{"id":1817242,"date":"2026-03-09T12:00:41","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T09:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1817242"},"modified":"2026-03-09T12:00:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T09:00:41","slug":"introducing-akaia-reggieknows-new-brand-emblem-for-axel-arigato","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1817242","title":{"rendered":"Introducing Akaia: Reggieknow&#8217;s New Brand Emblem for Axel Arigato"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-tw.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-post-body col\">\n<div class=\"row post-body\">\n<aside class=\"post-body-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-upper\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Fashion\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-03-09T12:00:41Z\">20 Hrs ago<\/time><\/div>\n<ul class=\"post-body-sidebar-hype-comments-container list-unstyled d-none d-lg-block\">\n<li><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             575<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-sm-inline text\">Comments<\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Nico Gavino<\/span><\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"brand-sidebar-widget d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>In this Article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<article class=\"post-body-article\">\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Fashion<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-03-09T12:00:41Z\">20 Hrs ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             575<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p>Since it was first embroidered onto a hoodie in 2017, the Bee-Bird has been the mascot for Swedish brand Axel Arigato, symbolizing its self-proclaimed spirit of independence and boundlessness. Now, almost a decade later, the brand emblem has been reimagined with the help of culture-defining creative Reggieknow.<\/p>\n<p>From his role in shaping the identity of Chicago\u2019s influential hip-hop collective Dem Dare in the \u201890s to later collaborating with Virgil Abloh in Louis Vuitton SS21, Reggieknow\u2019s impact has spanned multiple decades and practices. Known first for his hand-illustrated flyers and pioneering sense of style, his impact is still felt across music, fashion, and art today.<\/p>\n<p><q>\u201cThe rebelliousness of early skate culture and hip-hop is very parallel. It\u2019s the edge of what\u2019s next.\u201d \u2014 Reggieknow<\/q><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s difficult to imagine what these different realms of culture would look like without the instrumental contributions of early hip-hop and other city subcultures. Reggieknow\u2019s role has been one of bringing the underground to the surface and closing the gap between mass recognition and IYKYK cool. It\u2019s these qualities that compelled Axel Arigato creative director Jens Werner to Reggieknow in the first place.\n<\/p>\n<p>Werner knew he wanted to reimagine the bee-bird to \u201csharpen its edge.\u201d \u201cReggieknow felt like the perfect collaborator for that, as I\u2019d been a fan of his work for years,\u201d he said. \u201cWe met at our NYC store opening, and we clicked immediately over the city\u2019s culture and our shared skate backgrounds.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-slider before-booted full-screen-enabled light\" data-width=\"100%\" data-animate=\"slide\" data-slideshow data-loop data-slideshowspeed=\"7000\" data-group-cells=\"1\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"1\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">1 of 3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-23.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"2\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">2 of 3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-24.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"3\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">3 of 3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-25.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Reintroduced with sensibilities inspired by the artist\u2019s subcultural roots, the emblem, named Akaia, isn\u2019t subtle. Far from being flattened into a mere icon, the bee-bird is reimagined as a bold character who stands out with a colorful and human expression.\n<\/p>\n<p>In this conversation, Reggieknow takes Hypebeast to the start of his collaboration with Axel Arigato and gives insight into how his process is still informed by his culture-clashing roots.\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><b>Where did the collaboration with Axel Arigato begin?\u00a0<\/b><br \/><span>This collaboration began in the space of like minds. My creative community may appear small, but it\u2019s potent. You cross paths with those whom you\u2019re supposed to cross paths with. The Creative Director, Jens of Axel Arigato, represents one of those cases. What Jens saw in my work was worth him sending me a DM on IG.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>We learned that, creatively, we look through a similar lens. We decided to meet up in\u00a0 NYC to have a face-to-face conversation. We walked the NYC streets discussing early culture. We asked the question: what would us working on something together look like? Ha, our creative convo hasn\u2019t stopped yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What do you think makes a brand emblem successful or memorable?<br \/><\/b><span>I think what makes a brand emblem successful is the story behind it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Can you share more on the core visual references for Akaia?<br \/><\/b><span>The fusion of Akaia doesn\u2019t stop at birds. The human side of Akaia is where it really gets interesting. Akaia is hatched from elements of culture. Akaia\u2019s stance is heavy in homage to the early b-boy characters in graf [graffiti]. The throw-up \u201cA\u201d on the sides of\u00a0 Akaia\u2019s head spells out the first and last letter in his name. Put \u201990s rap stickers, vintage skate decks, and rave flyers in the mix, and you\u2019ve captured this baby bird.