Akiko Cook: May 2010 Diva of the Month

About Akiko:
Designer Akiko Yasuda was born and raised in  San Diego, California circa 1977. From the time she was nine years old she would spend hours drawing the clothes she wished she had, so she knew her means to an end was to become a designer. From there, her grandmother taught her how to sew and she started designing and sewing her own creations while in high school. After obtaining her Bachelor of Fine Arts in fashion design from Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, Akiko began her career designing for several contemporary companies. Envisioning her own collection, Akiko debut her own line in 2004 and was immediately recognized as a designer to watch. What started as a small t-shirt company in her apartment in Hollywood, quickly grew into a major contemporary label with distribution to over 200 specialty boutiques and department stores. Akiko has become well known for her great fit, beautiful colors and prints, and feminine chic.  Inspired by art, vintage prints, and embroideries, her designs always flatter the female form and are on the cutting edge of fashion. Akiko resides in Los Angeles with her husband and baby boy.

Akiko has become a favorite with celebrities such as Christina Aguilera, Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton, Selena Gomez, Stacy Keibler, Tori Spelling, Giuliana Rancic, Amanda Bynes, Ashley Tisdale, Carmen Electra, Denise Richards, Sarah Paxton, Lindsay Lohan, and Audrina Patridge. Last month, Eva Longoria was spotted wearing one of her silk tops that is sold at Neiman Marcus.

Interview conducted by Aaron “Middlepoet” Jackson

When did you first decide you wanted to be a designer?
I wanted to be a designer since I was a little girl. I would spend all my free time doing “fashion illustrations” and hanging out at the fabric store & sewing.

How has growing up in Southern California shaped your designs?
It definitely has influenced a more casual flowy vibe to my clothing. Stuff you can wear almost anywhere…wear it during the day with sandals & leggings and dress it up at night with heels. And nothing too serious!

What is your favorite food?
Anything Mexican!

What was it like to be one of the designers on “launch My Line”?
That was a grueling experience to say the least. It was like being in school all over again but in an even more controlled environment. I was so thankful to get the boot and get back to my own life!

What are the challenges of working on your own line?
It’s hard because I have to be both right brained & left brained. Since I run my own business I have to look at designs from a business perspective also – is it going to sell? Is there a healthy profit margin? It’s hard analyzing your own creativity that way.

Where can somebody purchase your clothes?
neimanmarcus.com
revolveclothing.com
bloomingdales.com

What are your plans for the future?
I’d like to grow the brand into a full lifestyle collection…a la Diane von Furstenburg.

What is your favorite type of material to work with and why?
I love working with modal/silk jersey. It’s light as air, drapes beautifully, but is casual enough to wear anywhere.

Who are some of the designers and artists that have influenced your work?
Balenciaga, Yves St. Laurent, Tom Ford

What advice would you give to a young designer just starting out in their career?
Don’t give up, learn from your mistakes, there are always challenges but they only make you a better designer.

When and how did you learn how to sew?
My grandmother taught me how to sew when I was about 10 & I also took “sewing lessons” from a seamstress neighbor around the block from me growing up.

Do you find it to be challenging juggling family and career?
My life is nonstop from the moment I wake up till I go to bed. I have a 2 year old & I’m 5 months pregnant right now. So I try to cram about 12 hours of work in a 7-8 hour day so I can get home. Lots of lunches while typing emails! It really teaches you to be efficient with your time.

What is your favorite color?
Hard to narrow down…anything peacock colored – blues, purples, greens.

For more information about Akiko’s line of clothing:
akikoonline.com
Official Akiko Facebook Page