Who is Aakofii Designer? - The Artisan of Leather and Jewelry
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | aakofii theDESIGNER |
| Occupation | Owner at aakofii, Leather Designer & Jeweler (Artisan) |
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America |
| Industry Experience | Leather apparel and costume design for movie productions, editorials since 2003 |
| Education | Engineering degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1993-1999) |
| Notable Projects | Specializes in bespoke leather, leather fashion, and specialty leather costume design |
Early Education and Career Beginnings
Aakofii's academic foundation was laid at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a public urban research university located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Known for its extensive research programs and as part of the University of Wisconsin System, it provided Aakofii with a solid educational background. She pursued engineering from 1993 to 1999, a discipline that likely honed her problem-solving skills and attention to detail, qualities that are evident in her later work as a designer.
Transition into Design and Craftsmanship
After completing her education, Aakofii embarked on her professional journey with roles at Siemens and Johnson Controls as an Engineering Assistant in 1998 and 1999, respectively. Siemens, a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, and Johnson Controls, a leader in creating smart buildings and energy solutions, provided her with exposure to cutting-edge technology and innovative work environments. These experiences, although seemingly unrelated to fashion and design, contributed to her understanding of complex systems and the importance of functionality in design.
Establishing aakofii: The Brand
In 2003, Aakofii took a significant leap by founding her own brand, aakofii, marking the beginning of her career as a leather designer and jeweler. Her brand is a testament to her passion for handcrafted wearable art, incorporating fine silver, gold, mixed media, and gemstones to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Aakofii's work is characterized by boldness and a unique artistic vision, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.
Her retail location in Phipps Plaza, Atlanta, serves as a physical embodiment of her brand's ethos, offering bespoke leather fashion, specialty leather costume design, and handcrafted jewelry. Aakofii's creations have found their way into major movie productions, shorts, indie projects, and editorials, showcasing her versatility and the broad appeal of her designs.
Contributions to the Creative Community
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Aakofii is an active member of the creative community in Atlanta. She is involved with several groups, including the Jewelry Retail Network, WWD (Women's Wear Daily), LUXURY, FASHION & LIFESTYLE EXECUTIVES, PR & Communications Professionals, and International Fashion Jewelry and Accessory Designers, Manufacturers, and Suppliers. These affiliations reflect her commitment to staying connected with industry trends, networking with fellow professionals, and contributing to the broader dialogue on fashion and design.
Aakofii theDESIGNER's journey from an engineering student to a celebrated designer and business owner is a compelling narrative of transformation, creativity, and success. Her work not only enriches the fashion and design landscape but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring designers and artisans.