On our quest for original and of course DOPE street wear brands, we came across California based brand Acropolis . What sets them apart in an industry flooded by inspiring amateurs is they are not just dropping random designs in hopes of making a quick buck, they put a great deal of thought into each collection and each piece! We had the opportunity to pick the brain of Michael Pino to get a better perspective on what Acropolis is all about.
When did you release the first Acropolis collection, when did you guys officially launch?
Acropolis was launched in the Fall of ’07 with a small loan and a dream and has been steadily growing each day since.
The fashion and especially street wear industry is very exciting, how did you get involved in the industry?
Upon moving back out to California from Denver I’d already been into the genre and decided to take a stab at it and try to bring something a little different to the table at that time by incorporating a thoughtful, historically infused line with modern culture while promoting positivity as well as the individual.
We all had the certain few brands that we wore on a regular basis, what lines did you rock back in the day?
Personally, I was into heavy into 8103, Akomplice, Full Bleed, LRG of course, Manifest, Mitchell & Ness, RockSmith, Rxmance, Staple, Twon and UNDFTD.
What is the idea behind your brand name, Acropolis?
I chose the name Acropolis as a metaphor for greatness – as the Acropolis of Ancient Athens is home to the heart of all that western society is built on. The concept behind Acropolis Apparel is Ancient Remains…Modern Beginnings. Meaning, we take concepts, images, relics or whatever the case may be, from the past and breathe new life into them. We promote the glory of human achievement, evolution, ingenuity, progress and history, which spans throughout time and across the globe.
Your logo is Dope! Can you explain the meaning and how you came up with the design?
Our logo has a two-pronged meaning. In the center, is the world renowned pyramid, the only remaining member of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. The pyramid is among the best known symbols to mankind and is a simple, yet powerful design seen among various cultures throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and as well as on the back of our currency here in North America. The pyramid symbolizes human achievement and timelessness.
The outer section of the logo is the famous laurel wreath of ancient times. The laurel wreath was the prize of the victors at the Olympic games as well as in poetic competitions of Ancient Greece. In Ancient Rome, the laurel wreath was a symbol of martial victory, crowning a successful commander during his triumph. The laurel wreath represents achievement, greatness and victory.
Who is your brand made for? Who is your target consumer?
Acropolis is made for anyone who appreciates & respects what we represent and stand for. Our target market is 15-40 year old males but I hate to put boundaries on it. Anybody can relate to our concept really. We also periodically dabble in women’s apparel as well, which is targeted at a young women’s teens to 30’s demographic.
What brands are you influenced by?
We try to refrain from being too heavily influenced by others and do our own take on things. But certain aspects of a variety of brands I value are the themes behind 3Sixteen and Triumvir, the raw style & creativity of Akomplice, the thought behind Staple, the longevity of Supreme, the expansive growth of LRG, and of course I dig the similar historically themed brands such as Blvck Scvle and Bloodbath.
How do you come up with the ideas and concepts for your clothing designs?
It depends really. Inspiration wise there is so much to draw from that its virtually limitless. In some cases I will direct the design team as to what I’m envisioning and provide the images, text, books, facts and the necessary information, while in other cases I give them the reigns and if they have something clever & unique we’ll run with that. Usually, it falls somewhere in the middle and nothing is approved if we’re not in mutual agreement.
With so many brands and labels out there, how does Acropolis set itself apart?
Acropolis stands alone in the fact that we are a historically themed brand that promotes positivity and human achievement. We are the yin to the other historically themed brands’ yang. Both viewpoints are great in their own right and this gives the marketplace balance. We put a great deal of thought into each seasonal theme, each individual piece and pay attention to the smallest detail. Acropolis Apparel is clothing of quality as well as substance.
What kinds of merchandise are selling best right now for you guys?
Right now we produce t’s, pocket t’s , v-necks, tanks, crewnecks, hoodies, beanies, snapbacks, fitteds, 5 panels, some accressories and an array of women’s items. A few of our current best-selling graphics are our Assassination, Inception, Knives, Revolution, Strike and Tyrant. Past classics include our ’88, 4 Horsemen, Julius, Pangaea, Philoso-FLY and The Swarm.
What can we expect to see from you guys this next year or two?
If you stay in the know you’ll be able to see Acropolis branching out into a full headwear line, expansion into outerwear, accessories, a cut n sew line, multiple collaborations with other brands, various music artists, record labels, athelets and a few other things we have cooking.
What is the most rewarding or exciting part of owning and running a clothing brand?
Being able to create my own destiny. I’ve been the low man on the totem pole at jobs in the past, have worked my way up the chain in others and now I have the final say on all matters at Acropolis. I genuinely like the “pressure”, for lack of a better word, of having things ultimately fall on my shoulders. To be responsible for myself and to determine my own success or failure drives me.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? Did you ever think you would be in the clothing and fashion industry?
Easy. Point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. #3
I never had any thought I’d be involved in fashion, yet alone own a clothing company and have it essentially become my life. As the ancient Chinese proverb goes, “The journey is the reward.”
– MVP
Shop for Acropolis Apparel now!
K so I wanna find like a mall or a shopping center where they have like different little shops besides like all the stores that are always at all the malls like Pacsun,h&m,urban outfitters. A place where I can find like more streetwear clothing and vintage clothing that nice but not too expensive like the kind of stuff they sell at urban outfitters kind of?
Acropolis has some sick tees!
#DOPE
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