Exclusive Interview with Chicagoings.com
While most of us were learning to touch our toes without falling, at three years old Akua was training as a ballerina and building a promising career in professional dance. Since then she has worked with Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Company, traveled the world performing, and now tours with the prestigious Alvin Ailey Dance Theater of New York City which annually makes its home at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago. For a few minutes during Alvin Ailey’s last run at the Auditorium I was able to steal Akua away for a backstage discussion on maintaining personal style while travelling the globe, and how New Yorkers really view Chicago’s sense of fashion.
How would you describe your personal style?
I love to always have a piece that’s vintage in my collection. I love thrift shopping and vintage stores! I don’t enjoy crowds so I rarely shop on Michigan Avenue while in Chicago. For new items I shop online. I love the convenience! When touring I can only take a certain amount of clothing with me but when I arrive home I have all of these ‘gifts’ waiting for me from shopping online.
Where do you find unique pieces online?
I shop EBay – even for clothing. I may purchase something from Asos for a little of the European touch to my wardrobe and occasionally I’ll grab something from Zara or Topshop.
Who is your favorite designer?
My very first year with the company we went to Israel and I had the pleasure of meeting Charu of Charu Designs. Immediately, I fell in love with her clothes. This is her sweater I’m wearing – I love it! I can wear it so many ways, belted, etc. She has such great clothing and it’s for women of every shape. She uses a lot of earth-tones so her pieces are easy to transfer from winter into spring and summer.
Out of every city in the world, where is your favorite place to shop?
It’s a tie between London and Paris. Before Topshop or Mango even hit the states I discovered them in London and fell in love. I shopped my butt off the first time I found those stores! Any chain store that’s made it to the states, I find the quality to be better in London.
Paris is a thrift shoppers dream. It’s amazing! There’s a chain vintage store where they take pieces and redesign them. I’ve left there with bags and bags of clothing. Shopping vintage, and especially redesigned pieces, is the only way to guarantee no one will be wearing the same thing you’re wearing.
Do you consider Chicago to be a fashionable city?
I think that no matter where you are there is always someone whose fashion will catch your eye. I just saw a girl, as I was leaving Palmer House, walking with the most amazing coat. It was blowing in the wind, her shoes were on point. I had to tell her, ‘Girl! You are doing that’! Is Chicago fashion forward in my opinion? I would have to say no. I’m being honest. But every city has their fashionista.
Featured Image: www.Charudesigns.com, shop Charu Designs on Etsy
Catch the world famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as they continue their tour throughout North America. Find tour dates here.