49 AAPI Designers Changing the Fashion Industry

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If you ask someone to name an Asian American designer, chances are they’ll begin with Anna Sui or Vera Wang, who started their brands in the ‘80s. Their groundbreaking presence influenced and shaped the next wave of designers, all of whom rose to fame in the mid to late-00s. Brands like Jason Wu, Altuzarra, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Naeem Khan, Opening Ceremony, and Prabal Gurung have dressed celebrities and First Ladies and established themselves as role models for a new generation of budding creatives.

You can say we’re now firmly in wave three as the number of Asian American-helmed labels has grown exponentially, thanks in part to the generations that have incrementally increased our visibility. Whether it’s a buzzy new luxury line like Peter Do or a gender fluid, sustainable streetwear meets media brand like Bobblehaus, these brands combine millennial and Gen-Z sensibilities to rethink what it means to be AAPI. Read on for fifty fashion and accessories brands to know and support.

Ask someone to name an Asian-American designer, and chances are they’ll begin with one of the two who have been famous since the 1980s: Anna Sui or Vera Wang. The pair’s groundbreaking presence went on to shape a second wave of designers, all of whom rose to prominence in the mid- to late-’00s and whose names might also come to mind. Brands like Jason Wu, Altuzarra, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Naeem Khan, Opening Ceremony, and Prabal Gurung have dressed celebrities and first ladies and established themselves as role models for a new generation of budding creatives.

You could say we’re now firmly in wave three, as the number of Asian-American–helmed labels has grown exponentially, thanks in part to earlier generations who incrementally increased our visibility. From buzzy new luxury lines like Peter Do to gender-fluid, sustainable streetwear-meets-media labels like Bobblehaus, these brands combine millennial and Gen Z sensibilities to rethink what it means to be Asian-American or Pacific Islander. Read on for 49 fashion and accessories brands to know and support.

Peter Do

Right now, no one has more buzz than Peter Do (shown at right with rapper Johnny Suh at the 2022 Met Gala). The designer’s eponymous label—which he co-founded with friends Lydia Sukato, Vincent Ho, An Nguyen, and Jessica Wu—has cultivated a devoted following for its sleek, luxe creations. Do is Vietnamese, and his minimalist pieces tend to reference his cultural heritage and upbringing. They’re highly desirable, and the fashion world has taken notice—it was just announced he’ll be pulling double duty as creative director at Helmut Lang.

Button-Front Silk Wrap Shirt

Monse

Before Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia took over at Oscar de la Renta, they started their own label, Monse, in 2016 and now oversee both. The brand quickly became a fashion favorite, best known for knits and athleisure-inspired pieces. Now it counts Nicki Minaj and Daisy Ridley among its fans.

Cropped Paillette-Embellished Striped Wool Sweater

Deveaux

If you’re a minimalist who loves the Row, Deveaux will be a welcome addition to your wardrobe. Andrea Tsao and Matthew Breen originally founded the brand as a menswear label, but gained buzz in 2017 when they brought on street-style photographer Tommy Ton to helm the womenswear line. Their runway shows are a perennial favorite, mainly due to their diverse casting of men and women of all ages, races, and body shapes.

Janelle Drawstring Cotton Top

PH5

Founded by designer Wei Lin and Zoe Champion, PH5 features sustainable knits in colorful, architectural shapes. Their wavy hem has become a brand signature. A favorite of Gemma Chan’s, PH5 has collaborated with the likes of Kith and Fitbit.

Orange Peewee Shirt

Adeam

You know your brand is big when Naomi Osaka is collaborating with it. Designer Hanako Maeda of Adeam splits her time between Tokyo and New York and describes her approach as “East meets West.” Her clothes combine traditional techniques and sleek, modern silhouettes, with a dash of kawaii cuteness to keep things from getting too serious.

Water Stone Straight-Leg Belted Pants

Rui

Many have imitated Rui Zhou’s work for her namesake line Rui, but few can come close to her skill at making sexy knits that look like they’re barely threaded together. The body-positive line made a splashy debut at New York Fashion Week in 2018 and now counts the likes of Dua Lipa and Jennie from Blackpink as fans.

Black Cutout Tank Top

Rhude

Filipino-American Rhuigi Villaseñor rose to prominence through his brand Rhude, best known for colorful printed shirts and neutral drop-crotch sweats. He was appointed creative director of Bally in January 2022, but recently stepped down, leaving industry observers full of curiosity about what he’ll do next.

