Bits and Bobs

Hi there guys!

Just a little bit about us!

We are Bernardo and Catarina a duo of fashion designers from Portugal that met at Faculdade de Arquitetura da Universidade de Lisboa. Despite our age gap, we bonded over our mutual admiration for Asian heritage and design.

During our university years, we quickly became inseparable, like brother and sister. We studied late nights together and brainstormed about future collections that would combine the contemporary fashion scene with elements of Asian artistry and aesthetics.

In 2023 we traveled to Japan together to fulfill our dream of better knowing the country and culture. From bustling Tokyo streets to serene temples in Kyoto, which deepened our understanding and respect for its vast heritage.

After graduation, we decided to launch our own label, Akai Ito, which seamlessly fuses East Asian elements with modern Western styles. We are mostly known for our elegant designs, intricate embroidery and patterns, and innovative use of sustainable fabrics.

We will try to keep this blog updated with bits and bobs about our lives as Fashion Designer!