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-slider before-booted full-screen-enabled light\" data-width=\"100%\" data-animate=\"slide\" data-slideshow data-loop data-slideshowspeed=\"7000\" data-group-cells=\"1\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"1\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">1 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-5.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"2\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">2 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-7.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"3\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">3 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-6.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"4\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">4 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-17.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>You mentioned \u201cskate culture and hip-hop\u201d as core to this project. Can you expand on how these realms play into your concept for the icon?<br \/><\/b><span>The rebelliousness of early skate culture and hip-hop is very parallel. It\u2019s the edge of what\u2019s next. Regardless, you have to represent. That\u2019s why when the slang word\u00a0 \u201crepresent\u201d was popular, there were so many songs and albums called \u201cRepresent\u201d.\u00a0 And that is what you have to do: represent. Ha, I sound like Akaia now. Akaia only chirps about being the flyest, regardless of what other birds and people think.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>You\u2019ve collaborated with many brands and figures over the years\u2014do your collaborations have a formula, or is each time different?<br \/><\/b><span>I would be cheating the collaborator and myself if every project weren\u2019t different,\u00a0 with its own movie. The formulas have different ingredients, but they\u2019re all homegrown and organic. I\u2019m proud to say that with most of my collabs, the collaborators are enjoying the ride as much as I am.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><q>\u201cWhen creating art for my own projects, there are no rules, and nothing\u2019s off limits.\u201d \u2014 Reggieknow<\/q><\/p>\n<p><b>Are there ways that creating art for branding is different from creating art for your own practice?<br \/><\/b><span>Ha! Definitely! When creating art for my own projects, there are no rules, and nothing\u2019s off limits. I\u2019ve created many things that those I know on the brand side may like, but aren\u2019t allowed to touch. I do appreciate that they can see the vision. My personal projects are heavily therapeutic, for sure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How would you say your roots in Chicago still inform your approach today?<br \/><\/b><span>My roots in Chicago still inform my approach today in a real way. The internet has changed things. Now everything is happening at once, and we\u2019re all seeing so many different pockets of culture to dig into. That being said, Chicago has always had its own pockets, too. The pocket I\u2019m in is a Go-Ill one, not Chi-Town. Different people of all ages exist in both. Those who are more on the commercial side can\u2019t see Go Ill, even though it\u2019s right in front of them. We say, \u201cGo-Ill, there\u2019s nothing shy about\u00a0 us.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-slider before-booted full-screen-enabled light\" data-width=\"100%\" data-animate=\"slide\" data-slideshow data-loop data-slideshowspeed=\"7000\" data-group-cells=\"1\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"1\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">1 of 2<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F06%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-100.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"2\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">2 of 2<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F06%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-101.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>Do you have a favorite footwear silhouette from Axel Arigato?<br \/><\/b><span>Ha, I love this question because I grew up with the very simple silhouette wave:\u00a0 totally clean \u201990s dice models. \u201cChirp,\u201d shout out to Akaia. I see you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What about a favorite piece from the Akaia drop?<br \/><\/b><span>Damn! The sweatpants are insane, SMH. The Akaia sneakers are a good one, too.\u00a0 Cartoon character on sneakers, ha! So Y2K! And we can\u2019t forget the scarf! Wait, have you seen the Akaia character scarf yet?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Can we expect more from Reggieknow x Axel Arigato in the future?|<br \/><\/b><span>This is turning out so ill, I\u2019m almost afraid of where this is going to go, ha! Jens and I\u00a0 are always talking creatively, so I\u2019m just riding with the team. Honestly, I don\u2019t think\u00a0 I\u2019m the only one who\u2019s afraid of what\u2019s next.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer>\n<div class=\"related-stories-main-wrapper\">\n<h3>Related Stories<\/h3>\n<div class=\"stories-container\" data-layer-list-name=\"related_stories\" data-layer-list-offset=\"0\" data-layer-list-child-selector=\".story-item\">\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6685621\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Lacoste Enjoys the Beauty of Washed-Out Games for FW26\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6684061\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Everything Dropping at Palace This Week\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6682969\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Mad For It: PLEASURES Celebrates Oasis With New Capsule\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-email-signup-wrapper impression-tracker\">\n<h3>We got you covered. Don\u2019t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.