BE HEARD Vol. 1
Akai & Escapades: Chapter 3 anyone?
Buffalo's own Akai is making waves in the fashion world, but don't box him in. With his brand Escapades, he's not just building a clothing line; he's crafting a movement. We had the chance to sit down with him and dive into his inspirations, challenges, and what sets Escapades apart from the rest.
From the Beginning
Growing up in Buffalo, Akai wasn’t just another kid on the block—he was standing in line for hours, chasing sneaker drops, and soaking in the culture. "I was one of those guys camping overnight," he says. Fashion wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way of life. His early obsession with sneakers and street culture planted the seeds for what would eventually become Escapades.
Akai's longtime friend Alvin, who has been by his side since day one, recalls their journey from childhood to the present day. "We were always trying to get jobs at sneaker stores, anything to stay close to the culture," Alvin shares. He describes Akai as always being creative, standing out from the crowd with his unique approach. "Akai’s brand is different; it’s transcending. He’s always had that vision." Alvin also notes that while Akai is known for his bold fashion sense, he’s also "goofy but cool at the same time," a rare combination that makes him relatable yet aspirational.
Escapades: More Than a Brand
Escapades isn't just a clothing line; it's Akai's lifestyle materialized. "It's about being different, standing out, and pushing the agenda," he explains. But beyond that, it's personal. Akai credits his mother’s passing as a major turning point in his journey, driving him to create something meaningful and lasting. "Escapades is a creation of my life—spontaneous, daring, and exciting," he says. The name itself embodies a spirit of adventure and boldness, reflecting his approach to life and fashion.
Photo by IG: @whois_akil
Crafting a Unique Identity Beyond Buffalo
Pop culture, movies, and streetwear giants like A$AP Mob have played a significant role in shaping Akai’s fashion sense. “I loved A$AP Rocky’s style and how they pushed boundaries,” he shares. However, Escapades isn’t about imitation; it’s about reinterpretation. While Buffalo is home, Akai envisions Escapades transcending the city’s style. “I don’t want to be categorized as just a Buffalo brand,” he explains. “I want people to put this on and feel like they’re making a statement wherever they go.” His goal is clear—creating pieces that resonate beyond city limits and leave a lasting impact.
Akai’s journey has been marked by strategic collaborations that have propelled Escapades into the spotlight. A recent drop with Lil Dead Boi was a massive success, and he hints at even bigger projects on the horizon. “We’re planning something even bigger,” he says with excitement. These partnerships are not just about expanding the brand’s reach; they’re about pushing boundaries and solidifying Escapades as a force in the fashion world. “I’m trying to be the biggest brand, not just in Buffalo, but period,” he asserts.
With a vision set on expansion and innovation, Escapades is on the brink of something groundbreaking. Whether it’s through bold collaborations or Akai’s relentless drive to create, one thing is certain—this brand is built to make waves far beyond its hometown.
Challenges and Lessons
Building Escapades hasn't been without its struggles. From shipping delays to maintaining momentum, Akai has learned one key lesson: consistency is everything. "If you're not consistent, you're not growing," he emphasizes. He also credits his circle for keeping him grounded and helping him push boundaries while staying true to his vision.
The Beanie Drop and Behind the Scenes
We had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at Akai's recent beanie photo shoot for his highly anticipated Chapter 3line, set to drop soon. The shoot, captured by the talented photographer @whois_akil, provided an exclusive look at the creative process behind the visuals. Check out his work at akil.myportfolio.com/denzel-akil. Akai's upcoming beanie release is set to redefine expectations. "I wanted something different—high-quality, with eye-catching details like rhinestones," he says. The goal? To turn heads. "I wanted people to see it and say, 'Damn, that's fire,'" he adds.
Upcoming Pop-Up Shop Collaboration
Community x Soul x Escapades: Collaboration for Creativity
Community x Soul and Escapades are coming together to collaborate meaningfully, bringing creativity and connection to the community. This partnership is about more than just fashion—it’s about creating spaces where individuals can come together, share ideas, and inspire each other. Through a shared passion for self-expression and innovation, we’re working to foster a supportive environment that celebrates artistry and entrepreneurship.
As we continue to collaborate, exciting possibilities are on the horizon, including potential pop-up shops and creative events designed to highlight local talent and provide a platform for growth. Our goal is to build something that showcases creativity and encourages individuals—especially youth—to embrace their unique visions and push boundaries in their creative journeys.
Stay tuned as we develop new opportunities to engage with the community, and subscribe to Pure Soul Community for updates on future collaborations, events, and ways to get involved. Let’s create with intent and build something meaningful together.
Final Thoughts
Akai’s journey with Escapades is proof that with creativity, consistency, and the right mindset, anything is possible. Whether it’s his bold designs or relentless work ethic, one thing is certain—he’s not just trying to be different; he’s trying to create something meaningful and lasting. Being in the creative environment that Akai fosters is truly inspiring; his dedication and passion for his craft radiate through every piece he designs.
For anyone looking to collaborate with a genuine individual who has a true passion for fashion and a clear vision for the future, Escapades is the brand to connect with. Akai’s approach is not just about clothing—it’s about storytelling, self-expression, and pushing boundaries in ways that resonate with people far beyond Buffalo.
Stay tapped in with Akai and Escapades by following him on Instagram @whereisakai and checking out his latest drops at escapadesxe.com. For the latest updates on Akai, Escapades, and future drops, subscribe and follow PureSoulCommunity.com and Community x Soul on Facebook and Instagram.
We are the creators of now. Let’s create with intent.