Green Bandana Sweater

Sandy Liang

What do you get when you mix ’90s nostalgia with a dash of Chinese grandma style? The result is Sandy Liang’s eponymous brand: whimsical, feminine pieces that are often modeled by her own popo. The brand has exploded in popularity thanks to Liang’s delicate dresses, ballet flats, and rosette hair accessories.

Opa Dress

Sundae School

In Asian countries, drugs tend to be both illegal and highly taboo, but Dae Lim aims to change that with his line Sundae School. Inspired by cannabis culture, the fleeces, tees, and shorts have tongue-in-cheek references to his Korean upbringing, as well as clever nods to religion. The brand also has its own array of pre-rolls and edibles, sold in California.

Yin-Yang Denim Maxi Tie Skirt

Chet Lo

New York–born Chet Lo might be located in London now, but his knits reflect his eclectic Chinese-American upbringing; he draws inspiration from everything from durian to anime. The spiky designs have become a Gen Z favorite, as seen on Doja Cat and Willow.

Spike-Textured long-Sleeve Top

Commission

In 2018, Huy Luong, Dylan Cao, and Jin Kay launched Commission, a line that’s an ode to their mothers’ sense of style. Luong and Cao are both Vietnamese, while Kay hails from Korea. Their blouses, skirts, and dresses draw on nostalgia for Asia in the ’80s and ’90s, but reflect a sense of modernity that keeps the line from looking costumelike or dated.

Asymmetric Cutout Stretch-Silk Satin Midi Dress

Ashlyn

It’s pretty rare for a designer to make it to the semifinals of the prestigious LVMH Prize for Young Designers with just three collections under her belt, but that’s what happened with Ashlynn Park, the designer behind Ashlyn. The zero-waste label features deconstructed jackets, tailored tops, and billowy skirts, all a result of the finely honed sensibility Park developed working for Yohji Yamamoto, Alexander Wang, and Calvin Klein.

Blade Satin-Lapel Crepe Cropped Jacket

YanYan

In Cantonese, YanYan means everyone—an audience that founders Phyllis Chan and Suzie Chung hope to reflect in their knitwear line, where they prioritize thoughtful design at every step of the process. Their creations combine classic Chinese details like frog clasps and embroidered details with modern silhouettes like crop tops and baggy shorts.

Tong Beach Chevron Stripe Pointelle Stitch Tank Top

Private Policy

Founders Haoran Li and Siying Qu created Private Policy in 2015, back when genderless fashion was still in its early stages. The line might feature trendy pieces like crop tops, sheer pants, and slinky swimwear, but there’s a serious message behind it: Qu and Li are outspoken about racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights.

Bow Knots Rib Knit Dress

Kim Shui

Spend enough time on TikTok and you’ll find that Kim Shui has a devoted following on the app. With her body-inclusive, unabashedly sexy pieces, Shui knows how to appeal to a Gen Z customer base that isn’t afraid to bare some skin or dive into early-Aughts nostalgia.

Beige Qi Pao Maxi Dress

Abacaxi

As a child, designer Sheena Sood would travel to India to visit relatives. During her time there, she developed a deep appreciation for her culture’s embroideries. Fast forward to adulthood, when her travels took her to everywhere from Brazil to Indonesia to Peru, and you can see the influences that shape her brand Abacaxi (which is the Portuguese word for pineapple). Sood uses traditional techniques ranging from handloom weaving to mirror-work beading and plant-dyeing for her colorful creations.

Bubble Tape Pink Shisha Mini Dress

Allina Liu

After stints at the Row and Rebecca Taylor, Allina Liu started her eponymous brand in 2015. The sweet, feminine creations draw from a wide array of inspirations—everything from 17th-century Dutch portraiture to the photography of Ren Hang.

Oden Bustier | Vermeer Floral

Fried Rice

Founder Maya Wang named her brand Fried Rice as a nod to her favorite comfort food, but it’s also fitting, since her business is based near Chinatown in New York City. The genderless streetwear brand is emerging as a Gen Z favorite thanks to its bold, graphic button-downs and slouchy cargos.

Wide Leg Pants

Dauphinette

Self-described as the happiest brand on earth, Dauphinette was founded by Olivia Cheng in 2018. She began with one-off creations made from recycled fur and leather jackets before expanding into other ready-to-wear pieces and accessories. The maximalist line’s signature: whimsical detailing ranging from pressed flowers to moonscapes to chili peppers.

Phlox Pendant Necklace

SVNR

Fashion publicist Christina Tung doesn’t just run her own public relations agency, House Of—she also started her own brand, SVNR, in 2018. The line, which features earrings that draw from Tung’s Chinese heritage as well as dyed slipdresses, is made in small batches as a way to encourage conscious consumption.