<\/h3>\n<div class=\"terms\">By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Nico Gavino<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brand-post-body-widget\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-block d-lg-none\">\n<h6>In this Article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    Axel ArigatoREGGIEKNOW\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-footer\" class=\"post-footer row\">\n<div class=\"col-shopping-break\">\n<hr>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-comments\">\n<div id=\"comments\" class=\"post-comments none \">\n<header>\n<div class=\"heading\"><span class=\"comment-count\">0<\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"comment-dropdown-tooltip\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row post-body\">\n<aside class=\"post-body-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-upper\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Fashion\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-03-09T12:00:41Z\">20 Hrs ago<\/time><\/div>\n<ul class=\"post-body-sidebar-hype-comments-container list-unstyled d-none d-lg-block\">\n<li><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             575<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-sm-inline text\">Comments<\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Nico Gavino<\/span><\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"brand-sidebar-widget d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>In this Article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<article class=\"post-body-article\">\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Fashion<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-03-09T12:00:41Z\">20 Hrs ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             575<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p>Since it was first embroidered onto a hoodie in 2017, the Bee-Bird has been the mascot for Swedish brand Axel Arigato, symbolizing its self-proclaimed spirit of independence and boundlessness. Now, almost a decade later, the brand emblem has been reimagined with the help of culture-defining creative Reggieknow.<\/p>\n<p>From his role in shaping the identity of Chicago\u2019s influential hip-hop collective Dem Dare in the \u201890s to later collaborating with Virgil Abloh in Louis Vuitton SS21, Reggieknow\u2019s impact has spanned multiple decades and practices. Known first for his hand-illustrated flyers and pioneering sense of style, his impact is still felt across music, fashion, and art today.<\/p>\n<p><q>\u201cThe rebelliousness of early skate culture and hip-hop is very parallel. It\u2019s the edge of what\u2019s next.\u201d \u2014 Reggieknow<\/q><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s difficult to imagine what these different realms of culture would look like without the instrumental contributions of early hip-hop and other city subcultures. Reggieknow\u2019s role has been one of bringing the underground to the surface and closing the gap between mass recognition and IYKYK cool. It\u2019s these qualities that compelled Axel Arigato creative director Jens Werner to Reggieknow in the first place.\n<\/p>\n<p>Werner knew he wanted to reimagine the bee-bird to \u201csharpen its edge.\u201d \u201cReggieknow felt like the perfect collaborator for that, as I\u2019d been a fan of his work for years,\u201d he said. \u201cWe met at our NYC store opening, and we clicked immediately over the city\u2019s culture and our shared skate backgrounds.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-slider before-booted full-screen-enabled light\" data-width=\"100%\" data-animate=\"slide\" data-slideshow data-loop data-slideshowspeed=\"7000\" data-group-cells=\"1\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"1\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">1 of 3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-23.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"2\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">2 of 3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-24.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"3\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">3 of 3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-25.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Reintroduced with sensibilities inspired by the artist\u2019s subcultural roots, the emblem, named Akaia, isn\u2019t subtle. Far from being flattened into a mere icon, the bee-bird is reimagined as a bold character who stands out with a colorful and human expression.\n<\/p>\n<p>In this conversation, Reggieknow takes Hypebeast to the start of his collaboration with Axel Arigato and gives insight into how his process is still informed by his culture-clashing roots.\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><b>Where did the collaboration with Axel Arigato begin?\u00a0<\/b><br \/><span>This collaboration began in the space of like minds. My creative community may appear small, but it\u2019s potent. You cross paths with those whom you\u2019re supposed to cross paths with. The Creative Director, Jens of Axel Arigato, represents one of those cases. What Jens saw in my work was worth him sending me a DM on IG.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>We learned that, creatively, we look through a similar lens. We decided to meet up in\u00a0 NYC to have a face-to-face conversation. We walked the NYC streets discussing early culture. We asked the question: what would us working on something together look like? Ha, our creative convo hasn\u2019t stopped yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What do you think makes a brand emblem successful or memorable?<br \/><\/b><span>I think what makes a brand emblem successful is the story behind it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Can you share more on the core visual references for Akaia?<br \/><\/b><span>The fusion of Akaia doesn\u2019t stop at birds. The human side of Akaia is where it really gets interesting. Akaia is hatched from elements of culture. Akaia\u2019s stance is heavy in homage to the early b-boy characters in graf [graffiti]. The throw-up \u201cA\u201d on the sides of\u00a0 Akaia\u2019s head spells out the first and last letter in his name. Put \u201990s rap stickers, vintage skate decks, and rave flyers in the mix, and you\u2019ve captured this baby bird.