Young Antwerp label a:(r)kaiv (pronounced ‘archive’) is not here for your mass-production mess. Founded in summer 2021, the brand looks to be more than a fresh name in fashion: a sustainable force for the new world we already live in (whether society’s ready to admit it or not).
Combining sustainably-made original designs with a selection of upcycled and hand-curated vintage pieces, a:(r)kaiv is all about celebrating second life, crafting new garments that connect to the old - without clinging to pre-existing systems of season or gender. Their creed speaks volumes:
”We believe in a less industrial society to that of the past where upcycling is at the core and do our part to create a sustainable marketplace. We love all people regardless of race, creed, color or sexuality. We don't believe in gender categories and fashion seasonality. We promote authenticity and individuality. But in essence, we just like authentic cool shit. Such is new primitivsm.”
(c) Lewis Royden for a:(r)kaiv
The brand’s first seasonless drop for 2021 is made up of graphic tees emblazoned with magazine cutouts from the 90s and 00s. You can also add their six-panel caps with felt lettering to your collection, paired with coach jackets and classic Arch crewnecks, laced with vibes transplanted from the 90s. The drop is complemented with a selection of rare ‘Made in the USA’ single-stitch T-shirts as well as vintage, paint-splattered Levi’s 501s and a treasure-trove archive of 60s, 70s and 80s one-off pieces. Connoisseurs will recognize the inimitable hand of Flo (A Cut Above, Give Up Agency) behind it all. Find the full lookbook below, shot by Lewis Royden.
You can shop the a:(r)kaiv apparel collection plus a selection of curated vintage pieces exclusively at VIER Antwerp and online here.
(c) Lewis Royden for a:(r)kaiv
(c) Lewis Royden for a:(r)kaiv
(c) Lewis Royden for a:(r)kaiv
(c) Lewis Royden for a:(r)kaiv
(c) Lewis Royden for a:(r)kaiv
(c) Lewis Royden for a:(r)kaiv
(c) Lewis Royden for a:(r)kaiv
(c) Lewis Royden for a:(r)kaiv
(c) Lewis Royden for a:(r)kaiv
Follow a:(r)kaiv online here.
Lookbook credits
Photography: Lewis Royden
Art Direction: MARS for MOM. Antwerp
Models: Bad September, Ram, MERC, Disha, Gijs
