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26 AAPI-Owned Fashion Brands That Stock The Chicest Trends

There’s something for everyone.

by Mekita Rivas, Dominique Norman and Alyssa Lapid
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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The month of May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the AAPI community and its countless contributions to society. Among the many are fashion brands that every style girlie needs to know, stat.

Designer Sandy Liang, for example, built a cult following in New York for her whimsical and ’90s-inspired collections. Meanwhile, YanYan and Ph5 continue to impress with their mastery of knitwear. When it comes to accouterments, fans of playful Y2K-era styles are also well-represented with brands like BONBONWHIMS and NOTTE, beloved by celebs like Ariana Grande and Olivia Rodrigo, respectively.

Accessory brand from Singapore Charles & Keith has been an institution since 1996, and shows no signs of slowing down — especially after K-pop stars have been spotted rocking the on-trend items. Meanwhile, JW Pei’s Gigi handbag was catapulted to it-bag status after being spotted on the arms of Emily Ratajkowski and Gigi Hadid.

Especially with the Asian community having been severely impacted by racism and anti-Asian sentiments in the last few years, supporting Asian American-owned brands not only shows solidarity, but many brands are donating proceeds to organizations like the W.O.W. Project and Heart of Dinner. So your hard-earned dollars also go to charities and underserved communities — a total win in my book.

Ahead, you’ll find 26 AAPI-owned fashion brands that you should support today and every day.

1Christine Alcalay

Vietnamese American designer Christine Alcalay’s forte is redefining modern suiting. Think: three-piece suits with palazzo pants, corduroy, and floral-print velvets — all proof that workwear need not be boring. Bonus: Emily Blunt and Karlie Kloss are also fans.

2Find Me Now

Su Paek and daughter Stephanie Callahan launched Find Me Now in 2020 after their family-owned label began to feel unsustainable. With sheer knits, cut-out dresses, and unique, groovy prints, they stock all the hot trends you’re shopping for.

3Sandy Liang

’90s-era nostalgia is at the heart of Sandy Liang’s designs, which feature playful cut-outs, ultra-feminine silhouettes, and Carrie Bradshaw-inspired rosettes. Her jewelry, like heart-shaped earrings, also channels everyone’s collective youth. Liang’s most recent hits, however, are her dancer-inspired shoes (see this square-toe, bow-bedecked ballerina pump).

4TAI Jewelry

Founder Tai Rittichai was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand and started the self-named jewelry brand in 2002. After nearly 20 years as a jewelry designer, Rittichai works with Thai artisans to crate dainty pieces that will level up any jewelry box.

5Ph5

Ph5 was founded by Wei Lin in 2014 and is designed by Zoe Champion. Its approach to knitwear has a whimsical aesthetic — think tie-dy and patchwork details, as well as wavy, asymmetrical hemlines.

6JW PEI

Loved by stars like Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski, JW Pei designs every bag style you can think of. Plus, they’re awash in all shades of the rainbow (and then some), as seen on this cherry red ruched strap Gabbi purse.

7YanYan

Designed in Hong Kong and knitted in China, what’s not to love about this vibrant knitwear brand? Don’t forget to snag the matching top.

8Charles & Keith

The Singaporean accessory label Charles & Keith already counts Jennifer Lopez, Emily Ratajkowski, and BlackPink among its fans. Primarily selling shoes and bags, the brand offers an extensive catalog of chic styles to choose from, including slingbacks, heeled Mary Janes, and vertiginous platform pumps, aka some of the buzziest footwear trends. If you’re at a loss on what to purchase first, consider these beaded sandals for summer.

9Abacaxi

If unexpected uses of color are what you’re after, this is it. Abacaxi — the Portuguese word for pineapple — merges a vibrant tropical spirit with the frenetic energy of NYC, where the brand’s designer, Sheena Sood, lives.

10SVNR

Founded in 2018, the Brooklyn-based brand makes jewelry with reused, up-cycled, and natural materials. On the apparel front, SVNR’s elegant silk pieces are hand-dyed and made to order.

