Solutionist

Designer

Miko Underwood

“one of the most influential figures in denim globally”

named by Rivet 50

Denim Historian

Miko seeded a conversation around the origins of indigo & the Untold Legacy of Denim in America, sparking a global dialogue that has since been amplified across media, education, and the broader public.

MIKO UNDERWOOD is a visionary designer, artist and denim historian, recognized as ‘one of the most influential figures in denim globally’ by Rivet 50. 

In 2019, Miko seeded a conversation around the origins of indigo and the Untold Legacy of Denim in America, sparking a global discourse that has since been amplified across media, education, and the broader public dialogue.

As the founder of OAK & ACORN • Only for the Rebelles, she has built a brand that honors denim’s diverse history while pushing the boundaries of sustainability and craftsmanship.

With over two decades of expertise in denim design, creative direction, and product development, Miko has woven a rich narrative that highlights the deep-rooted cultural significance of denim.

Miko uses her platform to bring awareness to the unrecognized contributions that have shaped American manufacturing while redefining what sustainable denim can be.

Miko has co-authored articles on the history of denim for the CFDA and The Zoe Report and is a sought-after speaker, sharing her insights at Tuskegee University, Parsons New School of Design, Denim Days, Harlem’s Fashion Row Sustainability Forum, and Essence Fest.

Beyond her work with OAK & ACORN, Miko founded Eno Onu — a community-centered wellness practice devoted to meditation, sound, and sustainable tools for healing. She is the consulting Creative Director for We Got Us Now, Inc., a national organization advocating for the well-being of children and young adults impacted by parental incarceration. She also serves as on the Advisory Council of the Fibers Fund, a catalytic fund to support small U.S. natural fiber-textile producers & processors, with a specific focus on environmental equity.

Through her unwavering dedication to storytelling, sustainability and innovation, Miko Underwood continues to shape the future of denim. Working alongside and in partnership with some of the most respected names in fashion, Miko is building a lasting legacy—one that redefines denim’s role in both culture and the global marketplace.

“Miko has the ability to achieve the most difficult thing for a designer to do… to redefine, reimagine, reinvent in a way that not only challenges the norm, but pleases the eye and moves the heart.”

Greg Lauren, Menswear Designer & One of the foremost voices in sustainable fashion

Miko’s impact has earned the endorsement of some of the industry’s most respected leaders and organizations in Fashion. 

Endorsement

Miko is a mentee of Bethann Hardison, a pioneer in advocating for diversity in fashion.

She has also earned the cosign of Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), who personally recommended her as a WGSN Future Designer.

Miko has garnered support from key fashion organizations, including the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Harlem's Fashion Row, RAISEfashion and The Designer Hub, of which she’s a founding member.

Additionally, Miko has received mentorship from Adriano Goldschmied, known as the "Godfather of Denim"

“A Cultural Steward of Sustainability”

Cierra Black - Writer at Esssence

Press

Miko’s work has garnered recognition from major fashion authorities:

  • Aljazeera

  • BET - Black Entertainment Television

  • BoF - Business of Fashion

  • Carved in Blue

  • CFDA - Council of Fashion Designers of America

  • Denim Days NY Fest

  • Denim Dudes

  • Essence

  • Essencefest

  • Fashionista

  • The Grio

  • Heddels

  • Highsnobiety

  • Hypebae

  • Inside Denim

  • Indigo Friends

  • Kingpins

  • Levis Secondhand Live

  • The Los Angeles Times

  • New York Times Magazine

  • Nordstrom

  • Nylon

  • Patagonia

  • Rivet

  • The Root

  • Shoutout LA

  • The SPINOFF

  • Sourcing Journal

  • USA Today

  • The Wall Street Journal

  • WWD

  • The Vendeur

  • The Zoe Report

Education

Miko has been spotlighted in educational texts and research journals:

  • Meanings of Dress (5th Edition)

  • Fashion and Color Vol 1

  • Dressing the Revolution

  • Slow + Fashion - Women’s Wisdom [Fashion Practice: The Journal of Design, Creative Process & the Fashion Industry].

Conversation

Miko is a Global Champion of Denim & Sustainability: