For Yaku Stapelton, a family reunion need not be a stuffy affair. Instead, it may take on a more fantastical theme, where his clothes can take centre stage. Here, he’ll blend more familiar elements of style with futuristic silhouettes and space age aesthetics. Launching his namesake brand as YAKU, Stapelton’s debut collection was introduced as the first in a series titled ‘The Impossible Family reunion in RPG Space’. For the fourth chapter within the series, YAKU’s SS25 collection called, ‘Looking Back to Look Forward to Look Back Again’ wild imaginations are pulled into the realm of reality, with an interactive exhibition ensuring guests are transported from the streets of London and into YAKU’s fantasy. For his debut collection there was a strong stuffed animal vibe and we can’t wait to see what’s next! 

Why do you do what you do? What keeps you motivated to keep creating fashion collections?

I think there’s much more depth and improvement to do in the work that we do. Every season lays the groundwork for a better one next time. 

Have you found a technique, or a supplier, or a contributing craftsperson that has excited you to incorporate into your new SS25 collection?

Before we started the research for this collection, I saw a really nice deadstock brown denim at Vega Textiles in Tottenham. I knew straight away it could work for Grandad, who is a character we’ve been designing for but never had time to execute. We bought all the stock that they had and it definitely proved to be a catalyst and inspiration for Grandad.

How do you keep healthy and energised in the run-up to showing your new SS25 collection?

I think this is the first project where I’ve consistently managed to get around 7.5 hours of sleep for most of the duration. I think it’s given me a better chance of not getting ill and staying focused and positive.

Over the past few challenging years - with Brexit, post-Covid, with the retail landscape a bit of a mess - how have you thought about what you make and how to make it connect with your customer?

The first thing is to make sure the work connects with me personally. Also, everything we make is collaborative internally, so it has to resonate with more people than just me. So I think when it reaches the customer, it’s genuine and makes sense. Ultimately, though, I don’t feel like I’m in control of what the customer thinks, so staying true to what we feel — what I feel — makes the most sense.

Are you Tik Tok or Instagram? And why? 

I suppose I’m on Instagram. But I’m more YouTube.

Give us a link to a site you make sure to check out everyday that isn't the news!

Miro.

If you had to recommend one product from your newest AW24 collection to buy, which would it be and why?

The Manta Cap. I feel like it’s versatile and has a good balance of function and expression. 

Why does fashion month and your show or presentation still give you an adrenaline and a creative rush?

I feel like the way we work is more steady and consistent. Ideally, there’s no peaks of adrenaline because that also comes with troughs. We try to maintain a steady vibe. 

How will you celebrate when the show / presentation / showroom is over?

I’m sure I’ll do something with the team, but on a more personal note, I need to find some jerk chicken. 

What's the one product that is NOT your own, that you can't live without, or has stayed in your wardrobe for constant use, and why?

I’ve still got a DIY patchwork jacket that my friend Dio made for me when we were 16. I still wear it today.