More than just some double entendre for a man or woman standing at arms, Akimbo, a new luxury multi-label concept store has been a home to some of the most sophisticated brands, iconic designers, and emerging artists—especially in the streetwear scene. Officially opening its doors last November 16, Akimbo aims to redefine the local streetwear and contemporary fashion scene by staying true to the heritage of their brand while also endlessly evolving in the fashion spectrum.
/əˈkimbō/ defined as ‘with hands on the hips and elbows turned outward’, is both a retail destination and a community haven where distinct styles and individual beliefs gather to express themselves and make a statement. The industrial metal furnishings juxtaposed by a prominence of greens and injected with oeuvre art décor from world-renowned and controversial artists such as the anonymous artwork-shredding Banksy, graffiti Neo-expressionism artist Jean-Michael Basquiat, and Japanese illustrator Hajime Soroyama truly elevate the shopping experience of fashion nonconformists and a facet for free-thinkers.
It is evident that a lot of international brands are still inaccessible in our country, but Akimbo adopts a multinational retail approach by making some of these sought-after lines from all over the world right within reach. Akimbo now carries capsule collections of New York City-based Opening Ceremony, idiosyncratic crafted styles Ambush, cutting edge and most acclaimed MSGM, uncompromising Danish brand Han Kjøbenhavn, pioneer of LA streetwear culture XLarge, skate lifestyle shoes Vans, cultural collaborator Marcelo Burlon, versatile craftsmanship Facetasm, most coveted “God Can’t Destroy Streetwear”, counter-cultural sneakers Axel Arigato, Japanese menswear Bedwin and the Heartbreakers, iconographic sports-fashion Wood Wood, provocative #FR2, avant-garde silhouettes SJYP, distressed high-end basics Unravel Project and even BearBrick collectibles. Akimbo transforms the space for peculiar items and talent, incessantly morphing tribute to the power of the unconventional.
Akimbo’s Grand Launch in Uptown Mall opened doors to la crème de la crème of global brand mix and the purveyors of good tastes—a culmination of today’s creative industry and growing refined taste, heavily influenced by a blender of art, music, and subcultures. With performances by Butta B and Marco See, the event was thrillingly a contemporary melting pot of ebullient personalities, artists, photographers, musicians, writers, and the youth—all sharing similar aesthetic and design sensibilities. An experience itself that celebrated and revered unity, diversity, and creativity. An after-party was lauded at XX XX with beats by Nix Damn P and Careless Music Manila headlined by Astro Kidd, King Waw, and Curtismith.
Today, Akimbo continues to grow according to founding principles of tailored expressions and exploration. A landing space that encapsulates the brand’s ethos that is both testament and monument to the elegance and riot, the mess and order of streetwear and fashion. Akimbo’s recent plunge in the Philippines’ retail industry is straightforward and audacious. Similar to a decorated and mounted knight akimbo at arms—ready to lead, ready to push the boundaries.
Take an exclusive look at Akimbo’s unique designs, curated pieces, and international collaborations located at GF Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City. For more information, follow them on Instagram and Facebook. And for more photos of the store, you can check out this article we published several months ago.
