Introducing Ako – Where Culture Meets Craftsmanship
Ako is more than a brand — it’s a journey woven with whakapapa, creativity, and connection. Born from the vision of a young, homegrown label grounded in strong whānau values and the art of cultural storytelling, Ako celebrates heritage in every stitch.
Inspired by the beauty of traditional Māori flax weaving, Ako reimagines these timeless patterns through a contemporary lens. Each bag is handcrafted from 100% pure buffalo leather by a whānau of skilled artisans in a small village in Chennai, India, using techniques passed down through generations.
This collaboration bridges cultures — uniting Māori design principles with global craftsmanship — to create taonga that carry stories, identity, and purpose. Strong, durable, and rich in character, the buffalo leather makes each Ako piece not only beautiful, but made to last.
Ako is a tribute to tradition, a statement of style, and a celebration of Indigenous excellence.