Strongly inspired by their industrial roots of Manchester, AKA Clothing’s stylistic approach to progressive street-wear is enthused by monochrome patterns, quirky prints and a boost of vintage influence.
With a style attributing to ‘norm-core’ – a look that characterises the fashion industry’s take on street wear fashion, AKA Clothing’s fresh outlook on fashion and eye for detail suggests great heights for the label. To discover more about the brand, we spoke to Phil Pearce and Megan Christie of AKA Clothing. Here’s what they had to say:
HTF: How has the Manchester scene defined yourself and the clothing?
AKA: For the past 20 years Manchester has been a creative metropolis, its music, art and fashion. A vibrant mix. Not only the seed but also a back drop for our brand.
HTF: What fuelled your passion for fashion design?
AKA: Bowie !
HTF: What are AKA’s most important influences?
AKA: Natural forms for print inspiration and strong minimalistic images for graphics.
HTF: AKA’s clothing is very monochrome and minimalistic, is there a stylistic reason for this?
AKA: We love the strength of black and white, “Black is our happy colour”. Minimalism has longevity. We like to keep things simple and straight forward.
Source: AKA Clothing FacebookHTF: What do you like best about the design process?
Seeing the first finished sample of an original idea.
HTF: Do you have a favourite garment when designing new styles?
AKA: No, not really. It’s more about designing a collection than individual garments and seeing the overall collection come together.
HTF: Do you intend to focus on designing more accessories?
AKA: We are currently focusing on our clothing, accessories will follow towards the end of next year.
HTF: What trends are you liking at the moment?
AKA: The long fit styles, our next range features a longer body fit. This is a key streetwear trend.
HTF: Neon Jungle have most recently been spotted wearing AKA, who else would you love to see wearing your designs?
AKA: Becca Dudley (MTV presenter), Little Simz have also been spotted in AKA. We have also been working with bands such as the Swiss Lips, Berlin Berlin and MDNGHT. We love to see AKA on any individuals with great personal style.
Source: AKA Clothing FacebookHTF: What is it like being in the fashion industry?
AKA: Right now, very exciting. Being a part of AKA and the influential individuals that we work with. It really is extremely exciting and positive.
HTF: Is there fierce competition in the UK street-wear scene?
AKA: UK street-wear is a strong movement, which has a strong influence not just in the UK, but also Europe and the rest of the world. Its great to be a part of it.
HTF: Spoil us, what’s next for AKA Clothing?
AKA: AKA is a fast close to season brand, so next is Autumn Winter 14. Still black and white signature, the jersey has gone heavier and cleaner, layering garments in this collection is key. Watch out for our printed long sweat shirt and jogger combinations!
Shop the hottest trends in luxury street wear at: thisisaka.com.
Interviewer: Julia Powney
