Our Community
Welcome to the Community Hub, where we’re celebrating time well spent with the Axel Arigato community. Want to be in the know when it comes to events, collaborations, podcasts, and more?
Welcome to the Community Hub, where we’re celebrating time well spent with the Axel Arigato community. Want to be in the know when it comes to events, collaborations, podcasts, and more?
| name | Episode | Link | Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
In this episode of TALKS we meet globally renowned Afrobeats musician and entrepreneur Mr Eazi who pioneered the Banku music genre which marries Ghanaian highlife with his native Nigeria’s sound. Having collaborated with the likes of Beyonce, Bad Bunny and J Balvin, his latest album ‘The Evil Genius’ is an introspective body of work that explores trust issues, unmet expectations, love and discovering what’s true to oneself. | |||
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
What Went Down at 2 Nights in Paris
Bonsoir mes amis, welcome to 2 Nights in Paris. We pulled out all the stops and brought our bespoke Nights club concept to the city of lights for a good time, not a long time. In true Axel Arigato fashion we filled an abandoned warehouse with a stellar lineup of emerging DJs and globally renowned artists, hours of infectious music and our incredible community who came out in their droves to dance into the early morning.
Whether you made it through the door or lived the nights vicariously through your phone don’t worry, here’s a slice of the festivities to get stuck into.
Stay tuned for what’s to come in 2024.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
What Went Down at Mustang Paris x Axel Arigato
Oh honey, Mustang shut down the party! The infamous queer nightlife collective from Paris turned up the heat at our Le Marais Paris store for a night of ultra-sharp house music and unabashed hedonism. The LGBTQ+ and open-to-all event saw hundreds of guests pile into kiki and we were lucky enough to have singer and real-life angel Jaydena document the night.
)
)
)
)
)
)
To celebrate our takeover of infamous beach club El Silencio, we spoke to fashion designer, DJ and man of the moment Wekaforé after his set. He was kind enough to answer some burning questions, and we’re kind enough to share these with you…
What are the 3 key ingredients to a good night out and why?
The first thing is the personal intention to have a good night, make sure you’re determined to keep your spirits up. Second is the music, the music has to motivate you and match your high spirit - although much easier said than done. Thirdly, is the company - it’s not a dealbreaker but bad company definitely could impact up your night.
You hail from Lagos and moved to Spain to pursue fashion - what was the experience of making that leap to a new life like? How did you maintain and honor your roots/origins in a new city?
It’s not so difficult to keep up with the Nigerian lifestyle or culture, it’s everywhere, and there are so many Nigerians all over the world - the Afrobeats trend and everything that came with it. I lived in Accra and Dubai before moving to Spain, and even in Lagos we moved around a lot - so I’ve always had a nonchalant attitude about movement and relocation, everywhere HAS to be home.
You’re a multidisciplinary artist - traversing music, design, art and fashion - having worn many hats in your career thus far, what is your stance today on the relationship between fashion and music? Are they intrinsically linked or friendly tourists in each other's worlds?
I think it’s a 3-way symbiosis, fashion is for the eyes and body and music is for the soul - without a neutrally receptive human host their relationship would be purely decorative. Some people are more visual than auditory and use music as an accessory to fashion. Some people are more auditory so they use fashion as an accessory to the music they love.
What is your outlook/relationship with femininity/the divinity of women - I watched the video you produced and wrote a poem with the lines ‘God being a black woman - a woman like my grandmother’?
My relationship with femininity has always been tricky, when I was a kid some people thought I was a girl and it used to bother me until I grew up and found comfort in fashion and style - here your feminine senses give you an advantage. Now connecting that with spirituality and the adoration/recognition of my female role models became a beacon for my adult developments.
Tell us about Voodoo Children’s Club. What is this community-driven project at its core, what particular ideals of Africa did you want to reframe through the typical European lens and what areas do you feel there is still growth to be made?
A lot of socio-political reasons because the scene in Spain was/is a bit cold for people of colour. We wanted to create economic opportunities for ourselves while simultaneously presenting a healthy representation of African presence in Spain - the Afro Spanish generation. So it’s a community driven creative agency that functions in various shapes: the monthly raves, talent development, brand collaborations, creative productions, etc.
Although first and foremost a visual artist, I came across your slogan flags/tees/imagery for Voodoo Children’s Club. What was the catalyst behind producing these? What power do messaging/statements hold that visuals don’t?
They are poetic manifestos, we live by those words. We love to decorate the world with codes of our belief system. Naturally everything I do has to be fashionable, even communication.
You played the Axel Arigato x El Silencio takeover in Ibiza – what was the party like, how did the Ibiza beach party crowd compare to others and how did playing outside in nature influence your set at all?