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-slider before-booted full-screen-enabled light\" data-width=\"100%\" data-animate=\"slide\" data-slideshow data-loop data-slideshowspeed=\"7000\" data-group-cells=\"1\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"1\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">1 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-5.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"2\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">2 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-7.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"3\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">3 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-6.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"4\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">4 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-17.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>You mentioned \u201cskate culture and hip-hop\u201d as core to this project. Can you expand on how these realms play into your concept for the icon?<br \/><\/b><span>The rebelliousness of early skate culture and hip-hop is very parallel. It\u2019s the edge of what\u2019s next. Regardless, you have to represent. That\u2019s why when the slang word\u00a0 \u201crepresent\u201d was popular, there were so many songs and albums called \u201cRepresent\u201d.\u00a0 And that is what you have to do: represent. Ha, I sound like Akaia now. Akaia only chirps about being the flyest, regardless of what other birds and people think.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>You\u2019ve collaborated with many brands and figures over the years\u2014do your collaborations have a formula, or is each time different?<br \/><\/b><span>I would be cheating the collaborator and myself if every project weren\u2019t different,\u00a0 with its own movie. The formulas have different ingredients, but they\u2019re all homegrown and organic. I\u2019m proud to say that with most of my collabs, the collaborators are enjoying the ride as much as I am.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><q>\u201cWhen creating art for my own projects, there are no rules, and nothing\u2019s off limits.\u201d \u2014 Reggieknow<\/q><\/p>\n<p><b>Are there ways that creating art for branding is different from creating art for your own practice?<br \/><\/b><span>Ha! Definitely! When creating art for my own projects, there are no rules, and nothing\u2019s off limits. I\u2019ve created many things that those I know on the brand side may like, but aren\u2019t allowed to touch. I do appreciate that they can see the vision. My personal projects are heavily therapeutic, for sure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How would you say your roots in Chicago still inform your approach today?<br \/><\/b><span>My roots in Chicago still inform my approach today in a real way. The internet has changed things. Now everything is happening at once, and we\u2019re all seeing so many different pockets of culture to dig into. That being said, Chicago has always had its own pockets, too. The pocket I\u2019m in is a Go-Ill one, not Chi-Town. Different people of all ages exist in both. Those who are more on the commercial side can\u2019t see Go Ill, even though it\u2019s right in front of them. We say, \u201cGo-Ill, there\u2019s nothing shy about\u00a0 us.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-slider before-booted full-screen-enabled light\" data-width=\"100%\" data-animate=\"slide\" data-slideshow data-loop data-slideshowspeed=\"7000\" data-group-cells=\"1\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"1\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">1 of 2<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F06%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-100.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"2\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">2 of 2<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F06%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-101.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>Do you have a favorite footwear silhouette from Axel Arigato?<br \/><\/b><span>Ha, I love this question because I grew up with the very simple silhouette wave:\u00a0 totally clean \u201990s dice models. \u201cChirp,\u201d shout out to Akaia. I see you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What about a favorite piece from the Akaia drop?<br \/><\/b><span>Damn! The sweatpants are insane, SMH. The Akaia sneakers are a good one, too.\u00a0 Cartoon character on sneakers, ha! So Y2K! And we can\u2019t forget the scarf! Wait, have you seen the Akaia character scarf yet?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Can we expect more from Reggieknow x Axel Arigato in the future?|<br \/><\/b><span>This is turning out so ill, I\u2019m almost afraid of where this is going to go, ha! Jens and I\u00a0 are always talking creatively, so I\u2019m just riding with the team. Honestly, I don\u2019t think\u00a0 I\u2019m the only one who\u2019s afraid of what\u2019s next.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer>\n<div class=\"related-stories-main-wrapper\">\n<h3>Related Stories<\/h3>\n<div class=\"stories-container\" data-layer-list-name=\"related_stories\" data-layer-list-offset=\"0\" data-layer-list-child-selector=\".story-item\">\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6685621\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Lacoste Enjoys the Beauty of Washed-Out Games for FW26\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6684061\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Everything Dropping at Palace This Week\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6682969\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Mad For It: PLEASURES Celebrates Oasis With New Capsule\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-email-signup-wrapper impression-tracker\">\n<h3>We got you covered. Don\u2019t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.