akdmks

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  AKDMKS The Jett Jean in Fulton Wash
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  AKDMKS The Jett Jean in Bedford Wash
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  AKDMKS The Jett Jean in Rivington Wash
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  AKDMKS The Jett Jean in Grand Wash
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  AKDMKS The Comix Bolt Jean in Quicksilver

Akademiks_sweatshirt

Akademiks (pronounced the same way you say the word “academics”) is a brand of American clothing that was originally made popular by devout members of the hip hop community. It is also known as akdmks for short and AKD is also an even shorter abbreviation for the name Akademiks. This popular, urban style of clothing is a label that was actually founded by two brothers. Their names are Donwan and Emmett Harrell. They both worked with other partners in order to get Akademiks up and running as a unique brand of men and women’s clothing that blends youthful Japanese pop culture and urban influences while putting focus on bright colors and denim.

AKDMKS was founded in 1999 and also has designs that were influenced by bold women music artists Santigold and M.I.A. It was noticeably promoted and popularized by a Brooklyn rapper named Fabolous back in 2001. The content of some of his rap lyrics actually mentioned and advertised the brand. Aside from that, he wore Akademiks clothing on the cover of his debut album call Ghetto Fabolous. Other famous individuals such as Dizzee Rascal and 50 Cent have also been known to wear and support this particular brand.

Even though AKDMKS is noted as having begun as a brand connected most strongly with the hip hop urban culture, their founders still seem aware of the need to stay fresh, reinvent them selves, and not stay tied to being labeled. They have stated that their goal is to use true talent in order to produce clothing that can be worn and accepted by everyone. It seems that they have made some attempt to go more mainstream but have also been connected with several controversies while in attempt to do so.

Akademiks_whiteshoes

To some amount of controversy, they have even created a partnership with Perez Hilton in order to create the Perez Hilton South By Southwest’ showcase. Their sponsorship of Perez Hilton and his clothing has lead some to say that AKDMKS has abandoned their roots in the hip hop community. Still AKDMKS sticks with the claim that they never intended to be compete with the urban and hip hop genre with which they have become associated so strongly.

Co-founder Donwan Harrell himself stated that music in general has been a primary influence in the designs that were being created. Not just hip hop specifically but various other types too. They say that instead of trying to be like or out do Jay-Z or Puffy Combs who owns Rocawear and Sean John they would as like to be accepted by suburban kids, BMX bikers, and industry executive alike. Anything that is progressive, authentic and in demand is what AKDMKS says they want to support and be inspired by.