It was actually my first time playing at a real beach party, definitely not in Ibiza, it was very interesting. I know people who go to Ibiza for a good time so that was a good start. My intention while playing outdoors is all about liberation and exploring sounds that connect you to the sky or the soil, sounds that motivate the appreciation of simple pleasures.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
WHAT WENT DOWN AT AXEL ARIGATO’S EUROPEAN SUMMER MUSIC TRUCK TOUR
Throughout Summer 2023, The Axel Arigato Music Truck has been making its way through Europe, bringing a unique roster of established and emerging talent to the masses via free, localised events. The Axel Arigato team have made it their continued mission to unify communities via the lens of music – and providing an accessible platform for all musical genres to flourish. Over 6,000 of you came to Music Truck stops in London, Amsterdam and Stockholm with a finale stop in Paris this September.
What Went Down at Axel Arigato's Berlin Music Truck Stop
)
)
)
)
)
)
Icons on Icons
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
The Edit: Jess Lawrence Knows Good Sneakers
)
)
)
)
)
)
Content creator, writer and model, Jess Lawrence utilizes her platform and influence to champion diversity and representation in streetwear, fashion and challenge the industry at large. A sneakerhead at heart and with an extensive footwear collection that would make even Imelda Marcos jealous - Jess trawled through our latest sneaker releases and gives her verdict on the absolute must haves of the season.
AREA
I love how the Area sneaker has drawn inspiration from vintage basketball silhouettes (especially the high top version!), and paired with a chunky sole which suits the chunky dad shoe trend. Id style with a varsity jacket, basketball vest and baggy trousers, although they could quite literally be paired with any outfit due to the style and the multiple colour options.
ASTRO
I'm a 90’s baby so any nod to that era is a winner for me! The Astro sneaker has a 90’s sportswear feel, but the mix of leather and suede gives a luxe touch. All the details including the strap across the middle and coloured chunky sole, means I’d style these with a simple monochrome outfit to allow the sneaker details to steal the show.
MARATHON RUNNER
These sneakers are bang on the tech wear trend, oozing comfortability but style. I'd pair these with a designer tracksuit, preferably a shell-like suit, or with baggy cargos. I love how each Marathon runner from Axel has a completely different vibe due to the variety of colour palettes and styles. The pink Ghost Runner’s are SO gorgeous!!
GENESIS VINTAGE RUNNER
These sneakers are perfect for the non-sneaker head who wants comfort, but a classier edge you’d get from smarter shoe styles. Made from recycled ocean plastics and polyesters, these runner’s will appeal to the more eco-conscious consumer, guilt free but not compromising on style. I'd wear these with a lightweight trouser suit, for the cool, comfortable city girl look!
CLEAN 180/90
This style is a generation-defying sneaker in my opinion. A classic silhouette, which can be dressed up and or down, meaning they go from day to night effortlessly. This sneaker is a perfect fit with jeans, specifically bootleg or skinny, paired with a light denim jacket is an everyday summer uniform you can't go wrong with. The serrated soles mean they are non-slip and durable.
THE 2022 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
)
Our impact matters. Each year we measure and release our annual sustainability report, which enables us to make better decisions for the future. The 2022 sustainability report also provides our customer with a practical view of where we’re at today, and the commitments we’re making for a better tomorrow. Transparency and acknowledgement is our foundation for change, which we are committed to continuously reviewing and improving on year after year.
Our core principle is to grow, sustainably. Which means embedding sustainability into every level of the business. During 2022 we made some positive steps towards this goal by:
Converting all of our clothing bags to 100% recycled LDPE. This change has reduced our use of virgin plastic by 5.6 tonnes in only 6 months.
Held 46 sneaker cleaning events in 5 cities to help prolong the life of our sneakers
Reducing our scope 1-2 emission per revenue by 25% since 2020
Launched our first-ever PETA approved vegan sneaker
The 2022 sustainability report will provide further detail to the above initiatives, as well as share more core information around our climate objectives and our commitments to being accountable to putting the planet first.
Let's Get Digital
Berlin-based artist and 3D digital designer Christine Papst added her expert flare to our store in celebration of Gallery Weekend. The bespoke art projection runs for a limited time only. We sat down with Christine to ask her some burning questions…
What was your thought process behind creating this piece?
In this work I wanted to blur the line between the real and the digital world, to create a surreal perception for the viewer.
How does it work and how would you best describe the digital creative process, for someone who is completely new to the field?
First, I used a photo of the AXEL ARIGATO store in Berlin and recreated it in a 3D photo composition. Then I used photogrammetry to create 3D models of the sneakers and textures and started to animate the movements and shapes of the assets in 3D space.
How do you stay up to date with the latest trends in digital art?
There are several aspects that keep me up to date. One important point is the exchange with other creatives working in the large field of digital art, as well as via social media, tutorials and artist talks.
