Meet your new favourite fashion line: AKYN

Getting dressed has the power to bring you joy and, simultaneously, protect the planet. That’s the founding principle behind fashion designer Amy Powney’s work. After almost two decades at much-loved British brand Mother of Pearl, in 2025 Amy launched her own womenswear label, AKYN – which has just landed in select John Lewis stores and online. 

‘Turning 40 last year completely threw me; I had a midlife moment and wanted to put a new foot forward with my own brand,’ says Amy. ‘After so long at Mother of Pearl, learning so much about sustainable fashion and having two kids, I felt like a completely different person. 

‘It was the right time for a fresh start. I wanted to refine and elevate my designs, and that’s what AKYN is all about. The collection is a palate cleanse of neutral, minimal wardrobe staples upon which you can build.’

Amy is a pioneer of meaningful change in the fashion industry. Her award-winning 2022 documentary, Fashion Reimagined, followed her education in sustainability and more thoughtful ways to make clothes. ‘Every detail in the AKYN collection has been carefully considered to minimise the impact on the planet,’ she says. ‘I know that most women want to be doing the right thing environmentally. We don’t want to feel guilt, we want to feel that joy in fashion. I’d much rather own five pieces that I wear over and over than 25 that I never wear.’

AKYN’s beautiful, durable designs have a magpie eye for detail and have quickly become a favourite with fashion editors. Here, Amy picks five personal favourites that make getting dressed an easier and richer experience, without harming people or planet.

‘Our best-selling signature jacket is a perfect example of my philosophy; it’s a blend of undyed linen and responsibly-sourced wool in a soft, marly grey, which is finished with our signature gold button detail. I live in my tailored jackets and this one’s relaxed, slightly oversized silhouette goes just as well with jeans as tailored trousers, or over a slip dress for a night out.’

‘This brand-new design is such a versatile core wardrobe staple. The asymmetric drape and ruching give a really flattering fit, making it effortlessly elegant. Made of organic cotton – with some elastane for stretch – it’s a perfect choice for some subtle drama, whether worn with sandals now or with boots into autumn.’

‘This fitted, tailored look is understated yet refined. Made of a black linen-wool-lyocell blend and finished with brushed pebble buttons, it works solo or worn under a blazer. Style with tailored trousers to make it more corporate, or with jeans for a sharp, minimal look for an evening out.’ 

‘The midwash blue Sol straight-leg jeans are part of my original style DNA. They’re made of recycled cotton, which is my fabric Holy Grail because it’s not growing a crop and cutting it down – it’s taking no resource from the planet. The fit is perfect and the gold hardware detail means they’re a little bit more special, so you can dress them up or down.’

‘I’m such a casual dresser – always in jeans and T-shirt – so I’m a big fan of a coat or a jacket that can be thrown on to elevate a look without having to try too hard. The Zaria coat is our most premium design: it’s timeless yet contemporary. Made with exceptional craftsmanship, it contains 10 per cent Merino wool from Portugal (rather than coming all the way from New Zealand).’