Meet Andras, the man behind the caps
Andras is an industrial designer, based in Zurich, working across various fields, from eyewear to outdoor gear and sports equipment. About three years ago, he started exploring textiles and taught himself how to sew. This kind of work has opened up his creativity towards different kinds of products.
Explore the QWSTION x AKLA collaboration
I love studying everyday objects, contemplating on the details, the flaws, the reasons behind them, and the cultural context they where created in.
How would you describe what you do at Akla?
With Akla, I create material-inspired experimental headwear. Most of my time goes into creating new patterns, testing materials, and playing with color combinations. I’m always on the hunt for interesting new fabrics.
My goal is to experience a new kind of modern craftsmanship, mixing contemporary and traditional materials, techniques, and silhouettes. It’s about understanding quality and functionality through the objects themselves.
I also do small collaborations with brands on product development, as well as custom pieces for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
Why caps?
Since most of my daily work is digital, I realized I needed something more hands-on, something with a tangible result. Making caps felt like the perfect project: they don’t require much material, complex machinery and you get to see the outcome pretty quickly.
What’s been a highlight on your AKLA journey so far?
Meeting and working with two Japanese brands, Tbisuke Tabizo and A Wandering Tailor, also inspired me to start sewing. They really showed me that it’s possible to reach a high standard and come up with unconventional solutions, all from a small studio without needing a big industrial setup.
I'm from Hungary and "Akla" means thread in hungarian.
What do you care about most in life?
Being passionate and honest
How do you address this in your work?
My work is also my hobby.
I like to think of my products as readable, you can trace the decisions I made throughout the development process. Each step builds on the last and becomes part of the overall concept, down to the smallest details.
What do you look for in the things you buy?
Built to last in both material and style.
What’s your creative process like?
With Akla, I have the luxury to take it easy with the process, just gathering sketches, mixing colors and materials, and experimenting with different combinations completely freely.
The inspiration I get from my fabric collection and travelling.
What do you hope the future of design and craftsmanship will look like?
I hope we will respect and learn from the past, and stay humble about our role in shaping the future.
Create something you’d love to use or be around.
