By Giving us major inspirational vibes, is a regular on the fashion scene, Katya Akuma.
The Fashion Director and designer is an effortless influencer who makes her way on the best-dressed lists each season during her rounds on the streets of the fashion capitals. We sit down with the style maven to explore how her style sports and supports emerging talent.
Editor-in-Chief of 4TO4U
Akuma who is the Editor-in-Chief of 4TO4U, a photo agency and archive, frequents the fashion circuit covering the shows with her father, renowned fashion photographer Artur Koff. “Even though I love going to established designers who have bigger shows, my personal interest is in the emerging designers,” says Akuma.
Sitting in the front row at the most renowned runway shows, she makes it a point to schedule emerging designer’s presentations and visits their showrooms. Akuma stands out with her unique flair and hair, her look has garnered the attention of the press, as she makes her way onto the list of the best street style in publications such as thecut.com and fashionista.com. “I love playful designs and unexpected color combinations,” says Akuma who clashes prints and combines emerging talent’s apparel with statement accessories.
Much like LFW –
Much like London Fashion Week, Akuma is dedicated to supporting emerging designers and uses the streets as an outlet to promote design graduates. When it comes to fashion, it is all business for the Parsons alumna, whose dedication to young talent is unmatched. Her energy and efforts in the industry redefine what it means to be an influencer. “The only thing I truly care about, no matter the season, is to support emerging designers. I work with them all year round and when the fashion month comes around, it is important for me to use my platform to promote them,” says Akuma.
Not only is Akuma a walking billboard supporting graduate designers, as the founder of the Council for Fashion and Social Change (CFSC), she nurtures talent. Through designating distinguished designers into roles at fashion houses, her graduate program has placed talent at many fashion houses.
Has become an inspiration for change
The New York-based fashion activist has become an inspiration for change, leaving her mark on the industry with each project CFSC undertakes. “I always try to promote young talent in the industry, sustainability in fashion, and social change through corporate responsibility,” says Akuma.
A statement in and of herself, she is bold, like her style. Evoking a social change from the inside out, she stands for social reform issues and is a valuable staple to the fashion industry. Her eclectic taste is refined and sophisticated, shaped by her time living in Paris, Dubai, Helsinki, and Prague.
Her heritage, travel and the Nigerian influence of her husband’s culture are all part of her panache. “It is important for me to support my roots and root for Russian designers,” says Akuma. One of her favorite brands is My Bacio, whose motto is “Your Style, Your Art” which speaks not only to her philosophy but also to the artist in her.
You may also like: Unleash Your Genius-Potential With Ray Pang
