ABOUT
The Concept
AKKI-CHAN is made to be worn while
chasing the sun.
A slow resort brand that upcycles antique 100% silk kimonos.
Like kintsugi—the art of mending broken objects with gold—we turn once-lost garments into golden, one-of-a-kind aloha shirts.
Meant to be kept for the memories after you return!
Who the hell is AKKI-CHAN!?
Woof! I’m Akki 🐾
I live in a real-life castle in Palenville, upstate New York (yes, really!).
My favorite thing in the whole wide world? Chasing the sun ☀️
Work? Not my thing. But give me a sunbeam and I’m out like a light.
Zzzz… 💤
Why the hell do we do this!?
We’re passionate about antique silk kimonos—especially from the 1920s to the 1990s.
These incredible garments were often hand-painted, or embroidered, and worn only once for a special occasion.
Can you believe that!?
And yet… so many are now forgotten or discarded as people in Japan wear more Western clothes.
That’s mottainai!
It’s a Japanese expression that means “what a waste”—but it’s deeper than that.
It’s about honoring beauty, even when it’s been overlooked.
Our Process
We start by traveling across Japan to handpick the most exquisite vintage kimonos—each one chosen for its craftsmanship, character, and soul.
We then carefully:
- • Deconstructs the kimono
- • Cleans and presses the silk
- • Cuts a new pattern to preserve the most beautiful details
- • Sews it into a one-of-a-kind aloha shirt
It’s a labor of love—each shirt takes time, patience, and intention.
We can only make one shirt from each vintage kimono, so no two are ever alike.
One size, one of a kind — wear it oversized, or have it tailored for a personalized touch of semi–haute couture!
Why the hell Aloha Shirts!?
We simply love aloha shirts! We love their easy comfort—paired with the bold, elegant drama of silk kimono fabrics.
They’re perfect for beach days, brunches, cocktails, or just… chasing the sun.
Fun fact: aloha shirts originally used kimono fabric!
In the 1930s, a Honolulu shop called Musa-Shiya the Shirtmaker began cutting Japanese prints into what became the iconic Hawaiian shirt.
So in a way, we’re returning to the ROOTS!—blending heritage with heart.
At AKKI-CHAN, we transform what was once a family heirloom into something new—something we hope becomes your family heirloom!