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From Rockstars to Style Icons: The Story of Acapella
A Musical Beginning
Picture this: two young musicians, Hugo Martinez and Ricardo Coronado, touring Mexico with big dreams. Their band was the Mexican version of The Killers (though, looking back, Hugo admits that they were more akin to the Jonas Brothers, complete with the rocker jackets and youthful enthusiasm!) It was during one of these tours, in the beautiful city of Merida, that the seed for Acapella was planted. Invited to a party, they went shopping for suitable clothes as they hadn't packed much besides what they would wear on stage. They soon realized Mexico lacked cool, locally made fashion. This moment sparked a journey from the stage to the world of style, leading to the birth of Acapella.
Creating SmartWare to Challenge Throwaway Culture
Initially, Acapella focused on graphic T-shirts, embodying the spirit of youthful rebellion. However, as fast fashion brands flooded the Mexican market, Hugo and Ricardo saw an opportunity to pivot. They envisioned a brand that was the antithesis of fast fashion—durable, high-quality clothing designed for everyday wear. Thus, they coined the term "SmartWare." Their collections featured premium materials like Pima cotton from Peru, ensuring longevity and comfort. Every garment was crafted to be worn over 100 times, challenging the throwaway culture of fast fashion. Cherished by earth lovers who respect and protect nature, Acapella stands for the belief that less is more and simple is smart.
Sustainable Fashion with the Second Life Project
Sustainability lies at the heart of Acapella’s ethos. Their Second Life project exemplifies this commitment. Each store hosts an inbox where customers can deposit old T-shirts in exchange for store credit. These garments are then recycled into new cotton, avoiding landfill waste. By blending recycled materials with plastic bottles, Acapella creates resistant fabrics for their new collections. This initiative not only promotes environmental consciousness but also provides customers with sustainable fashion options.
The Timeless Appeal of Acapella
Acapella's design philosophy is rooted in simplicity and durability. In a market saturated with fleeting trends, they focus on timeless, monochromatic pieces that remain stylish year after year. Their neutral designs cater to men seeking convenience and reliability in their wardrobe choices. This approach has established Acapella as a trusted brand in Mexico, where they operate 15 stores across major cities. Their high-quality, sustainable garments provide a reliable alternative to the inconsistent offerings of fast fashion.
Exciting Collaborations and Global Aspirations
Despite their serious approach to everyday wear, Acapella keeps a playful edge through creative collaborations. From partnering with Formula One driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez to working with iconic brands like Topo Chico and Shake Shack, these collaborations infuse fresh energy into their collections. These limited-edition pieces, available alongside their core offerings, appeal to customers looking for unique, high-quality fashion. While firmly rooted in Mexico, Acapella is expanding its reach through partnerships like Taelor in the US, bringing their smart, sustainable fashion to a global audience.
Acapella’s journey from a musical duo to fashion innovators is a testament to their creativity and commitment to quality. By blending style, sustainability, and smart design, they offer a refreshing alternative to fast fashion, making them a standout brand in the world of men’s fashion.
A big shout out to you Hugo and Ricardo! We at Taelor, are proud to be your partners!
(The blog has been extracted from a conversation between Acapella Co-Founder Hugo Martinez, fashion writer Laurie M. and Taelor CEO Anya Cheng.)
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