Interview with Michael Pino, owner of Acropolis Apparel

I recently got a chance to interview Michael Pino from Acropolis Apparel, who couldn't be cooler for granting this small-time blog an interview. Great brand, great guy. Support.

How and when did Acropolis clothing get its start?

Acropolis started out of a desire to create and dictate my own path. I was into streetwear as it encompassed many of my interests – dope clothes, independent brands, hip hop, sports, the creativity, etc. I drew inspiration from both smaller, independent brands as well as larger, more established and tried to create a brand that was unique to the marketplace. A great deal of thought went into creating a brand, developing the concept, the name, and the overall feel and style. I sought out advice, went through the legal process and really learned the process as I went. I never had any formal schooling or training in the clothing industry and was a history major in college. My aim was to create something unique & hot that I could be proud of. Something people would feel and respect. Acropolis started out of my house with 1 contracted designer and has steadily grown over the past 4 years into what we are today.

What was your inspiration to start
the line?

I loved a bunch of lines back when I was coming up but none had what Acropolis has, meaning, the thought, the historical influence and theme, the positive message and the aesthetics all wrapped into one. I still feel that Acropolis remains unique in this area today. Also, I wanted to take control of my future. I like the feeling of success or failure on my shoulders and am passionate about everything that goes on with the company.

Are you an artist/designer or more of a lover of the streetwear culture?

Haha, I’m no artist let alone a designer. I visualize and conceptualize some of the graphics or seasonal themes and have my fingerprints on as much as I can with all things Acropolis but I surround myself with great people who are great at what they do and it shines through.

Where did the name come from?

I chose the name Acropolis as a metaphor for greatness - as the Acropolis of Ancient Athens is home to the heart of all the 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.

What are some of your favorite designs/tees over the years?

I personally love the Assassination, God of the Sun, Honor, Knife & Death, Pillars, Revolution and Tyrant from our recent collections. I love everything we do but those stand out to me.

Where is the company headed? Plans for the future?

Acropolis’ plan is continued growth. Over the next few seasonal collections we are introducing a complete headwear collection, cut n sew, more outerwear, accessories and a few other things. Acropolis is continually improving, diversifying and branching out into new markets and ventures. We have collaborations with other brands, artists and record companies in development and production. We are opening new doors, expanding into multiple countries worldwide and we have a few surprises on the low.

Is your full time job working at Acropolis, or do you have a 9-5?

Acropolis is my job, and essentially my life. It’s much more than a 9-5. There’s no such thing as a day off. I’m always thinking Acropolis, how to improve the brand, ways to expand, finding inspiration, researching, conceptualizing, all the business behind the scenes. There’s really not enough hours in the day. But as Confucius famously said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Are there any companies that have inspired you?

Many companies have inspired me over the years. 3Sixteen, 8103, Akomplice, Hurley, Jordan, LRG, Mitchell & Ness, Rxmance, Staple, The Hundreds, Triumvir, Undefeated, UNDRCRWN, Volcom all for different, unique reasons. Many others brands as well.

What is your target demographic? Who would you say is the "Acropolis customer" in your experience?

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 to young women, teens to 30’s demographic.

Are you in any stores or websites other than your own? Are there any that you are targeting?

All Acropolis items from day 1 are available on our webstore as are collabs, limited edition releases and exclusives. The most current Acropolis collections can be found in select retailers worldwide.