AAPI Brands You Need to Know Now
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As a personal stylist for women, I can’t get enough of new, interesting brands. And as a human doing my best to live my values and help my clients do the same, few things are as exciting to me as discovering new brands that are making the world better with beautiful pieces AND a commitment to their values.
It’s true, I often have clients ask for more brands founded by women, people of color or other folks that don’t often have the same funding opportunities. If you are looking for new black owned brands making innovative pieces, this blog post is for you. Fortunately, we are also seeing an increased presence of creative brands with Asian American female founders. Let’s make sure they are on your radar, too. And rest assured, there are more coming everyday.
Before you dive in, you might be asking why it matters that a brand has women of color as founders, and that’s a fair question. Historically, women-led startups receive just 2.3% of Venture Capital funding. Every purchase you make from a brand with a female founder or a founder of color communicates to funders that there is a market for these ideas and that these founders should receive investment. Brands that are size inclusive are also sending a message to investors. We can’t do everything and it’s pointless to try, but when you are able, shopping your values (whatever they are) really does make a difference.
One more thing, you’ll also find brands embracing size inclusivity, sustainability, designed in the US and more on this list. It’s important to shop YOUR values, when the opportunity strikes, whatever those are. I find that including this information helps folks realize that they do care where or how something is made and may have not considered this before. We’re all evolving on so many issues. Ideally, these posts give you more information to marinate on and some super fun eye candy.
3 Innovative Brands with Female Asian American Pacific Islander Founders that you Don’t Want to Miss
Sandy Liang
Everything about Sandy Liang’s pieces make you feel like you are a part of the vibrant New York fashion scene. Her unusual, fashion forward pieces are sure to create conversation and will quickly become signature pieces. In a word: legendary.
Black lamb fitted leather coat with white Tigrado shearling peter pan collar made by an innovative legendary AAPI designer. Available up to size large.
Expressive hair accessories like this oversized flower from a legendary AAPI designer based in NYC.
Mood board inspired fitted muscle tee by a legendary AAPI Designer. Available up to size XL.
Smocked cotton knickers designed by a legendary and experimental Asian American Pacific Islander designer based in NYC. Available in three colors and to size XL.
Gorgeous reversible Reversible black Napa leather and cream shearling coat by legendary AAPI designer.
Gorgeous reversible Reversible black Napa leather and cream shearling coat by legendary AAPI designer.
Leze the Label
I’m a super fan of this brand with functional, minimalist pieces that are ideal for travel. Sustainably made from beech trees or fishing nets, each piece is size inclusive up to 3X with gender neutral options and coordinated sets. Need more reasons to dive into this brand? Oprah included it on her favorite things list! Check out a collection of my favorites in this blog post.
Reversible super soft and flattering top made from recycled fishing nets, Asian American female founders (AAPI founders) and available to size 3X.
Reversible super soft and flattering top made from recycled fishing nets, Asian American female founders (AAPI founders) and available to size 3X.
Sundae School
Don’t be afraid to explore this Korean inspired streetwear brand, even if it feels a bit off the mark for you. You may discover unconventional pieces that can fit right into your wardrobe, like the utility skirt or cardigan below. Each piece is designed in California and made in Korea. Sundae School is all Gen Y all the time including gender neutral pieces with options specifically for women, too. Be sure to catch the parachute pants, bungee cords and other elements that give the brand a late 90’s/ early 2000’s vibe.
Not your average bikini, this AAPI founded brand is designed in California and made in Korea. Try tying the top multiple ways for maximum flexibility.
A transparent packable anorak is super functional. This AAPI founded brand is designed in California and made in Korea.
A super hip and functional utility mini skirt- just right for your outdoorsy self, this AAPI founded brand is designed in California and made in Korea.
Stock up on basics like this cropped tank by this AAPI founded brand is designed in California and made in Korea.
This asymmetrical cardigan comes in two colors and is available to size XL. AAPI Founder.
Cashmere sourced from “Fence Free Grazing” animals in this coordinated set that you can purchase separately and is available in two colors. This brand is all over TikTok, designed in California with an AAPI founder. Available up to size L/XL.
Behind the scenes with Poplin client Bridget at her photo shoot. Photo by Andrea Prudente Icon Photo.
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