Akiko has relentless passion to deliver great product and the proven ability to build a strong brand. She is creative, committed and constantly putting the guest and business first. Her deep understanding of the development process allows her to be a strategic, critical thinker, always looking for solutions and best practices. She is a motivating leader, provides strong design direction and unwavering support for her team. Her intelligence, talent, passion for her work and thoughtful leadership style is a rarity. I highly recommend Akiko and welcome any further inquires into her skill set.
Suzanne Bryant
SVP Women'S RTW, Active and Swim, tommy Bahama
Akiko is a seasoned design leader with a intuitive balance of design and merchandising skills. Over the years she has not only demonstrated a great fashion sense, but the ability to multitask and lead. She has a unique combination of experience building successful brands in Men's, Women's and denim. Her attention to detail and quality is unwavering. She is a perfectionist and she demands the best out of and for her team. I have worked with Akiko as both her manager and peer and would highly recommend her for any design leadership role.
Jennifer Spoljaric
SVP Production and Sourcing, tommy Bahama
I had the great privilege of working with Akiko Waters at Tommy Bahama for nearly three years. During her tenure as the Design Director of Women’s Sportswear, Akiko was a champion of design excellence. Her customer–focused approach to concept and design development, her leadership ability, warm personality, and commitment to mentoring those who report to her make her an excellent manager. She generously shares her wealth of knowledge, and advocates for the growth of her team. Akiko’s natural understanding of design, concept, and trend, her keen sense of color and pattern, and her strong partnerships with cross-functional team members has made her a wonderful leader and an inspiration to work for. Any design team would be lucky to have her.
Anja Olsen
Lead Dress designer, Tommy Bahama
Five years ago, I was lucky to be hired by Akiko Waters, and I’ve reported to her in various design roles since. I knew from my first interview with her that she was a uniquely strong and decisive leader. She has a natural ability to identify talent, build a strong design team, and maintain their productivity by inspiring them. Akiko leads by example—once she identifies a goal, she is tenacious about achieving it. She is also an incredibly strong communicator. She excels at presenting creative work, conveying concepts and seasonal big ideas with clarity and enthusiasm. She isn't afraid to lead challenging conversations with cross-functional partners as she maintains respect and finds creative solutions. Akiko's design passion is the foundation for her success in business; it gives her confidence to make strategic decisions that ensure that line plan targets are met. I highly recommend her for any position.
Krista Stackhouse
Lead Knits designer, Tommy BahaMA
I had the pleasure of working with Akiko Waters while she lead the Men's Denim Division and later the Women's Apparel Division. She is a highly creative and passionate design leader with the ability to manage long range product development from start to finish. She understands the business side of retail, as well as design which is an invaluable combination to a merchandising team. Akiko is a true partner, a great listener, mentor and leader.