“I’ve painted at least 4,000 pieces in the last seven years,” Father Akki starts, sharing his incredible journey. “Every piece is hand-painted, 1 of 1.”

From the vibrant fashion scene of Melrose Avenue to the prestigious runways of New York Fashion Week, 24-year-old Father Akki is raising the bar for upcycling, one hand-painted piece at a time. He especially enjoys painting live for passersby and fans alike, regarding this as “his favorite part of the job.”

Akki’s journey began in Desert Hot Springs, where in high school, he turned an art class into his first business. “I was charging my friends $10–$20 to paint their clothes—you know, just enough money for some chips,” he recalls with a smile. Even his teachers soon took notice of Father Akki’s talent, commissioning his work for as much as $100 per piece. “And I was using the school’s paint,” he concludes with a laugh.

This resourceful start is what would become Father Akki’s full-fledged career. His talent led him to local fashion shows and eventually, at just 18, he was invited to New York Fashion Week.

Armed with thrifted materials and his mother’s hair dryer in place of a heat gun, he spent two hectic weeks preparing for his debut runway show. He speaks highly of the experience, as he should because his walk was very well received. This NYFW show certified him as a “real designer” and set him on a path that he’s followed ever since.

One of Father Akki’s defining traits is his belief in the importance of upcycling, especially in an era of fast fashion. “There’s so much clothing in the world…too much,” he says. By sourcing materials from thrift stores and accepting items from customers, he transforms old and neglected garments into wearable art. “I’m saving you the trip of throwing it away because I want you to want to keep this piece forever.”

Akki moves with a minimalist toolkit—textile paint, squeezy bottles, and just four paintbrushes—that proves creating something extraordinary doesn’t require elaborate resources. His commitment to sustainability aligns with his critique of overproduction and waste in the fashion industry.

“Upcycling is about more than just making clothes. It’s about giving them new life,” he explained between brush strokes. “There’s a whole wave of kids painting on clothes, selling them to friends for $10–$15. That’s where I started, and it’s such a great way to explore art.”

Every piece Akki paints is a “one-of-one,” a reflection of his artistic vision and a rejection of the mass-produced uniformity that dominates the fashion industry. “When someone buys one of my pieces, they’re buying art. It’s personal.”

“I paint every day,” Father Akki explained, “but this isn’t just a job; it’s my life. Every sale, every piece, every connection—it’s all art, and it’s all me.” Father Akki is painting his own future, staying consistent, creating custom collections, building his brand, and continuing to inspire with his story.

Father Akki’s work can be found for sale on his website and socials and be on the lookout for his special collaboration with Cuts by Lowheads.

See his recent twin “VLone” upcycle pieces on quickly rising rappers’ SkinnyBoi Cj and RudeKays below.