Rising Stars: Meet Jakarie Whitaker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jakarie Whitaker.

Hi Jakarie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Born November 26 2000, I was Born in Flint Michigan. Growing up in a creatively desolate environment my path was not certain. I wanted to become a doctor. But during my 2019 gap year, I discovered an Artist/Designer by the name of Virgil Abloh.

Inspired by Virgil Abloh, I decided to study Fashion Design, Art and Philosophy at Clark Atlanta University. Virgil Abloh inspired me by showing me the conceptual idea of making wearable deconstructed art. In turn, discovering Virgil opened me up to learning about other designers with similar philosophies such as: Rei Kawakubo and YOHJI Yamamoto.

While a sophomore in school, I began my career by starting a brand centered around anime, hip-hop Streetwear and the Japanese concept of Kitsugi (In just one piece of pottery, kintsugi teaches us about accepting fragility, building strength and resilience, and taking pride in the imperfect.). These Patchwork sweaters began to sell very well. They were rare avant-garde one of one piece I experimented with.

In December of 2021, I became a Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholarship recipient and after that, I acquired my dream. My dream is not to become just a designer but to become a magician. “To create art is to reshape reality, I am not a fashion designer, I am not an artist… I am a magician. I make magic”.

My brand Hikari no Yami is centered around the art of fashion. The brand is a dark Japanese aesthetic avant-garde creative project. I make both Men and Women’s Clothing for those who want to reside outside of the socially constructed box. Hikari no Yami means (To find Light in the Darkness).

In November of 2022, I became a Bridge to Basel Finalist and in December of 2022, I became a 2nd-time winner of the Post-Modern Scholarship. And with this, I became even more sure of my dream. To create magic, to make art and to become eternal.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Business is never a smooth road. In life, there are ups and downs. I regard these as plot-enhancing chapters in my story. The concept of popularity and notoriety are insignificant for me. I just want to create the work.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am not a designer, nor am I a self-proclaimed artist. I create magic. I make avant-garde garments included but not limited to: Tapestry patchwork sweaters, jackets, shirts, graphic tees, kimonos, dresses, etc. My clothes can’t be found anywhere else. Most of my pieces are one of one which means they are rare. I specialize in cut and sew and design. I find it hard to say which pieces or accomplishments I’m most proud of In my company. I truly believe I am different because unlike most I make art for the sake of myself not for others and if the venture it’s successful so be it.

I make both custom commission pieces and one of one brand pieces pertaining to: Hikari no Yami ART, Hikari no Yami FATE, Hikari no Yami YAMI, Hikari no Yami X.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I rarely get happy but one thing that excites me is seeing people wear my garments and I feel as if they’ve entered this new world that I have created.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jakarie1126.wixsite.com/my-site?fbclid=PAAabnTdmqfL5Gn5wL1HwC_7XzKmREiWYTbXcBHXYlKIBs9-d1_WwPTb3y55o
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jwhit0?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakarie-whitaker-255653220
• Other: https://instagram.com/hikarinoyamii?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=