AKJP Studio

AKJP Studio houses up to 30 South African creative brands, alongside its own label, AKJP. Its curated collection includes fashion, artworks, publications, accessories, homeware, ceramics, and furniture. AKJP Studio has fostered a community alongside its products, through its iconic window displays, regular events, and mentorships for emerging creatives.

Features

Natural fibres

Resources and materials

Prioritises natural fibres
Features local designers who source materials locally
Scents are designed, developed, and produced in Johannesburg
The AKJP ready-to-wear brand uses 100% natural linen and repurposes garments into upcycled tote bags
Off-cuts are repurposed to create unique patchwork jackets

Making and manufacturing

Designers manufacture locally, either by hand or with small teams
AKJP visits designers’ factories or studios to ensure the manufacturing process aligns with its standards
Provides repairs, adjustments, and solutions to extend product lifespan

Social and cultural

AKJP offers a platform for 30 local designers and frequently collaborates on window displays
Provides mentorships for young creatives, helping them develop their brands within the AKJP Studio
Ensures all partnerships avoid plagiarism and cultural appropriation

Product and design

The designers showcased at AKJP are selected for using sustainable materials, producing minimal waste, and committing to recycling

Offers made-to-order products, reducing waste and excess
All products are inspected for quality and durability before being sold
Offers consultations with designers to ensure pieces meet AKJP’s longevity standards
Designers release a few exclusive or limited-edition trans-seasonal collections each year
Brands are chosen based on their commitment to low-waste production
Customers can return faded pieces to be re-dyed

Packaging and distribution

Shopping bags are biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, and eco-friendly brown paper bags from Lanpack
Many designers use reusable garment bags, which are then placed into the brown paper bags
Tags and postcards are made from Innocent White paper by Hot Ink, which is 100% post-consumer recycled waste