And just in time for Asian Heritage Month.
Fashion is increasingly evolving. From designers like Sandy Liang, who recently collaborated with Baggu and dropped a collection that sold out instantaneously, to Peter Do, who was appointed creative director of Helmut Lang and is breathing new life into the brand, there’s no shortage of gifted racialized designers. Yet despite these success stories, we’re still living in a time where all the creative directors at Kering are white men — despite an abundance of talent existing outside that demographic.
May marks Asian Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the history and culture of the community. Expanding our knowledge and appreciation of designers — Asian, and beyond — is crucial for a more inclusive and representative fashion landscape. And while every day is a good day to diversify who you’re supporting in the fashion industry, there’s even more reason to carve out space to spotlight Asian designers this month. Here are some Asian fashion designers spanning the diaspora and shaping the fashion landscape, locally and globally.
Allina Liu
Having worked at prestigious fashion houses like The Row and J.Crew, Allina Liu launched her namesake label in 2015, dressing celebrities such as Cardi B, Justine Skye and Awkwafina in her designs. Drawing inspiration from Shibari (Japanese Knot Tying) and 17th-century Dutch portraiture, Liu, a New York-based American Chinese designer, seamlessly blends her influences into the garments.
Her brand not only champions the “girl” aesthetic visually but expands upon the discourse, moving beyond the connotation of girlhood as solely youth and innocence. Infusing her pieces with a unique blend of sensuality and femininity, Liu’s twist — or should we say knot? — on the take is undeniably captivating.
Supriya Lele
Popular amongst the It girls, with Kylie Jenner being the latest to rock the label, Supriya Lele is a British-Indian designer known for her sari-inspired dresses. The designer, who obtained an MA in fashion at London’s Royal College of Art, has gone on to join the British Fashion Council’s Newgen program in addition to being recognized as a LVMH Prize Fund recipient.
Subversive silhouettes in bright colours and sheer fabrics are quintessential to the brand and are perfect for a night out on the town.
Soonyoung Kim and Sungeun Um of Marge…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at FASHION Magazine…