Let’s face it: all of us love to shop & dress well. If you want to find one-of-a-kind, unique pieces, AKIRA is the place to go. With its huge range of sartorial options, there’s no way it can disappoint! In an AKIRA outfit, you will be the highlight of any party or event you attend.
AKIRA first opened in 2002 as a women’s clothing store in Bucktown. Over the years, it has expanded to a mini-empire of 18 Chicagoland stores, including a new Hyde Park location at 1539 E. 53rd St (just 11 minutes from UIC by car). It was founded by Erikka Wang, Eric Hsueh, and Jon Cotay, three graduates of the University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign. None of them majored in business or fashion; none of them imagined that they would end up in the fashion industry. Still, that’s where life took them.
Eric Hsueh, Erikka Wang, & Jon Cotay (L-R)
AKIRA carries a full line of women & men’s clothing, footwear, and accessories. 10 of its stores carry women’s clothing, 5 carry women’s footwear, 1 carries men’s clothing & footwear, 1 carries women’s clothing & footwear, and 1 carries women’s & men’s clothing. The retailer hosts periodic runway presentations for local charities and clubs, as well as a major fall fashion show at Grossinger City Autoplex.
AKIRA’s latest lookbook with bloggers I Hate Blonde (the model) & JagLever (the photographer)
View all the images & featured products here: http://www.shopakira.com/jaglever-ihateblonde/?sort=newest
Each of AKIRA’s 18 boutiques is slightly different—the music, merchandise, & visuals reflect the sensibility of the surrounding neighborhood. All the stores’ associates (called stylists) are up-to-date on the latest trends, so they’re easily able to help you pick out the perfect outfit for any occasion. Going-out dresses, denim, & heels from over 200 designer brands and smaller fashion houses line the walls at AKIRA, including Jeffrey Campbell shoes, For Love and Lemons dresses, and Original Penguin menswear. Most of this product is also available on the retailer’s international webstore: http://www.shopakira.com.
AKIRA’s flagship Women’s boutique (1814 W. North Ave. in Bucktown)
I have been lucky enough to experience AKIRA’s excellence first-hand. Not only have I served as a model dresser for the company’s fashion shows two years in a row, but I have interned behind the scenes at the marketing office. Helping AKIRA’s team prep for one of its signature runway shows was a one-of-a-kind experience. I saw just how hard they work to deliver the best for their customers.
Me at AKIRA’s fall 2012 fashion show with Alex, a stylist; Jessi, a PR assistant; and Linda, a FORD model
View runway footage here: http://www.shopakira.com/videos/
When shopping for your next party dress or special-event outfit, check out AKIRA. (In addition to its Hyde Park location, the company also has a footwear boutique at State & Adams and a women’s emporium at the Block 37 mall.) You are guaranteed to find something that suits your style!
Follow AKIRA here:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/akirachicago
Twitter: @akirachicago
Instagram: @shopakira