Xi’An Lifesaver

Mikoh

Sisters Olani and Kalani Miller were born and raised in Orange County, California, and spent their teen years surfing and modeling, so a swimwear line felt like the natural next step. Mikoh features stylish yet practical bikinis and one-pieces that are meant to be mixed and matched. Fun fact: The brand name is derived from the sisters’ last name combined with the first letters of their first names. (Hana, the youngest in the family, contributes the H.)

Queensland Cross Shoulder Bikini Top

Emme Parsons

Phoebe Philo fans who miss the simple footwear of the Old Celine era have taken solace in Emme Parsons’s line. The L.A.-based designer makes her minimalist sandals and boots in Italy. In addition to being chic, the shoes are also comfortable, with heel heights never going above three inches.

Bari Leather Sandals

Kara

If you’re looking for an affordable evening bag with plenty of shine, Sarah Law’s brand Kara is the name to know. Best known for chainmail-and-rhinestone-encrusted totes and clutches, the brand also offers sparkly bucket hats and face masks, as well as more restrained fare.

Crystal Mesh Tote Bag

JW Pei

With fans like Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski, and Megan Fox, JW Pei’s affordable bag line has become a runaway hit in the last few years. The vegan line was founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team Yang Pei and Stephanie Li, and features colorful faux-leather and suede creations in an array of hues. Most pieces are well under $200, with the Gabbi style being the most popular.

Gabbi Ruched Hobo Handbag

Bonbonwhims

One of the jewelry brands leading the Y2K resurgence is Clare Ngai’s Bonbonwhims, which is known for candy-colored sparkly rings and necklaces featuring everything from hearts to lips to zodiac signs. With fans like Ariana Grande and Olivia Rodrigo, the pastel-hued, over-the-top baubles tend to sell out every time Ngai drops a new collection.

Ling Bling Ring in Pink

Ren

During the pandemic, Crystal Ung was inspired to push back against rising anti-Asian sentiment with Ren, a line that celebrates the beauty of jade. Ren features both delicate, modern pieces and more traditional vintage items like bi discs and Buddha pendants. Gemma Chan’s a fan, choosing to wear the brand for her British Vogue cover.

Green Jadeite Ring No. 005

Kwaidan Editions

Husband-and-wife duo Hung La and Léa Dickely created Kwaidan Editions after years spent working at places like Balenciaga, Celine, and Rick Owens. Named after Masaki Kobayashi’s 1965 horror film, the brand is known for juxtaposing trippy prints with oversize tailoring.

Slim-Cut Button-Down Shirt

Chunks

Another Y2K trend that’s everywhere right now? Claw clips. You can thank Tiffany Ju’s brand Chunks for that resurgence. In 2019 she sought to create the perfect clip to keep her hair off of her face. The result, a checkered creation, became a social media hit. While the original shape remains one of the top sellers, Ju now carries patterned barrettes and clips as well.

Chunks Nimbus Claw Clip

Dawang

Designer Daisy Wang created Dawang as a way to fuse Chinese aesthetics like mandarin collars, frog clasps, and brocade fabrics with streetwear. Featuring sexy party tops as well as hoodies and track pants, the gender-fluid collection offers a contemporary take on chinoiserie.

Ada Beaded Apron Top

Bobblehaus

Founders Abi Lierheimer and Ophelia Chen created Bobblehaus as a genderless, sustainable streetwear line. The colorful tees, totes, and hats use deadstock, Tencel, and recycled cotton, with 10 trees planted for every purchase. Their site also serves as a content hub, with original stories on culture, art, and more.

BH Printed Powermesh Turtleneck

Covry

If you have a low nose bridge, it can feel like a never-ending quest to find sunglasses that don’t slide off your face. Seeking to change that, Athina Wang and Florence Shin created Covry, an eyewear brand with an emphasis on creating the right fit for a diverse customer base. Each piece has longer nose pads, a reduced frame curvature, and a narrowed nose bridge so it sits properly, without slippage.

Spica Cherry

Silk Pojagi Wrap Skirt

Senreve

Sometimes you just need a practical, organized work bag, and that’s where Senreve comes in. Created by Coral Chung, the brand uses Italian leather for its sleek designs, which put an emphasis on affordable luxury. It’s best known for the Maestra tote, a user-friendly piece with plenty of pockets.

The Maestra Bag

Katkim

Chunky accessories might be trendy now, but when it comes to fine jewelry, classic silhouettes remain popular. Founded by Katherine Kim, a Los Angeles–based designer who trained at Central Saint Martins, Katkim features elegant lines and delicate—though still eye-catching—pieces like her signature ear pins and curved diamond ear cuffs.

