13 AAPI-Owned Labels to Love Now and Always
The month of May is Asian American Pacific Islander Month (aka AAPI month), and since we all benefit when we think through how our shopping habits affect the communities around us, we’ve compiled a list of some of the standout AAPI-owned labels to add to your style rotation. From sweet jewelry confections by BonbonWhims to directional denim by R13, we hope this edit will kickstart your year-round journey of supportive shopping—while simultaneously making you look and feel your best.
1. BONBONWHIMS
The first AAPI-owned brand you need on your radar is a Y2K-inspired jewelry line founded by NYC-based Clare Ngai. Her vibrant enamel and resin pieces recall the playful maximalism of childhood dress-up and have been worn by Doja Cat and Ariana Grande.
2. CFGNY
Tin Nguyen and Daniel Chew founded their label—which stands for Concept Foreign Garments New York—in 2016. Kristen Kilponen and Ten Izu joined in 2020. Together they explore clothing at the intersection of art and identity to striking effect.
Pivoting around the concept of ethical activewear made from recycled materials (fishing nets, water bottles and other plastic waste), this husband-and-wife, AAPI-owned label, started by Ellie and Quang Dinh, offers high-performance leggings, tops and sports bras available in sizes XXS to 6XL.
4. SANDY LIANG
This AAPI-owned label is likely already on your radar. Known for iconic fleeces bedecked with 90s-era prints, the eponymous, New York-based designer (who also crafts feminine dresses and sharply tailored pieces) plays with contrast and proportion to modern effect.
5. DAUPHINETTE
Olivia Cheng debuted her eclectic label of chic outerwear made from recycled and byproduct fur and leather, vintage, and artisanal components, back in 2018. With dresses, handbags, and accessories now included in the lineup, Cheng’s dreamy, one-of-a-kind collections have more than made their mark; two of them were even featured in the Met Museum's Costume Institute exhibition, In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.
6. BOYY
Montreal-born Jesse Dorsey and Bangkok’s Wannasiri Kongman craft modern, graphic accessories with a luxurious perspective. Buffed calfskins in neutrals and metallics along with a signature belted accent, blown up to oversized proportions, are synonymous with the brand.
7. MONSE
Founded in 2015 by Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia (who also helm Oscar de la Renta) this modern luxury label is often inspired by classic tailoring and menswear tropes, seen through a modern lens.
8. PETER DO
This Vietnam-born, Brooklyn-based designer honed his skills under Phoebe Philo and has since made a name for himself in sharply modern yet always feminine tailoring and eveningwear.
This Nepalese–American designer’s runway shows draw celebrity crowds who love Gurung’s acutely flattering and feminine take on occasionwear. Away from the runway, democratization is an important design consideration, which is why he’s also known for standout collaborations with JCPenney and Target.
10. 3.1 PHILLIP LIM
Phillip Lim and Wen Zhou founded this AAPI-owned label back in 2005 with the aim of creating cool, easy, laidback pieces for modern women. They’ve since expanded into menswear, shoes and accessories with standalone stores scattered across the globe.
11. JASON WU
Capturing all the sophistication, glamour and refinement of true American luxury, Wu’s decadent collections have garnered a clutch of awards, including the Swarovski Award for Womenswear, The Fashion Group International Fashion Star Award, and Canadian International Designer of the Year.
12. DEREK LAM
Combining an intelligent take on style with unexpected twists is what sets this AAPI-owned label apart. Alongside his namesake mainline collection, Lam also designs for 10 Crosby—an accessible easy-to-wear collection of modern essentials.
13. R13
With his love of UK punk and the American underground movement as his starting point, Chris Leba created a now-coveted line of riotous, forward-thinking denim essentials.
