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AIREI

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AIREI
TypeFashion house
IndustryFashion
Founded2021 (2021)
FounderDrew Curry
HeadquartersLos Angeles, California, United States
ProductsReady-to-wear, footwear
Websiteairei.store

AIREI is an American fashion brand based in Los Angeles, California, founded by designer Drew Curry in 2021.[1] The brand is known for deconstructed silhouettes and hand-finished construction in its ready-to-wear collections.[2]

AIREI was a semi-finalist for the LVMH Prize in 2022[3] and has presented collections at Paris Fashion Week as part of the official calendar of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.[4]

History

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Drew Curry founded AIREI in 2021 in Los Angeles. Curry has cited the political and technical history of cotton as an influence on the brand's aesthetic.[5] The brand's name is derived from a Greek word meaning both "to lift up" and "to cut away."[1] Curry grew up in Tacoma, Washington and later relocated to Los Angeles, where he established AIREI.[1]

AIREI's debut collection for Autumn/Winter 2021 was carried exclusively at Dover Street Market locations in Ginza, New York, and Los Angeles.[6]

In January 2022, Curry presented his Fall/Winter 2022 collection, titled "Plight," at Dover Street Market Paris's 35/37 cultural hub during Paris Fashion Week Men's.[1][7] Later that year, AIREI was named one of twenty semi-finalists for the 2022 LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers.[3][8]

In January 2023, AIREI presented its Fall/Winter 2023 collection at Paris Fashion Week as part of the official FHCM calendar, marking its official inclusion on the schedule.[9][10]

Design philosophy

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AIREI's work centers on deconstruction and reconstruction techniques intended to reflect themes of fragility, impermanence, and transformation.[2] Garments frequently feature visible mending, exposed threads, distressed fabrics, and handcrafted details that highlight the process of creation.[6] Curry has stated that single threads left hanging from garments represent mending and healing.[11]

The brand's collections are produced in Los Angeles and often incorporate handwoven khadi fabrics sourced from India.[10] Collections have been accompanied by installations, sound design, and ceremonial presentations.[12]

Collaborations

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ASICS

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In 2024, AIREI collaborated with ASICS on a three-part series of the GEL-Quantum Kinetic sneaker.[13] The collaboration featured khadi gauze wraps across the sneaker's upper, which were burned away during production to reveal the shoe beneath.[14] The three limited-edition releases were sold exclusively at Dover Street Market locations in Los Angeles, New York, and Ginza throughout 2024.[13][15]

Distribution

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AIREI is stocked internationally at retailers including Dover Street Market, SSENSE, Farfetch, and H.Lorenzo.[16][17] The brand's garments have been worn publicly by musicians Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and SZA, as well as NBA player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.[1][2]

References

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  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Mike DeStefano. "From a Kendrick Lamar Co-Sign to a Paris Fashion Week Debut, AIREI's Drew Curry Is Just Getting Started". Complex. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  2. 1 2 3 "AIREI FW22 Collection, Designer Drew Curry Interview". Highsnobiety. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  3. 1 2 "AIREI – Drew Curry, Semi-Finalist of the 2022 LVMH Prize". LVMH Prize. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  4. ↑ "AIREI". Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  5. ↑ "AIREI". CFDA Runway360. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  6. 1 2 "Airei". Metal Magazine. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  7. ↑ "AIREI A/W PFW Los Angeles brand designed by Drew Curry at 35/37". A Shaded View on Fashion. 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  8. ↑ "The LVMH 2022 Prize reveals its 20 semi-finalists". FashionNetwork.com. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  9. ↑ "AIREI Fall/Winter 2023 Collection at Paris Fashion Week". Hypebeast. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  10. 1 2 "AIREI Fall/Winter 2023 Is a Handmade Ode to Protection". Highsnobiety. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  11. ↑ "Drew Curry of Airei – LVMH Prize 2022 Semi Finalist Interview". The Impression. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  12. ↑ "In Conversation with AIREI-Founder Drew Curry". Numéro Berlin. May 2024. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  13. 1 2 "AIREI Set the ASICS GEL-QUANTUM KINETIC on Fire for a Third and Final Time". Hypebeast. February 2024. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  14. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: Are AIREI's Collaborative ASICS Still Sneakers?". Highsnobiety. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  15. ↑ "The Airei x Asics Gel-Quantum Kinetic Birch Releases May 2024". Sole Retriever. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  16. ↑ "Los Angeles-based Label Airei Joins Dover Street Market Paris". WWD. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  17. ↑ "AIREI Clothing". Farfetch. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
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