18k Yellow Gold Pave Charlie Ear Pin

Labucq

Former Rag & Bone director of footwear and accessories Lauren Bucquet knows how to make comfortable, interesting shoes that’ll sell out instantly. Her line Labucq uses Italian leather and features nostalgic designs like chunky slides and loafers that bring to mind late-’90s Steve Madden in the best way possible.

Atlas Slingback Sandals

Apede Mod

Jaquelyn Wang and Claudia Lin couldn’t find the kind of affordable and stylish bags they were looking for in stores, so they set out to design their own. Apede Mod—which takes its name from the Nubian god of independence and courage, Apedemak—is the result. Founded in 2016, the brand is known for playful and colorful tiny hobos and clutches that tuck under the arm.

Crocodile-Embossed Shoulder Bag

Danz

Starting a collection during the pandemic couldn’t have been easy, but for Danica Zheng, it was a chance to design the brand she’d always wanted. The designer, who splits her time between China and New York City, created Danz, a slinky label that’s equal parts ’90s minimalism and Y2K sexiness. With exaggerated jackets, low-slung leather skirts, and body-conscious silhouettes all in the mix, Zheng’s pieces are sleeper hits for anyone looking to have a hot-girl summer.

BioLeather Low Waist Maxi Skirt With Fishtail in Disco Silver

Ookioh

Chances are you’ve seen Ookioh’s swimsuits on your IG feed—they’ve been worn by the likes of Bella and Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Gabrielle Union. Founded by Vivek Agarwal, the eco-conscious line of bikinis and one-pieces has collaborated with indie shopping favorite Lisa Says Gah, as well as bigger retailers like J.Crew and Madewell.

Lisbon

Tina Baguette Nappa Ruched Almond

Seree

Quality jade can be incredibly expensive, but Chloe Zhao and Eva Zhang’s line Seree offers affordable, playful takes on the stone. In hues like lavender, pink, and yellow, the bangles, chunky rings, and zodiac-themed earrings are meant to be stacked and worn every day.

The Hearts Interlocking Jade Pendant Necklace

Nicole Saldana

Given that the legendary downtown New York retailer and clothing line Opening Ceremony was a big supporter of emerging designers, it’s no surprise that Nicole Saldana worked there before creating her own namesake shoe line. Made in Portugal, the chunky loafers, Mary Janes, and oxfords are a cool take on commuter-friendly shoes.

Isabel / Kiwi Metallic Napa

TR Black

Mohala

Named after the Hawaiian word for blossom or unfurl, Mohala was created after founder Ashley Mariko Johnson couldn’t find the right eyewear for her face. The Honolulu-based brand works with Room to Read, donating the equivalent of a week of school for every sunglasses purchase.

Keahi Special Fit Low 65mm Oversize Square Sunglasses

Notte

Another name to know in the nostalgic jewelry realm is Notte. Jessica Tse’s line of colorful, chunky creations draws inspiration from childhood favorites like Tamogotchis and Polly Pocket toys. Added to the mix are more subtle styles like pearl and puka-shell necklaces and bracelets, ideal for layering with the bigger pieces.

Glow With the Flow Earrings

R13

One of the coolest denim labels around is R13, founded by Chris Leba. Known for grunge-inspired designs like oversize plaid shirts worn with torn jeans and combat boots, the brand launched in 2009 but remained largely under the radar, mainly because Leba still had a day job at Ralph Lauren. It wasn’t until 2016 that R13 made its splashy runway debut, establishing it as a name to know.

Distressed Low-Rise Boyfriend Jeans

Split Popcorn Polo in Blush & Berry

Sani

Indian weddings require certain attire, and sisters Niki and Ritika Shamdasani, the founders behind Sani, saw an opportunity to offer direct-to-customer pieces that both honored their heritage and aligned with their youthful sensibilities. Thanks to their social media savvy (the two love TikTok), their label has grown exponentially and expanded into casualwear in the form of pajama sets. They now count the likes of Rent the Runway and Nordstrom as stockists, while celebrities like Karlie Kloss and Ashley Park are fans.

Embroidered Lounge Set in Green

Grace Lee

Since 2008, Grace Lee has been an under-the-radar label for those looking for sleek, minimalist fine jewelry that’s meant to be stacked. While some pieces are dainty, there are plenty with heft if you’re in the market for a special event piece. Lee also offers engagement rings, as well as Hangul (Korean alphabet) necklaces and rings that nod to her heritage.

Baroque Pearl Earrings

Humuhumu Bikini Top

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