AAPI Owned Fashion Brands to Support This May
May is Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month which is a time to honor and celebrate members of the AAPI community. Here we are spotlighting several AAPI owned fashion brands and the creators behind them that are leaving their mark on the fashion industry. Fashion is for all and fashion should be inclusive, so it’s important to recognize these changemakers in the industry that are paving a more inclusive and diverse path for the future.
Three first generation immigrants, Huy Luong, Dylan Cao, and Jin Kay, are the designers behind Commission. The brand was launched in 2018, but it draws much of its styles and inspirations from the 80s and 90s. Commission is about blending the designers’ Asian heritage with Western style. High rise flare jeans, floral bodysuits, and form fitting cardigans are some of Commission’s key pieces that take the brand to the next level.
Another brand that draws inspiration from both eastern and western fashion is Dawang, a contemporary streetwear brand. The founder, Daisy Wang, is Chinese-born, and while taking a class at Parsons, realized there was no one creating elevated Asian streetwear. This motivated her to start Dawang where she combines western trends and tailoring with Chinese fabrics and traditional chinoiserie apparel.
Designer Hanako Maeda split her time between Tokyo and New York growing up which is directly reflected in her brand ADEAM. Originally, after graduating from Columbia University, she went to work for her parents’ luxury fashion house in Tokyo called FOXEY. Then in 2012, she branched off on her own to launch her own label in 2012, and debuted at New York Fashion Week in 2013. ADEAM’s feminie and kawaii touch has drawn in major celebrities. Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Gemma Chan, and Anne Hathaway have all become fans of Maeda’s brand. In 2020, ADEAM collaborated with tennis star Naomi Osaka to create a line that was inspired by both Maeda’s and Osaka’s Japanese heritage.
Giving a tropical twist to New York style is Sheena Sood, the mind behind the sustainable label abacaxi. The South Asian-American designer draws inspiration from her travels to India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Vietnam where she developed a passion for Indigenous textiles. Abacaxi, which is the Portuguese word for pineapple, uses traditional textile techniques from India and other parts of the world including handloom weaving, mirror work beading, schiffli embroidery, and plant-dyeing. Abacaxi’s cultural inspirations result in beautiful, colorful garments.
Social Work was started in 2018 by Shanghai-raised designer Chengui Zhang. The label features nostalgic androgynous styles rooted in New York culture. The vintage feel of Social Work’s styles include flared pants, pleated skirts, and button up tops. Zhang and his label are dedicated to being transparent with their production. They share where their clothes are made as well as who the clothes are made by. Part of Social Work’s SS19 collection was modeled by the same New York Garment District workers that made the clothes. The label’s values are just as exceptional as its designs.
There are many amazing and creative AAPI owned fashion brands out there that bring fresh perspectives and unique designs to the world. This month is a great time to check out these talented designers and their beautiful designs.