In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we have compiled a list of AAPI-owned fashion brands that we admire, all of which are also women-owned!
Sandy Liang
Sandy Liang is a visionary brand that has been making a significant impact on the fashion scene since its establishment in 2014 by the Queens-born designer herself. The brand quickly gained recognition with its debut collection, which drew inspiration from Liang's beloved grandmother, who also graced the brand's photoshoots. Growing up in Bayside, Queens, Liang incorporates her Chinese heritage and cultural references into her creative process. In an interview with the South China Morning Post Liang shared, "Maybe I’m not authentically 100 per cent Chinese because I grew up in the US. It’s part of my culture. My parents are both immigrants. I love that. When I launched the brand, I was doing a lot of photo shoots in Chinatown, and many new brands are doing that now. But they are not Chinese."
Monse
Monse was founded in 2015 by Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, co-creative directors of Oscar de la Renta. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Laura became enamored with fashion as a child. Her fascination with the industry grew as she learned sewing skills and accompanied her grandmother to textile markets, where she worked. Later, while pursuing a fashion degree at Pratt Institute, Laura interned for esteemed brands such as Donna Karan, TSE Cashmere, and Oscar de la Renta. Following graduation Laura accepted a full-time position at Oscar de la Renta, a decision that would have a powerful influence on her career.
Shop: https://monse.com/
Nana Jacqueline
Exuding an aura of romance and allure, the Los Angeles-based brand has caught the attention of some of the biggest style stars, including Hailey Bieber, Ariana Grande and Blackpink members Rosé, Jennie and Lisa. Established in 2013 by Jacqueline Zhang and Nana Li, two Chinese American women, Nana Jacqueline boasts a diverse selection of garments that showcase shimmering pastels, intricately adorned accents, asymmetrical patterns, and otherworldly silhouettes.
Kim Shui
Well before brands were embracing daring cutouts or advocating for more diverse representation, Kim Shui was already forging her own path. Born in America to Chinese parents, Shui was raised in Rome and educated in London, and experienced multicultural upbringing that greatly influences her designs. After graduating from Duke University with a degree in economics, she had no intention of going into fashion. However, in 2016, she established her namesake brand which combines traditional Eastern fabrics with cutouts and high hemlines on every type of body. Shui's work epitomizes the essence of embracing one's sexuality and confidence.
Shop: https://kimshui.net/
Notte
Notte is a vibrant and joyful fashion brand founded by Tse, a Hong Kong native with a passion for design. Inspired by her mother and influential designers like Anna Sui, Phoebe Philo, and Miuccia Prada, Tse's personal style and work are reflections of her love for clothing and experimentation with different trends. Notte encapsulates the essence of happiness, with smiley-face beads, floral resin, and freshwater pearls as signature materials in her jewelry creations. Tse's designs have gained popularity among celebrities such as Evan Mock, Olivia Rodrigo, Bella Hadid, Madison Beer, and Chloe Kim. Rooted in her nostalgic connection to Hong Kong, Tse infuses her designs with colorful, fun accessories that reflect her upbringing.
Tse is dedicated to supporting the AAPI community, as a portion of Notte's proceeds is donated to Heart of Dinner. Tse encourages consumers to embrace AAPI-owned brands and products to help combat discrimination.
BONBONWHIMS
Clare Ngai is the founder and CEO of New York based jewelry and accessory brand, BONBONWHIMS. In just two years, the brand has been recognized as a "trailblazing women-owned brand" on the TODAY Show, featured in the New York Times, VOGUE, Forbes and Harper's BAZAAR. The Y2K-inspired brand has garnered a loyal following of celebrities, ranging from Ariana Grande and Doja Cat to Bella Hadid. Originally from Hong Kong, Clare immigrated to the U.S. to pursue a journalism degree, and she now lives in Dumbo, Brooklyn with her husband and two dogs.
Shop: https://bonbonwhims.com/
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