An interview with - 'Academy By Aris'
- Brand Identity
Q- For those unaware, is there a particular storyline or subject matter behind the distressed styles and washes featured in your product lines?
A- I’m drawn to clothing that’s been passed down—pieces that have lived through years, even generations. There’s a weight to them, a quiet history. That’s what I hope for with my work. I want what I make to outlast me—to become relics over time. Clothing that people hold onto and make memories of their own to pass down one day.
Q- What influences your distinctive washes and color palettes?
A- My surroundings growing up in Arizona. There’s so much texture and form in the desert. The desert is nature’s take on brutalism.
Drop One of Capsule One was inspired entirely by a textured wall near my home. It had no function beyond protecting and defining a space, and I wanted to translate that into a wash. It was an experiment in shifting function—how can I take the details of this wall and transport it on to fabric. That’s what I get excited about.
Q- Many designers have a signature element that makes their work instantly recognizable. What do you consider the defining characteristic of your brand’s DNA?
A- Good question, I think it will mold itself over time. It's hard to pinpoint something concrete this early on. As I grow and go through the seasons, that’ll reflect on Academy’s DNA. I see the world I’m building so vividly.
-Creative Process & Inspirations
Q- The fashion industry is highly saturated with trends that come and go. How do you navigate through that and find balance?
A- I don't generally consume much within fashion. I’ve gone into this journey with a childlike perspective. I’m not here to compete or be in the mix with anyone. I just want to see how far I can take my ideas.
Q- Who are three designers you look up to?
A- Abel Paul George, Axl Mushrush, Nick Marks - all of them for their own reasons.
- Industry Perspective & Challenges
Q- How do you handle feedback or criticism of your designs? Has any feedback drastically changed the outcome of a product?
A- Generally I don't take anything personally. In terms of feedback I try to be like a sponge as there's always something to learn. If it's constructive I'll take it, if not, then it's not really a big deal - everyone has opinions.
The feedback I get from people in real life, whether im walking down the street or checking out at a grocery store never gets old. Im very grateful that I could connect with people, even at times new friends, because of something I made.
Q- Some designers find inspiration in chaos, others in structure. What’s your creative process like? Do you thrive in unpredictability, or do you follow a disciplined routine?
A- The creative process leading up to now has been chaos, complete chaos down to the last minute of the drop. I dont think theres anything wrong with that, I just dont think it’s sustainable. I’ve taken some time away to work on discipline, I’ve had to change a lot of the way I live. It’s been good.
-Cultural Impact & Brand Growth
Q- If you could see one cultural movement or subculture embrace your brand, which would it be and why?
A- I feel like I’m already seeing this play it out in real time - consumer fatigue is very real. There’s a new brand running ads every day—each one claiming to have the best this and the best that, the most essential hoodie, the strongest community, a new co-sign, etc.
But at some point, you have to ask: what’s the point of all this? How many more ‘perfect hoodies’ do people need? What are we actually building? Brands talk about community, but community for what? Where is that community being led? What are they built for beyond being marketed to? I can see Academy being a monolith in the midst of all of this.
Q- Fashion is deeply intertwined with storytelling. If your brand were a film, what would be its genre and storyline?
A- I don’t have one for the storyline, but if we’re talking visually - the film, Lawrence of Arabia is top 5 most beautifully shot films I have ever seen with my eyes. I don’t have much knowledge on the technicalities of shooting film, but David Lean did everything you could do right.
Q- Beyond clothing, do you see ‘Academy by Aris’ expanding into other creative spaces?
A- Yes.. definitely
- Collaborations & Future Aspirations
Q- Collaboration is a big part of the industry today. If you could work with any artist, musician, or designer outside of fashion, who would it be and what would you create together?
A- I’ve been voice acting for George Varodi’s new upcoming animation series. I’m blown away by the animation process - his work fascinates me. Designing clothes / characters for animations would be amazing. Johan Parmentier is a huge inspiration for me for landscape/interior design. I connected with him briefly and would love to shadow him in the future.
Q- The rise of AI and digital fashion is reshaping the industry. Do you see technology playing a role in your brand’s future, or do you prefer a more hands-on, traditional approach?
A- I think AI is great in the ideation phases. It can take whatever slop I have going on in my brain, process it, and break it down for me. I guess in a way, it’s helping me understand my own ideas and thoughts.
- Personal Interests & Philosophy
Q- What motivated you to pursue this industry and become a designer?
A- At its purest form - I wasn’t a fan of my wardrobe so I started building out my own uniform. There were people that liked what I was doing and here we are now. My curiosity for clothing came from my grandmother. Growing up, I would always watch her make alterations to her pieces. Subconsciously, my fascination with her work has carried on all these years.
Also more recently, shipping to countries outside of the US has really blown me away. There are people in Japan, in Italy, in Germany, and other parts of the world wearing something I made here at home. Can’t really put words to how that feels.
Q- What are some of your interests outside of building your brand?
A- I am interested in just about everything to be honest. I hope to stay curious until old age. One of my current goals is to work on more mission driven projects. I’ve also begun rendering a dream project of mine that I’d hope to share more details about soon. I’m interested in figuring out what this all means. I feel very grateful to be alive. Recently, I’ve been learning a lot more about my family. The men that came before me. I’ve been understanding more and more - why I am who I am.
-Conclusion
Q- Looking ahead, where do you see your brand in the next five to ten years? Are there any major goals or milestones you’re working towards?
A- That’s a tough one. I can sit here and tell you where Academy will be in that time, I see it very vividly but everything leading up to that point is up to God. It would be cool to see everything I’m working on now become a relic at a certain point of time. Having people searching for a certain shirt from a specific year, with a certain detail, etc. Ultimately, I want to get to a position where I can operate my brand without having to operate within the industry - almost like a ghost.