Mother of Pearl creative director Amy Powney is stepping down after 19 years at the brand, effective today. In May, she will launch her own “purpose-driven” brand called Akyn, which she says will be “grounded in elevated design and sustainability”.
Mother of Pearl was founded in 2002 by Maia Norman. Powney was minority co-owner as well as creative director. Mother of Pearl is now closed; its website says Akyn is “coming soon”.
How Mother of Pearl shifted to a more sustainable business model
Creative director and co-owner Amy Powney shares her perspective on navigating climate anxiety, balancing growth with ethics, and finding the confidence to lead a business towards better practices.
Prior to Powney’s tenure, Mother of Pearl was best known for artist collaborations and bold prints. But under her leadership, it pivoted towards a much more minimal and timeless aesthetic, with a focus on supply chain transparency, natural fibres and regenerative practices.
Powney joined the brand in 2006 as a studio assistant, working her way up through development roles before eventually taking on design and leadership in 2013. After winning the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund in 2017, Powney created Mother of Pearl’s first collection focused on organic and natural materials, called ‘No Frills’.
In 2023, the brand — and Powney’s attempts to overhaul it — became the subject of a documentary titled Fashion Reimagined. She has since become a vocal advocate for change in the fashion industry. Powney says she will continue these efforts with Akyn.
“As creative director and partner of Akyn, Amy will be able to use her voice and expertise on a wider scale, creating deeper impact and striving for continued and meaningful change within the industry,” said a statement shared with Vogue Business.
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