Designed by Los Angeles architecture and design firm 22RE, in collaboration with AKILA’s in-house design team, the store showcases a blend of Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary design. Natural wood motifs and sleek metal details create an aesthetic where Japandi meets West Coast cool. As their fourth location worldwide, this space may be their most impressive yet, with every detail meticulously planned. From skylights flooding the space with natural light to the use of Douglas fir trees native to the Pacific Coast, AKILA’s Los Angeles flagship is a feast for the eyes, which in itself is worth celebrating.
As the night went on at their opening event on May 30, friends and family were seen enjoying deep cuts played by incredible DJs, Omar SB and SOSUPERSAM, while drinks flowed and food was cooked and served by Jahkitori. Although the night ended at 10, though it was really 11, the party never truly stopped–we’re still celebrating. Now officially opened to the public and the community that continues to uplift them, if it wasn't known already, AKILA is more than an eyewear brand, but a community that runs deep, and everyone is welcome.
AKILA LA is located at 3300 Sunset Blvd. and is open daily from 11am - 7pm. You can also shop their summer collection here.
Check out scenes from their Los Angeles Flagship opening below.
So what drew you to working with 3D in the first place?
I used to do fine arts in Cuba, mainly in sculpture and painting. When I moved to the US, I did not have the space or conditions to continue this practice, so I had to find a way to do both my personal and commercial work in the least amount of space possible, and what better than a computer for that? My colleague Cesar Amezaga (@ultraviolencegraphics) introduced me to the 3D space and its capabilities while we were still in Cuba, so once I got here, I made it my primary practice.
And how did “nooon” come to be?
It’s a long story.
Well then let’s talk a bit about your process, blending fashion design, 3D-rendering, and photography?
I need these tools to accomplish my creative vision. When working with a team on projects, or campaigns for my own brand “nooon”, it’s necessary to contribute to all elements of the project in order to achieve my intended vision. Because of this, it’s helpful to understand and direct what is happening in all areas of the process.
And I had to do it. If I wanted to take pictures, I had to grab the camera. If I wanted sample patterns made, I would do it on CLO. If I wanted visuals for the clothes I didn’t have the means to make at that point, I had to 3D-render them. I used to see this as a problem, but now looking back, I am grateful it happened this way. To this day, I keep exploring new tools while also continuing to strengthen the ones I use regularly.
Who are some of your greatest inspirations?
My parents are. Seeing them work so hard for as long as I can remember has influenced how I am today. The people who inspire me the most are the ones who expand their practice through several fields.
How did you develop your own visual identity?
Work. Iterating countless times and exploring different outcomes. You have to know what you don’t want to know what you need. The more you work and experiment, the more you will eventually curate your work, and from there, your work discovers itself. This process never ends.
So are there specific references you draw from or did you cultivate your identity entirely through the process?
I do have references, research is a very important component of my practice, mostly visual. But it's the implementation of both the references and my own creative process that informs my taste, which is very important to me. The more I develop my taste, the easier it is to produce better outcomes for each project.
What are some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on?
I am working on several projects for nooon that I look forward to completing. In the meantime, I have taken on branded work for other companies. Working with brands is an excellent exercise for me, not only because of their insights and different points of view but also because it helps me understand how more established fashion brands work. I recently worked on a campaign with Joel Evey and the team at Grailed for a SS24 Grailed Sale that was recently live. It is always great to work with them since they have such interesting visual aesthetics and development of ideas.
What do you have coming up this year?
We are currently working on nooon’s first physically presented collection. It will be presented in September 2024 for NYFW and will be accompanied by our first drop of select pieces, so we are looking forward to that!
And in the next 10, where do you see yourself?
I want to help and contribute to as many people and their projects as possible. Eventually, I will be able to open more doors and build more bridges. I am a part of the puzzle.