<\/h3>\n<div class=\"terms\">By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Nico Gavino<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brand-post-body-widget\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-block d-lg-none\">\n<h6>In this Article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    Axel ArigatoREGGIEKNOW\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-upper\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Fashion\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-03-09T12:00:41Z\">20 Hrs ago<\/time><\/div>\n<ul class=\"post-body-sidebar-hype-comments-container list-unstyled d-none d-lg-block\">\n<li><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             575<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-sm-inline text\">Comments<\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Nico Gavino<\/span><\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"brand-sidebar-widget d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>In this Article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Fashion\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-03-09T12:00:41Z\">20 Hrs ago<\/time><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Nico Gavino<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<article class=\"post-body-article\">\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Fashion<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-03-09T12:00:41Z\">20 Hrs ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             575<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p>Since it was first embroidered onto a hoodie in 2017, the Bee-Bird has been the mascot for Swedish brand Axel Arigato, symbolizing its self-proclaimed spirit of independence and boundlessness. Now, almost a decade later, the brand emblem has been reimagined with the help of culture-defining creative Reggieknow.<\/p>\n<p>From his role in shaping the identity of Chicago\u2019s influential hip-hop collective Dem Dare in the \u201890s to later collaborating with Virgil Abloh in Louis Vuitton SS21, Reggieknow\u2019s impact has spanned multiple decades and practices. Known first for his hand-illustrated flyers and pioneering sense of style, his impact is still felt across music, fashion, and art today.<\/p>\n<p><q>\u201cThe rebelliousness of early skate culture and hip-hop is very parallel. It\u2019s the edge of what\u2019s next.\u201d \u2014 Reggieknow<\/q><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s difficult to imagine what these different realms of culture would look like without the instrumental contributions of early hip-hop and other city subcultures. Reggieknow\u2019s role has been one of bringing the underground to the surface and closing the gap between mass recognition and IYKYK cool. It\u2019s these qualities that compelled Axel Arigato creative director Jens Werner to Reggieknow in the first place.\n<\/p>\n<p>Werner knew he wanted to reimagine the bee-bird to \u201csharpen its edge.\u201d \u201cReggieknow felt like the perfect collaborator for that, as I\u2019d been a fan of his work for years,\u201d he said. \u201cWe met at our NYC store opening, and we clicked immediately over the city\u2019s culture and our shared skate backgrounds.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-slider before-booted full-screen-enabled light\" data-width=\"100%\" data-animate=\"slide\" data-slideshow data-loop data-slideshowspeed=\"7000\" data-group-cells=\"1\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"1\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">1 of 3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-23.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"2\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">2 of 3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-24.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"3\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">3 of 3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-25.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Reintroduced with sensibilities inspired by the artist\u2019s subcultural roots, the emblem, named Akaia, isn\u2019t subtle. Far from being flattened into a mere icon, the bee-bird is reimagined as a bold character who stands out with a colorful and human expression.\n<\/p>\n<p>In this conversation, Reggieknow takes Hypebeast to the start of his collaboration with Axel Arigato and gives insight into how his process is still informed by his culture-clashing roots.\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><b>Where did the collaboration with Axel Arigato begin?\u00a0<\/b><br \/><span>This collaboration began in the space of like minds. My creative community may appear small, but it\u2019s potent. You cross paths with those whom you\u2019re supposed to cross paths with. The Creative Director, Jens of Axel Arigato, represents one of those cases. What Jens saw in my work was worth him sending me a DM on IG.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>We learned that, creatively, we look through a similar lens. We decided to meet up in\u00a0 NYC to have a face-to-face conversation. We walked the NYC streets discussing early culture. We asked the question: what would us working on something together look like? Ha, our creative convo hasn\u2019t stopped yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What do you think makes a brand emblem successful or memorable?<br \/><\/b><span>I think what makes a brand emblem successful is the story behind it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Can you share more on the core visual references for Akaia?<br \/><\/b><span>The fusion of Akaia doesn\u2019t stop at birds. The human side of Akaia is where it really gets interesting. Akaia is hatched from elements of culture. Akaia\u2019s stance is heavy in homage to the early b-boy characters in graf [graffiti]. The throw-up \u201cA\u201d on the sides of\u00a0 Akaia\u2019s head spells out the first and last letter in his name. Put \u201990s rap stickers, vintage skate decks, and rave flyers in the mix, and you\u2019ve captured this baby bird.