“We believe clothing is more than something to wear—it’s an expression of personal identity.” Interview with Kang and Nie, the co-founder of ACCOX ACX

ACCOX ACX is a fashion brand founded by two university friends—one a fashion designer, the other an interior designer—united by a shared passion for creativity. They blend fashion with architectural influences, creating designs that reflect personal identity and lifestyle.

Instead of traditional seasonal collections, ACCOX introduces “Units,” evolving designs inspired by continuous innovation. ACCOX is about expressing individuality through design.

Could you please share the story of how you met and what inspired you to start your own brand?

Kang&Nie: We both met at university, where we shared a passion for fashion and design. I had been working as a fashion design student and noticed that many brands focused too much on sales numbers and neglected creativity. I wanted to create a brand that balanced both business and creativity. We came together with similar perspectives on design and vision, which led to the creation of our brand, ACCOX. We were both passionate about fashion, and that passion grew as we worked together to build our world.

One of you has a background in interior design. How do you blend fashion and interior design in your work for ACCOX, and what is your division of labor?

Kang&Nie: We believe that all creative fields can blend together—fashion design can work with graphic design, and graphic design can work with interior design. The key is having a common vision. I, as an interior designer, bring a futuristic spaces influence, while my partner focuses on creating fashion that complements this vision. Our work is very much collaborative: we start with a big idea, create a mood board, and discuss everything together. I manages the visual aspects, while Nie focuses on the fashion design, ensuring both align perfectly. Together, we ensure everything has the same creative DNA.

Is the piece behind you something you’ve designed?

Kang&Nie: Yes, it’s a part of our collection inspired by Japan culture. I was influenced by the architecture there, and this piece reflects that inspiration. In the future, we’d love to collaborate with Japanese and anime influences as well. Japan’s culture really inspires us.

What kind of lifestyle or message do you want to convey to your customers?

Kang&Nie: We want our customers to connect with the DNA behind our designs. We believe clothing is more than something to wear—it’s an expression of personal identity. For example, whether you’re a rapper, a teacher, or a dancer, your DNA is unique. Our goal is to create clothing that resonates with different lifestyles, one that fits with the individual’s essence, just like how I thought about clothes when I was a dancer. Our brand speaks directly to this, offering a creative language that aligns with our customers’ personal styles.

Could you explain the concept of “Unit” instead of traditional seasonal collections, and how it challenges the traditional fashion cycle?

Kang&Nie: The idea of “Unit” was inspired by the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, where robots evolve from Unit 00 to Unit 01 and beyond. This idea of continual learning and updating is what we believe fashion should be—a space for constant innovation and adaptation. Instead of following the traditional fashion cycle with seasonal collections, we create “Units” that tell a story and evolve over time. It’s not just fashion; it includes industrial design, sculpture, 3D design, and more. “Unit” is about creating a whole universe around the design, rather than just designing clothes for a collection.

Are there any Vietnamese fashion brands you admire or would recommend?

Kang&Nie: One Vietnamese brand I admire is Fanci, which started as a second-hand clothing brand and is now a global fashion name. Their journey of evolving from second-hand clothing to high-fashion is inspiring. I have been following them from very beginning.

What challenges have you faced while building ACCOX?

Kang&Nie: One of the biggest challenges we faced was starting with a very small budget—just $2,000 for our first collection. It was a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but we were determined to make everything perfect, especially on social media. Each collection felt like a gamble, but we’ve managed to stay in business through persistence. We’ve had to overcome many obstacles, but we never gave up. We went “ALL IN” on ACCOX

Among production, wholesale, and social media, which area would you say is the strength of your brand?

Kang&Nie: For us, the key strength lies in production. We focus heavily on creating high-quality products. We understand that if the product itself isn’t good, no amount of marketing or social media will keep customers coming back. So, we place a lot of emphasis on the quality of the clothes we produce, ensuring they meet our standards before anything else.

Do you have any advice for individuals looking to start their own business in the fashion or art industry?

Kang&Nie: Our advice is simple: “Lỳ”. In Vietnam, we have a saying that translates to “stubbornness” or “resilience.” When we started ACCOX, we faced many obstacles, but we kept pushing forward. Even if you fall seven times, you stand up seven times. That perseverance is what helped us build the brand, and it’s essential for anyone starting out in the fashion industry.

If you fall, just stand up!

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