Today, as a part of our Behind the Seams with A.K. Rikk's series, we would like to introduce you to Nathaniel Bos! Nathaniel is the latest addition to the A.K. Rikk's family as a Visual Assistant. He’s helping with visual changes throughout the store, from mannequins to clothing racks, his job involves the ever-changing showcasing of products to entice customers and guests.
What initially drew you to A.K. Rikk's?
I’ve always loved clothing and the psychology behind being well-dressed and presentable. There’s power in finding our own personal looks and I wanted to be a part of people finding that for themselves. There’s a million clothing stores out there, but A.K. Rikk’s has been the first (and only that I’ve found) that really, truly emphasizes the impact that something as simple as a well-fitting shirt can make.
What is your favorite part of working at A.K. Rikk's so far?
My co-workers. The clothing is beautiful, yes, but the team is what makes me excited to go into work every day and learn more. It’s a very community-focused workplace and I love that.
What have you learned this week at work?
The amount of detail that goes into curating a store like this. From the way the displays are done, the stories that the mannequins are telling, how to lay out a table/display so our customers see their new favorite piece, there’s so much that goes into my role and there’s so much more to learn.
What is your favorite brand at A.K. Rikk’s?
I’d say that on the first floor, Officine Générale has quickly become my go-to (though NN07 is a close second). On the second floor though, it’s always going to Zegna.
What is the first thing you notice about a person?
Their eyes. Every pair of eyes has a distinct person behind them and I love the process of learning about that person over time.
When you're not at work, what could we find you doing?
Working with the student magazine at Kendall College of Art and Design (HUER Magazine) as a Creative Director/Photoshoot Director. Also, writing, reading, climbing, drinking coffee, building my vinyl collection and hanging out with my friends.
Who would you say is your number one fashion inspiration?
Sammi Jefcoate. I mean, this answer changes with the day but she’s been a pretty consistent favorite for some time now. I love the way that she builds outfits, using different textures and silhouettes and isn’t afraid to experiment with different pieces. I’m still figuring out how to translate her vibe into something for me, but it’s out there. I just have to find it.
Which types of clothes do you collect?
Sweaters and shoes, specifically boots. I’m not a big fan of summer so sweaters and boots are a simple, clean and elegant way to stay warm when the mercury starts to drop.
What fashion/style questions keep you up at night?
What can I do to begin to change the convoluted and contradictory relationship that most men have with their wardrobes? If fashion isn’t “that big a deal”, why do so many men spend their time trying to define the “masculine” way to dress and shame others for expressing themselves through their wardrobes? How do attitudes towards people who dress well need to change so that dressing well is a standard rather than the exception?
Which celebrity’s life would you like to live for 24 hours?
James Hetfield from Metallica. He’s got a gorgeous car garage, one of the coolest and most storied collections of guitars in the world, is one of the founding fathers of modern heavy metal and I’d love to take his place on a night that he has a show. I want to know what it feels like to play “Master of Puppets” in front of a screaming crowd of thousands.
What’s the last nice thing you bought for yourself?
A bouquet of flowers, a bottle of nice wine and a sweater (as a little celebration).
Where have you seen the most beautiful sunsets?
Glacier National Park. I was there with my family several summers ago and both the sunsets and sunrises were impossibly beautiful.
What’s something you love to do that you’ll never show online?
Probably me singing along to music in the car. Nobody needs to hear it.
If you had intro music, what song would it be? Why?"
Depending on the day it’s “Look What the Cat Dragged In” by Poison, “Dethrone” by Bad Omens, “Holy Roller” by Spiritbox or maybe “Dr. Feelgood” by Motley Crue. Those four have been some serious repeats recently. Or “Rhapsody in Pink” by Stela Cole, just to throw a little spice in the mix.
What’s the one book that changed your life?
For the Love of Men by Liz Plank. One of the most eye-opening books I’ve ever read and it made me rethink a lot of things, especially as I was wrapping up my final year of school.
You can have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, what is it?
Time. I’ve got so much I want to do, to see, to experience and it’s impossible to fit into one lifetime. Concerts, friends, foods, countries.