AKD Founder Celebrates 49ers Gold Rush 30th Reunion

Gold Rush Alumni Lori Fonzi, Angela and Karen McDonald 

In late September, AKD Founder and CEO Angela King-Twitero returned to Northern California to celebrate the 30 year anniversary of the 49ers Gold Rush Cheerleaders. This marked another incredible achievement for Angela and Angela King Designs.

Angela is one of 14 original members of the 1983 team. She went on to cheer for seven years, including three Super Bowls, each resulting in a win for the team and a Super Bowl Ring for Angela. In a natural progression, Angela moved into management with the 49ers, and directed the cheerleaders for five years, which included one more Super Bowl Championship. 

AKD design worn by the Gold Rush in 2010.

During her years with the 49ers, Angela began her career as a costume designer, having the opportunity to design many of the uniforms worn by her team and countless others in the NFL, NBA, NHL and beyond. Today, many continue to regard Gold Rush costuming as some of the most unique and memorable costumes ever worn by NFL Cheerleaders. The organization even featured Angela's designs in a special 30-year tribute display.  

“When I was a cheerleader and dancer," said Angela, "I felt the need for a better costume. As a dancer, my costumes were being made by people who didn’t dance. People who weren’t ever a member of a team, let alone a professional dance/cheer team. I knew something needed to change. That’s why I started AKD. Dancers needed costumes made by a dancer. It was important then and is still very important today.” 

Angela with 1983 teammates in custom AKD jackets

During her weekend in San Francisco, Angela performed alongside hundreds of other alumni cheerleaders during the 49ers - Colts home game at Candlestick Park. Angela was involved in a special tribute to the original 1983 team, presenting each alumna with an AKD bomber jacket customized with their Super Bowl years on the sleeve. 

On behalf of Angela King Designs, we would like to congratulate Angela on this milestone achievement and thank her for years of service to the NFL Cheerleading industry. Thank you Angela! 

Learn More About Angela King-Twitero

See Other Historical AKD NFL Costumes

Angela holds a montage of photos presented to her at the Gold Rush Reunion. 

Angela conducts a TV interview after the halftime performance at Candlestick Park.

Angela performing during rehearsal at Candlestick Park.

Congratulations Angela King-Twitero!

AKD Outfits Miss Grand Prix Contestants

Angela King Designs is off to the races this weekend in Houston! 

As the official uniform designer and runway sponsor of the 2014 Miss Grand Prix of Houston Pageant, AKD is the chosen outfitter of all contestants and 2013 Miss Grand Prix of Houston Angela Anderson. 

CEO and Founder Angela King-Twitero served on the judging panel to select the 2014 winner during the final pageant on October 4. Pictured right on 2014 Miss Grand Prix of Houston Reagan Waters, AKD created one of a kind Grid Suits for the ladies to wear on the track during Grand Prix events. 

Angela King Designs attire were also showcased during the Runway Segment of the pageant, featuring new releases in the AKD Go Wild! Racewear collection. The show included a performance by Creedence Clearwater Revival and appearances by race car drivers such as Helio Castroneves, previous Indy 500 Winner. All events surrounded the official races of the Grand Prix of Houston. 

The new Miss Grand Prix of Houston will reign under a one year contract and receive a prize package valued at $5,000, including two uniforms by Angela King Designs. Congratulations to Reagan Waters! 

Visit the Miss Grand Prix of Houston Website

Shop AKD Racewear

Spotlight on AKD Junior Designer Kayla - Age 7

Blog #2: Following Kayla, Age 7, Chicago: Last month, we introduced you to Kayla - our Fall 2013 AKD Junior Designer! Kayla is a Junior Luvabulls Dancer, where she wears an official AKD Role Models junior costume. 

This summer, we asked Kayla to join us in Chicago as an AKD Brand Ambassador alongside National Sales Manager Laura Clark. Kayla visited the Chicago Going Pro Convention in uniform, where she met dancers and cheerleaders and modeled AKD apparel. Here she is with Clark in her Junior Luvabulls uniform. 

"Kayla was an outstanding representative of AKD!" said Clark. "One of the most important qualities of a cheerleader and a brand ambassador is a great smile and willingness to talk to people. Kayla exhibited both of those attributes, and she was a great company representative!" 

The highlight of Kayla's program as an AKD Junior Designer is that she will have her own design brought to life! Kayla submitted three fabulous sketches to Angela King Designs, and one of them will be created just for her this fall! Kayla's inspiration for the drawings roots from her love to dance and cheer. We can't reveal which one will be chosen, but we can show you her creativity! See below for the three designs in various colors and styles. Which is your favorite? 

As we speak, the AKD production department is selecting Kayla's fabrics and matching her sizes to prepare for the prototype production of Kayla's costume. With a wide variety of fabrics to choose from, the professionals are selecting from solids, metallics, prints, and sequins to create the perfect set. 

Check back with us later this month when we will reveal Kayla's selected costume and see her reaction as she receives it in her very own size.   

Follow the AKD Junior Designers

Apply to Become the Next Junior Designer

About the AKD Junior Designer Program: Our intentions in creating the AKD Role Models "Junior Designer" program are to promote design and creativity in our society's youth. We want to reach out to young designers and help them to realize their goals of becoming future fashion leaders. We hope that these Junior Designers will influence more children and teens to become young leaders and encourage them to follow their designing dreams.

AKD Holiday Wear Now Available!

With less than three months until the 2013 holiday season, how will you celebrate in style? 

Fans love to see creative holiday costuming! From crushed velvet to maribou fur to leopard fur and accents of red, green or gold - the AKD Go Wild! Wear Holiday Collection offers unique ideas for your team. 

Contact AKD at least 6 weeks in advance for custom holiday garments, and at least 4 weeks in advance for your Go Wild! order. 

Shop the Go Wild! Holiday Collection

Contact AKD for Custom Attire