If you keep up with fashion news, runway shows and the trending styles of #FashionTok, you might already be familiar with our list. But for those who are novice enthusiasts or are just a fan of pretty clothes, these six Asian and Pacific Islander designers and brands are making big waves with their fresh perspectives and innovative creations.
AMESH
Founded by 2022 LVMH Young Fashion Designer Prize semi-finalist Amesh Wijesekera, AMESH is a brand with a distinct understanding of textiles, using vibrant colors and textures to establish itself apart from other labels. Wijesekera heavily emphasizes craftsmanship and sustainability, often working with artisan communities across his home country of Sri Lanka to create handmade pieces and using deadstock fabrics to reduce waste in his manufacturing. His designs and styling often reflect his heritage, childhood and identity, taking inspiration from the natural environment he grew up in.
Kiri Nathan
Kiri Nathan is proving that designer clothes don’t have to be Eurocentric. This Aotearoa New Zealand-based designer embraces Māori practices, like traditional weaving and carving techniques, to create innovative garments that reflect cultural significance while still maintaining contemporary designs. Nathan has used her acclaim in the industry to create collectives and incubators for other Māori designers who are finding their footing in the industry. Not only has she been worn by the likes of Barack Obama, Beyoncé and Auli’i Cravalho, she is also the first Māori designer to open New Zealand Fashion Week in its 20-year history.
Miss Sohee
Those who like their designer fashion with a sprinkling of fine art will love the work of Sohee Park, the creative mind behind the couture brand Miss Sohee. Specializing in bespoke womenswear, her designs seem just as home on the runway as they are in galleries, often playing with rich textures, intricate embroidery and beading, and silhouettes…
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