11L'Oeuf Poché

Founder Ami Hongo started the company in Los Angeles in 2010. Her goal: to create high-quality women’s tennis activewear that can take you from the court to the street in style.

12NOTTE

Designer and founder Jessica Tse created NOTTE as an homage to her two homes: NYC and Florence, Italy. With fans like Bella Hadid, Olivia Rodrigo, and Madison Beer, the former accessories trend director clearly knows jewelry.

13LEZÉ

This sustainable fashion brand uses recycled fishing nets to create its super soft workwear staples. The founders, who prefer PJs to stiff pantsuits, design professional staples that look and feel like a happy medium between the two.

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14OOKIOH

Make your beachside hangs infinitely chicer with swimsuits from OOKIOH, founded by Vivek Agarwal. Playful suits in retro floral prints, vivid hues, and overall-inspired buckle straps are just some of the brand’s offerings — and all guarantee a sun-kissed slay.

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15BONBONWHIMS

For the nostalgic fashion lover who never quite let go of trends from the early aughts, this brand is a goldmine. From charm bracelets to fuzzy bags, Y2K-era style lives on, thanks to BONBONWHIMS.

16Almina Concept

The category is elevated essentials, and Almina Concept is here to deliver. From cozy basics to dressier date night options, like this silk slip skirt, consider the fashion brand a one-stop shop for an impeccably classic wardrobe.

17Heymaeve

Looking for everyday jewelry that’s classic, water-resistant, hypoallergenic, and nickel-free? Heymaeve has dainty hoops and playful necklaces that you’ll reach for time and again.

18Brevitē

Brevitē was founded in 2015 by Elliot, Dylan, and Brandon Kim after searching for a bag that could support their everyday needs, function as a bag for travel, and still look good. Every bag is made out of recycled water bottles and comes with a lifetime warranty.

19Senreve

This luxury DTC accessories brand is beloved by celebrity fans like Gabrielle Union, Lady Gaga, and Angelina Jolie. Its signature styles come in an array of summertime hues, like lavender, tangerine, and mint.

20Rellery

You’ve probably already seen Rellery’s designs sparkling on the fists of fashion influencers or at the neck of Selena Gomez. The brand has every dainty jewelry design you need, and should your jewelry ever tarnish, you can send it back for a repair or a free replacement.

21Aranáz

Handbag label Aranáz is all about that tropical ethos. Raffia totes with flamingo embroideries? Crochet bucket bags? I’m already transported to an island getaway. Plus, all of Aranáz’s bags are hand-made in the Philippines from natural items like rattan, abaca, and other locally sourced materials.

22Behno

Founded by Shivam Punjya, Behno partners with local artisans in India to weave traditional craftsmanship with contemporary pieces. The result is a collection of pebbled east-west baguettes, ruched crossbody options, and knotted top handle bags.

23Kara Yoo

For 11 years, Kara Yoo has been crafting demi-fine jewelry full of Y2K nostalgia: silk cord necklaces, floral earrings, and beaded options. Her recent beribboned collection is perfect for coquettecore aficionados, like Katy Perry, who’s partial to the the pearl bow earrings.

24WISKII Active

Give your workout wardrobe a boost with WISKII Active, the Hong Kong-based brand founded by Katherine Moon. Scalloped yoga pants, sports bras with keyhole cut-outs, and even the swimwear come in buttery soft fabrics. The label also has options for tennis players (or tenniscore enthusiasts).

25Maison Miru

For buildable jewelry you can wear on the daily, look no further than Trisha Okubo’s Maison Miru. The New York-based label, however, is most known for its nap earrings — a reverse-engineered flat-back earring you can wear all day and all night, even while catching zzzs. They’re also waterproof and sweatproof.

26NIA The Label

Sonia Parvaneh founded NIA (a play on her name) in 2019 and has since been playfully tapping into the tenets of girlhood. Her designs include pieces punctuated with ruffles, ribbons, and pleats, as well as those that evoke whimsy like bubble skirts and see-through lace.

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