60+ Asian (American) and Pacific Islander-Owned Fashion Brands to Support Today, Tomorrow, And Forever
From pioneering designers who changed the landscape of fashion itself to up-and-coming indie brands, shop and support these A(A)PI brands for life.
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3.1 Phillip Lim
Phillip Lim has been creating accessible luxury since 2005. The designer's offerings under his brand 3.1 Phillip Lim range from reliable trenches to accessories you'll own forever.
Prabal Gurung
Prabal Gurung is always a highlight during New York Fashion Week, with celebrity friends ranging from Michelle Obama to A-listers outfitted in his gowns at the Met Gala. Most recently, he launched a bridal collection that we expect to soar.
Sandy Liang
Sandy Liang is Chinatown's finest. The designer is known for subverting items like the fleece jacket, elevating the gorpwear mainstay to a status symbol.
Claudia Li
Since founding her namesake label in 2015, New Zealand-bred designer Claudia Li has steadily gained traction for her playful use of shape, color, and recently, '80s prom-inspired headbands in collaboration with Fruta.
Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta was a Dominican-born designer who built an empire of couture and ready-to-wear. He passed the torch to two budding designers in his atelier to head the brand as co-creative directors, Asian designer Laura Kim and Fernando Garci. The two carry on the legacy beautifully.
Monse
Rui
You've probably seen everyone from Dua Lipa to Lil Miquela wear Rui Zhou's cut out bodysuits, and we can't wait to see what's next for her brand.
Jason Wu
Thakoon
Since launching his brand in 2004, the Thai-American designer Thakoon Panichgul pivoted his ready-to-wear collection to easy separates in 2019, creating a direct-to-consumer brand that aims for inclusivity. The result is equally chic options with a budget-friendly price tag.
Allina Liu
We wouldn't be surprised if you've seen some of Allina Lius' romantic blouses on your feed already. After cutting her teeth at The Row and Thakoon, the designer launched her own brand of feminine offerings that belong in a painting.
Public School
Public School is for cool people. Co-designed by Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne, the brand is known for its high-end street style and always-sold-out collaborations. Case in point: these hyped-up clog-sneaker-snapback hybrids.
Bibhu Mohapatra
Born in India and based in New York, Bibhu Mohapatra has become synonymous with city glamour. Look to this storied label for your next gala.
Yohji Yamamoto
The Japanese designer is known for his subversion of clothing as a whole, with a deft hand for creating unforgettable, avant-garde fashion. His ongoing y-3 line with Adidas is not to be missed.
Altuzarra
When we say easy, perfect dresses, we mean easy, perfect dresses by Joseph Altuzarra. Founded in 2008, the designer pulls form his French, American, and Chinese backgrounds.
Asian American Girls Club
Asian American Girls Club is founder Ally Maki's answer to the Girl Scouts, but make it inclusive. She told ELLE: “I wanted to change the narrative of what a club should feel like, what a club can be for you, your self-worth, identity and confidence.”
Derek Lam
Born in San Francisco and now based in NYC, Derek Lam is a Chinese-American designer heralding modern American sportswear. Think classic silhouettes, modern tailoring, and easy basics.
Kinn
Fine jewelry doesn't have to feel inaccessible, according to Kinn founder Jennie Yoon. She started her brand with the aim of replacing her family's beloved heirlooms. The result are classic, solid gold pieces to last you a lifetime.
RHUDE
American sportswear meets street style at Rhude. The Filipino American designer Rhuigi Villaseñor counts A$AP Rocky and Travis Scott as friends and fans, so you're in good company if you invest in this label.
MIKIMOTO
Mikimoto is the Rolls Royce of the pearl industry. The Japanese jewelry brand has been churning out classic strands for more than 120 years, and its collaboration with Comme des Garçons ushered it into 2021.
Junya Watanabe
Look to Junya to up your fashion rep among both the high fashion. and street style crowds. With Rei Kawakubo as his mentor, expect a similar vein of irrelevant design, but with a more youthful, punk aesthetic.
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