AKASHI-KAMA x LOUPN DROP “THE TIES WE CHOOSE”: WHERE JAPANESE AND KOREAN HERITAGE MEET
AKASHI-KAMA and LOUPN just released their collaborative collection, “The Ties We Choose” — a four-piece drop built around Maedeup (매듭), the Korean tradition of decorative knotting that symbolizes loyalty, longevity, bonds, love, and luck. The collection bridges Japanese and Korean American perspectives into something that feels personal, specific, and worth paying attention to.
The jewelry anchors the drop. The Yujo Chain Bracelet ($295) takes its name from the Japanese word for friendship — Yujo (友情) — and places three rectangular smokey quartz gemstones into a 3mm 925 sterling silver Cuban chain, handcrafted in Korea. Its counterpart, the Ujeong Stone Ring ($295), pulls from the Korean word for friendship — Ujeong (우정) — setting smokey quartz and blue diamond gemstones into a 925 sterling silver wrap ring. Together they’re a two-piece statement on what it means to carry connection on your body, literally.
On the apparel side, the LOUPN Knit Polo in Maedeup Navy ($129) is the wearable centerpiece. It’s a jacquard knit in indigo with a cream Maedeup knot worked into the chest — what the brand describes as “grandpa’s favorite retro polo,” filtered through a serious level of craft. 100% cotton, ribbed cuffs and waistband, and a silhouette that sits between heritage sportswear and something you’d find at a carefully curated sample sale.
Rounding it out is the Maedeup Bandana in Korean Silk ($69) — 100% premium silk made in Seoul, printed with an intentional mix of peonies, ume, and lotus flowers, all intertwined with Maedeup knots and ropes. At 23 x 23 inches it works as a headwrap, neck piece, or pocket square. Final sale, so don’t sleep on it.
The full “Ties We Choose” collection is live now at akashi-kama.com, with select bracelet and ring sizes already selling out.
