Aki Choklat is an internationally recognized designer, author, and educator with a global career spanning luxury fashion, creative direction, and academic leadership. As the Linda Dresner Endowed Chair and founding Head of Fashion Design at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, he has strengthened the department’s global presence by building industry partnerships with brands such as Hermès, Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, Carhartt, and Bottega Veneta, while leading major curricular initiatives—including the three-year BA in Fashion Business Management, the first and only program of its kind in the United States.

Professional Experience

Choklat’s industry experience includes designing collections for international labels, consulting for heritage brands such as Lahtiset, and directing his former London-based footwear and accessories line. He helped establish and lead the Footwear and Accessories and Trend Forecasting master’s programs at Polimoda, Italy’s leading fashion school, and has taught at the London College of Fashion and De Montfort University. In 2025, Choklat was admitted to the Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers, a distinguished London livery company, first recorded in 1379, honoring excellence in footwear and leather-related crafts.

Significant Publications, Presentations and Exhibitions

He is the author of several influential design books, including Footwear Design, Shoe Design, and Menswear Trends, which are widely used in fashion programs around the world.