A Kid With Dreams
The United States of America is mainly known for being the "land of opportunity,", especially for those who are not citizens. Many people come here to work hard so they can accomplish their goals and even their dreams. For Adrian Riesser, it was streetwear. His branding was self-explanatory as he became "A Kid With Dreams," a nickname given to him by his friends.
Coming from Peru to Miami, Florida, Adrian studied fashion design. "There's always a hunger for fashion," says Riesser. "I always wanted to represent something that I think stood not very common within the other streetwear brands, which was empowerment." Not only that but since starting a brand here was relatively more accessible than in Peru, he decided to come up with his own, which is where AKWD comes in.
Around the same time, he also created a music label, AKWD Music Label, giving more people from South America opportunities to shine and showcase their talents. This outlet allowed individuals to raise their opinions on topics within urban culture, not only through fashion but also through music.
Due to much success here in the states, Riesser decided to open up the first streetwear boutique in Peru, showcasing his brand and other American brands. "Consumers and designers in Peru are still navigating the market and figuring out what works and what doesn't within the fashion industry," says creative director Paolo Moreno. "Fashion and music have strongly correlated, as music influences fashion and vice versa. And that is something the US is known for as well." People who listen to different genres of music typically tend to show the same vibe with the clothes they wear, and the US pumps out internationally recognized artists.
An earlier collection named "Illusion" directly connects to the brand name, as it focuses on being in a dream state. With pieces featuring abstract designs, like the iconic clocks in the glasses' lenses reading "I can see time fly." This collection was inspired by artworks by Rene Magritte, a Belgian surrealist painter from the 1940s. His artworks are out of the ordinary and truly defined the surrealist movement back then.
Starting with a basics line, AKWD began telling stories through their clothing capsules and plans on telling more without sticking with just one aesthetic. The 'Sweet Dreams' collection is their latest drop inspired by Japanese candy. This collection will bring you back to your childhood, featuring fun neon and pastel colors and anime-inspired designs.
"It's a very positive collection; Sweet Dreams is youthful and playful," explains Moreno. This collection will cater to your inner child, which we all should pay more attention to no matter how old we are. We saw things differently as children: colors were more vivid, and we were constantly in a dream state, even while wide awake. Japan is another inspiration to AKWD, as it's a country whose designs and culture are something to look up to. This collection features bubblegum pinks, sky blues, Japanese text, and anime girls, something you would see being rocked on the streets of Tokyo. The pieces include hoodies, shirts, jeans, socks, and even bandanas with child-like, nostalgic designs.
For AKWD, there is no limit to what they design. Versatility holds significance here, as the label doesn't want to showcase only one vibe. AKWD demonstrates diversity with a positive message for all who feel identified with the brand. With AKWD, each design has a sense of freedom, which will be revealed in future collections. Inside everyone, old or young, there is a kid with dreams. "We're not those who will change the world, but we will be worn by those who will.”
Strike Out,
Emily Fiorini-Casamayoure
Boca Raton
Emily Fiorini-Casamayouret is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine in Boca Raton. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys listening to sad music, doing some retail therapy, and eating pasta. You can reach her at emily.fiorini710@gmail.com
