The Insider: Anna Akawie
Not to toot our own horn, but, our packaging? It’s pretty awesome. And a big part of that stems from the rad luggage-tag style certificates of authenticity that Claire’s cousin, Anna Akawie, designed. The native Angeleno—who’s also responsible for the Of a Kind logo—started her design education early and keeps learning, learning, learning. —jiayi
Q: How did you get into design?
A: I taught myself how to use Photoshop when I was about 14 and made little webpages all through high school. It wasn’t until I realized that community college wasn’t getting me anywhere that I decided to enroll in the graphic design program at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. I finished in about a year and a half, and landed an internship at an entertainment design firm where I still work now, five years later!
Q: Besides designing the Of a Kind branding, what are some other cool projects you’ve worked on?
A: I got to design the save the dates and invitations for my best friend’s wedding—I feel really lucky to have done that. I also design and print a calendar every year to give to all of my friends. There’s a free download of it on my website for whoever wants one.
Q: You knit some adorable kittens over the summer—we were all obsessed with them! How did you get into making those?
A: I love those little knittens! About seven years ago, I taught myself to knit and in my quest to find new and more challenging projects, I came across this wonderful pattern by Jess Hutchison for a knit kitty. I’ve been knitting it ever since, with some adaptations to the pattern to make it a bit more my own.
Q: Their striped shirts are amazing. What will they be sporting for fall?
A: If I could knit it—leopard-print sweaters!
Q: Who would you say is your most stylish friend?
A: My best friend Elizabeth. I’m constantly getting into trouble from the things she posts to her Svpply account. There’s no way I would be cool enough to own a Rodarte sweatshirt if not for her!
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The Insider: Courtney Lewis
If you were wondering who that swoony girl is modeling our Gigi Burris headband—well, don’t get upset, but she’s smart and talented, too. Courtney Lewis is a partner at Hard Candy Shell, an agency that has helped companies like Rent the Runway and Fashism build enticing digital presences and also masterminded the strikingly brilliant, kitty-fueled Cute Roulette. Let’s just say that Courtney has amazing taste in animal videos. Oh, and in clothes, too.—nathalie
Q: What’s a typical Courtney Lewis look?
A: Oh, man, that is hard. My friends say that I like to wear anything shaped like a bag. That said, my summer staple is a pair of high-waisted denim shorts, A.P.C. snakeskin sandals, and a knotted white tank—simple.
Q: What do you think is the key to making a really beautiful, exciting fashion site?
A: I think great fashion sites come down to more than just great visuals. Creating something beautiful is almost the easy part. What’s hard is really nailing the focus of the product and translating that vision into something that people can actually use. Two sites I think are on the right track are Ssense and Svpply.
Q: What fashion sites do you read every day?
A: My favorite is The Man Repeller. Miss Moss is another one of my favorites. I also read Racked, The Cut, The Style Rookie, Honestly…WTF, and P.S. - I Made This.
Q: What’s your favorite Of a Kind edition?
A: I really like the Evelyne Shirt! And the Sulis Necklace.
Q: Now, most importantly: Do you have a favorite Cute Roulette video?
A: Kitten Can’t Jump. Gets me every time.
