With the massive increase in globalization thanks to social media, the world has become more aware of fashion and beauty trends in other countries. Styles we wear on a day-to-day basis, now have a clear origin, with wearers more aware of where their clothes and style influences come from. While we’re all hyper-aware of the “French Girl Aesthetic” and the “Downtown Girl”, we pay less attention to styles stemming from Asian culture, separate from the stereotypes.

While most of us can recognize the influence of Asian media forms (at least those that are more accepted in Western culture; ex. anime, and K-pop), we still find ourselves restricted. We’ve honed in on what we perceive to be Asian and excluded most other art and media forms. I love a good Kdrama as much as the next person, and the outfits are inspiration worthy, but so are the outfits seen in movies like Aisha, a 2010 Hindi adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma. The movie features vintage designer staples like Chanel and Christian Lacroix, but also traditional clothing such as a lehenga, designed by Indian designer Anamika Khanna. The film seamlessly blends Western and South Asian fashion and acts as a perfect example.

In the US, Asian American fashion designers largely began launching their labels in the 80s, with designers like Anna Sui, Vivienne Tam, and Kimora Lee Simmons emerging in a market ruled by the victors of the Battle of Versailles. The rise of Asian American labels in the US is relatively recent, but Asian American contributions are not. Asian immigrants, particularly women of the first generation, were often employed as seamstresses, bearing the heavy burdens of manufacturing for none of the acclaims. Despite their integral role in the fashion industry, Asian American designers faced significant barriers to entry. Many were not taken seriously by the fashion establishment, which often viewed them as “exotic” or “other.” Others struggled to find financial backing for their designs and had to work tirelessly to build their brands from the ground up.

However, despite these challenges, Asian American designers have persisted and continue to make significant contributions to the fashion industry. In recent years, designers such as Prabal Gurung, Phillip Lim, and Alexander Wang have achieved international recognition for their innovative designs and unique perspectives. Asian American designers have been at the forefront of efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. They have been vocal about the need to recognize and celebrate the contributions of designers from diverse backgrounds, and have worked to create more opportunities for aspiring designers from underrepresented communities.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to promote Pacific Islander representation and visibility in the fashion industry. One notable figure in this movement is designer and activist Pili Mo’o, who has been working to promote Pacific Islander fashion and culture through her designs and advocacy.

Historically, Pacific Islanders have been involved in the fashion industry as models, with notable figures such as Fiji-born model Vinoo Cameron and Samoan model Trish Goff achieving international success. However, Pacific Islander designers have faced significant barriers to entry, with many struggling to find the resources and support needed to launch and sustain a fashion label.
Despite these challenges, there have been some notable Pacific Islander designers who have made their mark on the industry. One such designer is Samoan-born, New Zealand-raised, and Los Angeles-based fashion designer, Monica Lui, who has gained recognition for her bold, colorful designs that reflect her Pacific Islander heritage.

As of late, Pacific Islanders have also been gaining more visibility in the fashion industry through cultural events and fashion shows, such as the Pacific Runway Fashion Show, which showcases Pacific Islander fashion and talent.

With a growing number of mainstream spaces for AAPI designers and culture, we’re seeing brands like BONBONWHIMS taking the Y2K trend by storm, and those like HoliCHIC, that highlight common cultural textiles and patterns. Qipao crop tops and sustainable cashmere have appeared in the Western market thanks to the efforts of Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islanders who saw the beauty in their culture and used it to inspire the next generation of fashion. Through their designs, they have been able to promote cultural exchange and appreciation, as well as promote sustainability and ethical practices in the industry. As the fashion industry continues to evolve and diversify, it is clear that these designers will continue to play an important role in shaping the future of fashion.