Author: Alexandra Stagliano

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. While it is important to acknowledge the many contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make year-round to the United States, this month is a time to highlight the diverse AAPI cultures and peoples, especially keeping in mind the heightened discrimination they are facing.

In honor of AAPI Heritage Month we are highlighting ten AAPI-owned fashion brands that you need to have on your radar. We also encourage you to donate to non-profit organizations supporting Asian and Pacific Islander communities; some great NGOs to support include the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund, APALA, Stop AAPI Hate and the Asian Pacific Fund.

1. Yuhan Wang

Yuhan Wang is a luxury womenswear brand based in London offering ethereal apparel and accessories. Established by the eponymous designer in 2018, Wang’s collections are influenced by traditional Chinese concepts of femininity and its connection to Western Culture.

Hand Crocheted Rose Dress ($1,259) | KSENIA Floral Rushed Cotton Jacket ($765.63) | Embroidered Grape Blouse ($824.85) | Embroidered Grape Ruched Skirt ($864.33)

2. Allina Liu

Having honed her skills as a veteran designer at The Row, Rebecca Taylor and Thakoon, Allina Liu launched her non-seasonal namesake brand in 2015. Inspired by Chinese Photographer Ren Hang, Korean fiber artist Do-ho Suh, and 17th century Dutch portraiture, Liu’s whimsical and sensual designs have garnered celebrity fans, including Awkwafina, Cardi B and Ji Hye Park. In addition to producing and sampling every piece locally in New York City, Allina Liu is committed to transparency, increasing sustainability initiatives, and ensuring ethical work conditions.

Celene Dress Midnight Dot ($195) | Sigrid Top Oxford ($145) | Idun Top Milk ($125) | Sol Skirt Milk ($115)

3. Back Beat Co.

Back Beat Co. infuses modern basics with influences of old school California surf and skate culture. Committed to sustainability and social responsibility, Back Beat Co. prioritizes mindfully source materials and ensuring ethical working conditions for their employees. The brand’s styles are laid back wearables that embody their California cool roots with bright patterns and relaxed silhouettes.

Organic Cotton Wave Sweater ($145) | Organic Cotton Finn Pant ($150) | Organic Cotton Everyday Jumpsuit ($138) | Hemp Crop Sweatshirt ($88)

4. THAKOON

After many years of covering fashion as an editor for Harper’s Bazaar, Thakoon Panichgul was inspired to become a designer and enrolled at Parsons School of Design. In 2019, Panichgul launched THAKOON, a womenswear brand that reimagines the everyday wardrobe with elegant, timeless staples. Simple and affordable, THAKOON offers designs that are functional, well-made and effortlessly chic.

Striped Wrap Mini Dress ($190) | Zip-Up Sweatsuit ($150) | Ruched Mini Dress ($250) | Cropped Wool Cardigan ($195)

5. Almina Concept

Founded by Angela Gahng, a former fashion merchandizer, Almina Concept is dedicated to offering high-quality, contemporary styles at a competitive price. Almina Concept’s curated designs reflect the founder’s modern and simple, yet sophisticated sensibility.

The 1/2 Zip Sweatshirt ($88) | The Boyfriend Sweat Shorts ($68) | The Linen Utility Playsuit ($188) | Camisole Linen Jumpsuit ($128)

6. Kur Collection

Inspired by the heritage and style of old Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan designer, Kasuni Rathnasuriya’s Kur Collection is a unique contemporary ready-to-wear and sleepwear. Intent on creating “one-of-a-kind” clothing, Rathnasuriya incorporates artisanal, handmade pieces into each of her collections.

Long Sleeve Jumpsuit with Detachable Belt ($180) | Puff Sleeves Open Back Dress ($250) | Contour Shirt ($80) | Long Nightgown ($150)

7. Dauphinette

Proclaiming to be the “happiest brand on earth,” Dauphinette is a unique womenswear brand that was founded by Olivia Cheng in 2018. Cheng debuted the collection with one-of-a-kind outerwear crafted from recycled and byproduct fur and leather, vintage materials, and artisinal components. Since then, the New York-based brand has expanded to include a selection of bold and dreamy ready-to-wear, handbags and accessories.

Chinoiserie Sophia Turtleneck ($195) | Bleeding Hearts Top – Scrapbook ($290) | Bleeding Hearts Dress – Moth ($590) | Daisy Chainmaille Top ($695)

8. Mien

Los Angeles-based clothing brand, Mien, offers a range of effortless and comfortable womenswear styles with a size range of XS-3XL. Founded by designer, Lisa Hsieh, Mien’s mission is to provide sustainable, locally crafted fashion to a diverse customer base.

Villa Flutter Sleeve Jumpsuit ($148) | Mien x Milk Dyes Painters Button Jacket ($195) | Maison Midi Dress ($168) | The Weekender Button Front Dress ($148)

9. Sandy Liang

Founded by designer, Sandy Liang, this eponymous luxury brand offers playful styles inspired by ’90s nostalgia. Perhaps best known for her unique, stylish fleeces, Liang’s feminine designs have become favorites of celebs such as Aidy Bryant, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid.

Stum Dress ($445) | Imo Top ($440) | Sense Dress in Balm ($585) | Naomi Cardigan ($625)

10. abacaxi

Named after Portuguese word for pineapple, abacaxi is a unique and vibrant clothing brand founded by South Asian American designer, Sheena Sood. Using handcrafted techniques, Sood plays on traditional silhouettes with bold and vivacious colors, marrying her influences of the tropical spirit and NYC-inspired edge.

Daphne Blouse in Confetti Chambray ($220) | Shibori Balloon Sleeve Hoodie ($200) | Sandia Silk Slip Dress ($425) | Tie-dye Long Sleeve Top ($185)