Name your favourite 5-song playlist when working?
Sega Bodega - Effeminacy
Shygirl - Asher Wolfe
Massive Attack, Young Fathers - Voodoo In My Blood
Kelvin Krash, COUCOU CHLOE - Thief in the Night
Joy Orbison, Infinite Coles, Mansur Brown - Burn
What kind of change do you wish to inspire within the digital industry?
In the digital industry, many things are developing very quickly. New programs, new functions and new updates are constantly being added. On the one hand, that's really great and a huge playground, but on the other hand, it also creates a lot of pressure to have to master everything. That's why I would like to see a change in thinking, especially for beginners, that you don't have to be a pro in all the different programs and digital areas at the same time.
What inspires you? How do you approach a new project?
On the one hand, when I learn new digital tools or techniques and start experimenting, I often have many new ideas. On the other hand, if I want to find a certain idea, I have to step away from the keyboard and start daydreaming about the project while being at the gym or cooking or something like that.
Axel Arigato For Mulberry Launch Party
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Berlin Nightlife Hacks With Harriet Shepherd
)
To celebrate our Berlin store opening, we knew just the person to ask for the ultimate nightlife hacks in the city. Harriet Shepherd, Editorial Director at INDIE Magazine, shares her 5 must-visit bars and restaurants.
Rote Rose, Adalbertstraße 90, 10997 Berlin, Germany
The dive bar to end all dive bars. Super local spot guaranteed to deliver weird and wonderful characters and utterly unhinged nights you’ll be talking about for years to come. Throw some Britney on the jukebox to really rile up the bartenders, and don’t order anything other than a beer or a gin and tonic.
Victoria Bar, Potsdamer Str. 102, 10785 Berlin, Germany
West Berlin at its finest. The closest thing you’ll get to London’s Soho in Berlin, complete with a distinct older Deutsch gay art crowd twist. Go for happy hour and accidentally end up getting kicked to the curb when it closes at 4am.
Sardinen Bar, Grunewaldstraße 79, 10823 Berlin, Germany
Does what it says on the tin, quite literally: Practically the only thing on the menu is cans of fish. Love the unpretentiousness of this place, which is conveniently close to my Schöneberg office.
Dashi Diner, Invalidenstraße 112, 10115 Berlin, Germany
The newest addition to the list: the most beautiful Asian-style diner in Mitte serving brioche sandwiches and szechuan fries. The best place I know for lunch or brunch by a country mile.
Marktlokal, Pücklerstraße 34, 10997 Berlin, Germany
Google describes it as a “trendy restaurant featuring upscale, area-sourced cuisine amid a wood-paneled interior” and I guess that just about sums it up. The food is fab and local (with bigger portion sizes than your average “small plates” restaurant), drinks are flowing, and the atmos is cute.
One Million Reasons To Party
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Axel Arigato Lands In Berlin With A Bang
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Considered by many to be the birthplace of subculture and the land parties never end, Berlin takes the cake on ‘cool’. So why not open our very first store in Germany in the capital we thought? Sure, it’s pretty grey, industrial, brutal in architecture (and even vibe at times) but our physical spaces exist both to serve and inspire - so Axel Arigato will bring its unique energy to the city.
Located in the heart of Berlin’s historic Mitte district, Axel Arigato has transformed a former institutional restaurant into an immersive brand experience. The space was co-designed in partnership with the architecture studio, Hallerod, with whom the brand has had a longstanding relationship.
Transforming the previous legacy of the space into a completely new retail environment is one that has granted the brand a blank canvas for pushing the visual direction of its retail experiences even further, whilst honing its distinctive aesthetic.
“Our stores are based on what we really crave when we enter physical spaces: peaceful wandering, stimulation, and a strong personal story. We don’t have a McDonald’s approach where each store looks the same. We treat them as contemporary galleries, and focus less on the transactional element, whilst staying true to our blueprint that keeps coming back in new shapes and materials”. - Max Svärdh, Creative Director
So if you’re a local Berliner or passing through, add our new store to your list of things to see.
Address
AXEL ARIGATO
Neue Schönhauser Strasse 1 10178 Berlin
Germany
PHOTO DIARY: BERLIN 12 HOUR RAVE
)
)
)
)
)
)
Safe to say we’re feeling the love (and the hangover) from partying with you all in Berlin.
When the store opening after party wrapped up, we headed to the after-after party at Alte Münze for a 12 hour rave with a jam packed lineup of DJs and artists. Music was brought to you by the wondrous likes of Antonia XM, Blawan, Bloomfeld, DJ Fuckoff, Juba and Raven.
Berlin local and cool girl about town Sayuri documented the night on a disposable camera in true Y2K style - so whether you can remember the night or not, here’s some highlights from the rave!