KEEPING US ALIVE IN COVID-19. INTERVIEW W. ALAN KING
Interview by: Holly Hoover
Foreword by: Whitney Brielle
Flashback to a street filled with thousands of people, pushing and quelling to get into Spring Studio. Anxiety palpable—a sea of patterns, texture, and color. Sliding from the safety of our tinted whip, a pause in the kerfuffle—immediately followed by a parting of people and flashing of bulbs.
“What is that you’re wearing? Name? Oh my god—those pants!”
“AKINGS.”
The EYES & EDGE team has had a long standing love affair with the innovative designs of Alan King. Back before face masks were necessary—or even fashionable outside of Tokyo, Seoul, or Shanghai. Back before Forbes awards, or a hip Manhattan show room. Back before casual sightings of his iconic c-cut pants on legends like Famous Dex and Lil Baby—we have been crushing on AKINGS.
Young entrepreneur Alan King, has been in the apparel manufacturing and private label game, for over eight years. Birthed just a few seasons ago, his fashion line AKINGS has seen success amongst the ‘alt-cool and ultra chic’ almost since its inception. However like most NYC staples—amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic they have had to pivot.
Just like their revolutionary approach to pants, dye lots, and everything else indicative of the brand—AKINGS is consistently ahead of the curve. Living by the ethos, "A cut above the rest", Alan knew this was a time to rise. He saw a short window for a proactive pivot with the initial surge of the pandemic, and immediately acted. While many brands grappled with what to do next, Alan King had already made his first move.
One of the first brands to start manufacturing masks—AKINGS began offering free medical grade face coverings before their custom pieces even wrapped production. Fast forward a few weeks, and they are one of the leading brands aiding in the pandemic support chain in New York City. “It’s important to know when to give back.”
Read our interview below with Alan King for the inside scoop on the brand and how they are coping with COVID-19.
EYES & EDGE: Tell us the backstory on how AKINGS was created. When did you first begin working on the line?
AKINGS: AKINGS was created off of the concept of MADE FOREVER. The clothes for the strong individual set to make a stamp in this world. I began developing the line in 2017 and we really have gotten more and more clear on how to define AKINGS only end of 2019. (Even as I say that I feel we are still evolving for sure as everyone is growing.)
E&E: How are you staying creative and coping with the bizarre reality of the COVID lockdown? How is AKINGS as a brand adapting?
AKINGS: We have just launched an AKINGS+ collection for SS20 on our website featuring olive tones. The collection is actually inspired by wartime with AKINGS ARMY being the concept. Our last pop-up was an installation of an AKINGS army bunker in NYC before the crisis. Honestly not COVID planned at all but both our current and pre-season seem so real to what is going on in the world right now.
E&E: AKINGS has been very vocal about the importance of masks & giving back to the health community in need of protection from the virus. Tell us more about your contribution to this national problem.
AKINGS: We are donating a minimum of 10% of our profits for our SS20 sales to purchasing medical supplies for front line professionals. Last month in March we have donated close to 8k masks with the help of our generous AKINGS family.
E&E: Pre-COVID, what was your next collection inspired by?
AKINGS: We actually had a Fall winter collection inspired by health care professionals called AKINGS+. You can see our November popup photos here. Including a fully outfitted AKINGS ambulance!
E&E: What advice do you have for aspiring designers, new fashion brands, or young creative?
AKINGS: If you are the creative find the business person to be in your corner and build a team around what you are not strong at. I too struggle with this side because I juggle the business and creatives super heavily.
As AKINGS repeatedly proves, being a leader requires a proactive approach. Visionary Alan King is keeping us sustained with more than just fresh fashion. His team is an integral link in the support chain keeping us alive. Back a brand that gives back, and snag a piece from the New York legend today. Shop here at AKINGS and follow their Instagram to stay up to date on the newest drops!
