Axel Arigato Reviews

Brand Director was massively inexperienced and out of her depth - never should have been in that position or at any business in the future. This led to unrealistic expectations, mis-management, massive delays, burn out of countless staff members and a toxic work culture - she was incredibly unprofessional and such a poor leader. This all set the tone for other members of staff, who would never be trusted in the same positions at other companies, being toxic and massively unprofessional themselves - HR (/ 'People & Culture') included. All of which, is such as shame as there was always potential there, and some nice members of staff too. These people were never listened to and either left the business or were bullied out.

Management culture is toxic and ego-driven. Decision-making is impulsive and inconsistent, and feedback is rarely welcomed unless it flatters those in charge. There’s little transparency, unrealistic workloads, and a constant undercurrent of fear that stifles creativity and trust. There’s also a deep disconnect between the brand’s external image and its internal culture. Axel Arigato presents itself publicly as inclusive and progressive, yet diversity barely exists within the company itself. Black and underrepresented talent are frequently featured in campaigns, but not meaningfully represented in leadership or within teams — a performative approach that feels at odds with the values the brand claims to stand for. Beyond that, Axel Arigato has likely reached its ceiling as a brand. Without genuine cultural evolution, leadership change, and a shift in internal values, it will never grow beyond what it is today — a lifestyle label with aesthetic polish but limited substance.