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-slider before-booted full-screen-enabled light\" data-width=\"100%\" data-animate=\"slide\" data-slideshow data-loop data-slideshowspeed=\"7000\" data-group-cells=\"1\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"1\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">1 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-5.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"2\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">2 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-7.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"3\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">3 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-6.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"4\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">4 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-17.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>You mentioned \u201cskate culture and hip-hop\u201d as core to this project. Can you expand on how these realms play into your concept for the icon?<br \/><\/b><span>The rebelliousness of early skate culture and hip-hop is very parallel. It\u2019s the edge of what\u2019s next. Regardless, you have to represent. That\u2019s why when the slang word\u00a0 \u201crepresent\u201d was popular, there were so many songs and albums called \u201cRepresent\u201d.\u00a0 And that is what you have to do: represent. Ha, I sound like Akaia now. Akaia only chirps about being the flyest, regardless of what other birds and people think.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>You\u2019ve collaborated with many brands and figures over the years\u2014do your collaborations have a formula, or is each time different?<br \/><\/b><span>I would be cheating the collaborator and myself if every project weren\u2019t different,\u00a0 with its own movie. The formulas have different ingredients, but they\u2019re all homegrown and organic. I\u2019m proud to say that with most of my collabs, the collaborators are enjoying the ride as much as I am.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><q>\u201cWhen creating art for my own projects, there are no rules, and nothing\u2019s off limits.\u201d \u2014 Reggieknow<\/q><\/p>\n<p><b>Are there ways that creating art for branding is different from creating art for your own practice?<br \/><\/b><span>Ha! Definitely! When creating art for my own projects, there are no rules, and nothing\u2019s off limits. I\u2019ve created many things that those I know on the brand side may like, but aren\u2019t allowed to touch. I do appreciate that they can see the vision. My personal projects are heavily therapeutic, for sure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How would you say your roots in Chicago still inform your approach today?<br \/><\/b><span>My roots in Chicago still inform my approach today in a real way. The internet has changed things. Now everything is happening at once, and we\u2019re all seeing so many different pockets of culture to dig into. That being said, Chicago has always had its own pockets, too. The pocket I\u2019m in is a Go-Ill one, not Chi-Town. Different people of all ages exist in both. Those who are more on the commercial side can\u2019t see Go Ill, even though it\u2019s right in front of them. We say, \u201cGo-Ill, there\u2019s nothing shy about\u00a0 us.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-slider before-booted full-screen-enabled light\" data-width=\"100%\" data-animate=\"slide\" data-slideshow data-loop data-slideshowspeed=\"7000\" data-group-cells=\"1\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"1\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">1 of 2<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F06%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-100.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"2\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">2 of 2<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F06%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-101.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>Do you have a favorite footwear silhouette from Axel Arigato?<br \/><\/b><span>Ha, I love this question because I grew up with the very simple silhouette wave:\u00a0 totally clean \u201990s dice models. \u201cChirp,\u201d shout out to Akaia. I see you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What about a favorite piece from the Akaia drop?<br \/><\/b><span>Damn! The sweatpants are insane, SMH. The Akaia sneakers are a good one, too.\u00a0 Cartoon character on sneakers, ha! So Y2K! And we can\u2019t forget the scarf! Wait, have you seen the Akaia character scarf yet?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Can we expect more from Reggieknow x Axel Arigato in the future?|<br \/><\/b><span>This is turning out so ill, I\u2019m almost afraid of where this is going to go, ha! Jens and I\u00a0 are always talking creatively, so I\u2019m just riding with the team. Honestly, I don\u2019t think\u00a0 I\u2019m the only one who\u2019s afraid of what\u2019s next.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer>\n<div class=\"related-stories-main-wrapper\">\n<h3>Related Stories<\/h3>\n<div class=\"stories-container\" data-layer-list-name=\"related_stories\" data-layer-list-offset=\"0\" data-layer-list-child-selector=\".story-item\">\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6685621\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Lacoste Enjoys the Beauty of Washed-Out Games for FW26\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6684061\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Everything Dropping at Palace This Week\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6682969\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Mad For It: PLEASURES Celebrates Oasis With New Capsule\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-email-signup-wrapper impression-tracker\">\n<h3>We got you covered. Don\u2019t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.