brands entering the market. A major trend I expect to see is the high fashion world continuing to take cues from streetwear and elevating with fabrics.
Pricing:
- 25-150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.akithelabel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aki_thelabel/
Image Credits
Josh Katz
Akira Robinson
AKI THE LABEL
