Yaku Stapleton is a designer who believes in creating a universe before designing collections. His brand universe is inspired by his own family, online RPG games from his youth, as well as human and natural history. Graduating from Central Saint Martins MA program in 2023, Stapleton is currently a designer-in-residence at the Paul Smith Foundation. His debut at London Fashion Week in 2024 introduced a world filled with characters, stegosaurus shoes, dino-print trousers, modular hats, and fabric swords and daggers.
In his latest collection, Yaku’s characters have completed their training on Tutorial Island and are now ready to face real-world challenges. The characters are embarking on a journey to explore the wider world, meeting a tribe called the TĂ©lavani along the way. The TĂ©lavani are inspired by historical figures like the Maroons and the Garifuna, who resisted colonialism through multiple wars. Stapleton’s aim was to create a humanoid, almost superhuman, tribe through Afrofuturism.
Stapleton’s partner, Nas Kuzmich, handles the operational side of the business, with plans to transition to a direct-to-consumer model. The TĂ©lavani line is set to be their flagship DTC product, following the success of their previous collections. Stapleton’s focus on functionality and streetwear influences can be seen in the elongated silhouettes and added details in the TĂ©lavani collection.
Last season, Yaku introduced a merch stand at the presentation, which was repeated this time around. The affordable T-shirts quickly sold out, showing the label’s potential for growth in the fashion industry. With a unique brand universe and a focus on storytelling through fashion, Yaku Stapleton is set to make a mark in the industry with his innovative designs and creative vision.