<\/h3>\n<div class=\"terms\">By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Nico Gavino<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brand-post-body-widget\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-block d-lg-none\">\n<h6>In this Article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    Axel ArigatoREGGIEKNOW\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Fashion<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-03-09T12:00:41Z\">20 Hrs ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             575<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Fashion<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-03-09T12:00:41Z\">20 Hrs ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Fashion<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-03-09T12:00:41Z\">20 Hrs ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             575<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p>Since it was first embroidered onto a hoodie in 2017, the Bee-Bird has been the mascot for Swedish brand Axel Arigato, symbolizing its self-proclaimed spirit of independence and boundlessness. Now, almost a decade later, the brand emblem has been reimagined with the help of culture-defining creative Reggieknow.<\/p>\n<p>From his role in shaping the identity of Chicago\u2019s influential hip-hop collective Dem Dare in the \u201890s to later collaborating with Virgil Abloh in Louis Vuitton SS21, Reggieknow\u2019s impact has spanned multiple decades and practices. Known first for his hand-illustrated flyers and pioneering sense of style, his impact is still felt across music, fashion, and art today.<\/p>\n<p><q>\u201cThe rebelliousness of early skate culture and hip-hop is very parallel. It\u2019s the edge of what\u2019s next.\u201d \u2014 Reggieknow<\/q><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s difficult to imagine what these different realms of culture would look like without the instrumental contributions of early hip-hop and other city subcultures. Reggieknow\u2019s role has been one of bringing the underground to the surface and closing the gap between mass recognition and IYKYK cool. It\u2019s these qualities that compelled Axel Arigato creative director Jens Werner to Reggieknow in the first place.\n<\/p>\n<p>Werner knew he wanted to reimagine the bee-bird to \u201csharpen its edge.\u201d \u201cReggieknow felt like the perfect collaborator for that, as I\u2019d been a fan of his work for years,\u201d he said. \u201cWe met at our NYC store opening, and we clicked immediately over the city\u2019s culture and our shared skate backgrounds.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-slider before-booted full-screen-enabled light\" data-width=\"100%\" data-animate=\"slide\" data-slideshow data-loop data-slideshowspeed=\"7000\" data-group-cells=\"1\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"1\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">1 of 3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-23.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"2\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">2 of 3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-24.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"3\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">3 of 3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-25.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Reintroduced with sensibilities inspired by the artist\u2019s subcultural roots, the emblem, named Akaia, isn\u2019t subtle. Far from being flattened into a mere icon, the bee-bird is reimagined as a bold character who stands out with a colorful and human expression.\n<\/p>\n<p>In this conversation, Reggieknow takes Hypebeast to the start of his collaboration with Axel Arigato and gives insight into how his process is still informed by his culture-clashing roots.\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><b>Where did the collaboration with Axel Arigato begin?\u00a0<\/b><br \/><span>This collaboration began in the space of like minds. My creative community may appear small, but it\u2019s potent. You cross paths with those whom you\u2019re supposed to cross paths with. The Creative Director, Jens of Axel Arigato, represents one of those cases. What Jens saw in my work was worth him sending me a DM on IG.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>We learned that, creatively, we look through a similar lens. We decided to meet up in\u00a0 NYC to have a face-to-face conversation. We walked the NYC streets discussing early culture. We asked the question: what would us working on something together look like? Ha, our creative convo hasn\u2019t stopped yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What do you think makes a brand emblem successful or memorable?<br \/><\/b><span>I think what makes a brand emblem successful is the story behind it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Can you share more on the core visual references for Akaia?<br \/><\/b><span>The fusion of Akaia doesn\u2019t stop at birds. The human side of Akaia is where it really gets interesting. Akaia is hatched from elements of culture. Akaia\u2019s stance is heavy in homage to the early b-boy characters in graf [graffiti]. The throw-up \u201cA\u201d on the sides of\u00a0 Akaia\u2019s head spells out the first and last letter in his name. Put \u201990s rap stickers, vintage skate decks, and rave flyers in the mix, and you\u2019ve captured this baby bird.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-slider before-booted full-screen-enabled light\" data-width=\"100%\" data-animate=\"slide\" data-slideshow data-loop data-slideshowspeed=\"7000\" data-group-cells=\"1\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"1\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">1 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-5.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"2\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">2 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-7.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"3\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">3 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-6.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"4\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">4 of 4<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-17.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>You mentioned \u201cskate culture and hip-hop\u201d as core to this project. Can you expand on how these realms play into your concept for the icon?<br \/><\/b><span>The rebelliousness of early skate culture and hip-hop is very parallel. It\u2019s the edge of what\u2019s next. Regardless, you have to represent. That\u2019s why when the slang word\u00a0 \u201crepresent\u201d was popular, there were so many songs and albums called \u201cRepresent\u201d.\u00a0 And that is what you have to do: represent. Ha, I sound like Akaia now. Akaia only chirps about being the flyest, regardless of what other birds and people think.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>You\u2019ve collaborated with many brands and figures over the years\u2014do your collaborations have a formula, or is each time different?<br \/><\/b><span>I would be cheating the collaborator and myself if every project weren\u2019t different,\u00a0 with its own movie. The formulas have different ingredients, but they\u2019re all homegrown and organic. I\u2019m proud to say that with most of my collabs, the collaborators are enjoying the ride as much as I am.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><q>\u201cWhen creating art for my own projects, there are no rules, and nothing\u2019s off limits.\u201d \u2014 Reggieknow<\/q><\/p>\n<p><b>Are there ways that creating art for branding is different from creating art for your own practice?<br \/><\/b><span>Ha! Definitely! When creating art for my own projects, there are no rules, and nothing\u2019s off limits. I\u2019ve created many things that those I know on the brand side may like, but aren\u2019t allowed to touch. I do appreciate that they can see the vision. My personal projects are heavily therapeutic, for sure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How would you say your roots in Chicago still inform your approach today?<br \/><\/b><span>My roots in Chicago still inform my approach today in a real way. The internet has changed things. Now everything is happening at once, and we\u2019re all seeing so many different pockets of culture to dig into. That being said, Chicago has always had its own pockets, too. The pocket I\u2019m in is a Go-Ill one, not Chi-Town. Different people of all ages exist in both. Those who are more on the commercial side can\u2019t see Go Ill, even though it\u2019s right in front of them. We say, \u201cGo-Ill, there\u2019s nothing shy about\u00a0 us.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-slider before-booted full-screen-enabled light\" data-width=\"100%\" data-animate=\"slide\" data-slideshow data-loop data-slideshowspeed=\"7000\" data-group-cells=\"1\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel\">\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"1\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">1 of 2<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F06%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-100.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flickity-carousel-cell\" data-gallery-index=\"2\"><span class=\"gallery-image-index\"><span class=\"image-index\">2 of 2<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\">\n                                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F06%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-101.jpg?q=90&amp;w=2180&amp;format=jpeg&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),<br \/>\n                                        (min-width: 1200px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)<br \/>\n                                    \" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text credit-wrapper\"><span class=\"credit\">Axel Arigato<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>Do you have a favorite footwear silhouette from Axel Arigato?<br \/><\/b><span>Ha, I love this question because I grew up with the very simple silhouette wave:\u00a0 totally clean \u201990s dice models. \u201cChirp,\u201d shout out to Akaia. I see you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What about a favorite piece from the Akaia drop?<br \/><\/b><span>Damn! The sweatpants are insane, SMH. The Akaia sneakers are a good one, too.\u00a0 Cartoon character on sneakers, ha! So Y2K! And we can\u2019t forget the scarf! Wait, have you seen the Akaia character scarf yet?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Can we expect more from Reggieknow x Axel Arigato in the future?|<br \/><\/b><span>This is turning out so ill, I\u2019m almost afraid of where this is going to go, ha! Jens and I\u00a0 are always talking creatively, so I\u2019m just riding with the team. Honestly, I don\u2019t think\u00a0 I\u2019m the only one who\u2019s afraid of what\u2019s next.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Nico Gavino<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brand-post-body-widget\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-block d-lg-none\">\n<h6>In this Article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    Axel ArigatoREGGIEKNOW\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/hypebeast.com\/2026\/3\/axel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F03%2F05%2Faxel-arigato-reggieknow-akaia-brand-emblem-collection-release-info-tw.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&#8221;] Fashion 20 Hrs ago 575 Views 0\u00a0Comments Comments Save Text By Nico Gavino Share this article In this Article Fashion 20 Hrs ago 575 Views 0\u00a0Comments Comments Save Since it was first embroidered onto a hoodie in 2017, the Bee-Bird has been the mascot for Swedish brand Axel Arigato, symbolizing its self-proclaimed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,39],"class_list":["post-1817242","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-hypebeast-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1817242","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1817242"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1817242\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1817242"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1817242"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1817242"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}