A multifaceted talent—musician, artist, scholar, and humanitarian—A. KURTZ embodied a rare blend of creativity and resilience, shouldering challenging responsibilities with unwavering courage, dignity, and honor. Emerging in 1984, this premium apparel and accessories line debuted with a distinctive military-inspired flair, blending rugged aesthetics with casual elegance. From its inception, KURTZ carved a unique path, captivating admirers with its bold vision and timeless appeal, rooted in a legacy of strength and artistry.
At the heart of KURTZ’s identity lie its iconic military caps, a design so influential it sparked an entire accessory category and a wave of imitations. Yet, KURTZ transcends its military roots, weaving a rich tapestry of vintage charm and iconic Americana. Whether it’s a cap, scarf, bag, belt, or sunglasses, each piece exudes rugged durability, meticulous craftsmanship, fair pricing, and an exclusive edge—embodying the spirit of “MADE STRONG!” In 2008, I joined forces with a talented group of collaborators to breathe life into the KURTZ sunglasses line, immersing myself in the creative process. I crafted hand-drawn assets, captured evocative photography, and designed and developed the brand’s website using Flash AS2, channeling my passion into every detail to honor its storied heritage.
Role: Design, Illustration, Photography & Web Development
Company: Zio Group x Akurtz
Impact: While Akurtz was already famous for their iconic vintage styled hats, these sunglasses were a welcomed addition which gave their fans even more options to complete their look. We carried through Akurtz vintage military styling by creating custom pin up illustrations and patterns to work with the already unique frame and lens shapes.
Design Team Size: Solo in collaboration with Eyesave INC. & Akurtz
