As a shopping-focused editor, I always keep a running list of the best buys in the market, but given that May marks AAPI Heritage Month, it's the perfect time to highlight all the cool AAPI-owned and designed fashion items that are occupying my cart (and my headspace) right now. This community is home to so many of the industry's coolest emerging labels and established industry heavyweights, but instead of merely highlighting the brands I'm favoring at the moment, I want to focus your attention on those who are going the extra mile to support to this community, in May and all year round.
In the below edit, you'll find a range of items from pretty slip dresses and plenty of fun-loving Y2K-inspired jewelry. Shopping any of the below pieces supports this community in one way or another—whether that be donating a portion of the proceeds to specific AAPI organizations like Stop AAPI Hate, Apex for Youth, and Heart of Dinner, empowering the community through representation, or a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. Because after all, informed shopping is powerful shopping.
Call all my Gen Z fashion girlies—these jelly earrings are such a fun way to add some color to your spring and summer 'fits.
How it supports: Proceeds from these earrings go towards Heart of Dinner year-round.
A delightfully versatile twist on this wardrobe essential, SVNR's Vee Midi Dress features drawstrings on either side for maximum
How it supports: SVNR designer Christina Tung hand-dyes each of her silks in her Brooklyn home.
The bold, colorful rings that ignited all of Instagram.
How it supports: This month, the brand is donating 20% of proceeds from the sales of these three rings to Apex for Youth, Heart of Dinner, and Immigrant History Initiative.
Confirmed: every It-girl is ditching their denim for relaxed cargo pants right now.
How it supports: The Indian-American RTW label Abacaxi has partnered with India-based regenerative cotton farm Oshadi to create this fabric. Tapping into indigenous cotton harvesting techniques and a holistic approach to production allows, abacaxi is able to ensure fair wages and sustainable practices to bring these pieces to life.
While not a "trend" per se, baseball hats are definitely spiking in popularity right now.
How it supports: In addition to creating fun-loving merch, Asian American Girl Club is empowering the next generation of Asian-American women through their content and community.
What's not to love?
How it supports: Chunks is a small AAPI- and woman-owned brand designed in Seattle and made responsibly in China. Founder Tiffany Ju is committed to manufacturing transparency and dispelling the negative stereotypes around items made in China.
Simple enough to wear every day, pretty enough to stand out.
How it supports: Tai Jewelry CEO and Founder Tai Rittichai employs women artists in Thailand with the aim of keeping the art of handcrafted jewelry alive. Rittichai also supports the community in which the artisans live and is actively involved with multiple charities both in her native Thailand and the United States.
I love the idea of wearing this single earring as an asymmetric look, ideally with my hair pulled back.
How it supports: A portion of proceeds from this earring goes towards Heart of Dinner year-round.
Smocked, puff-sleeve dresses should be considered a warm-weather staple at this point.
How it supports: The Indian-American RTW label Abacaxi has partnered with India-based regenerative cotton farm Oshadi to create this fabric. Tapping into indigenous cotton harvesting techniques and a holistic approach to production allows, abacaxi is able to ensure fair wages and sustainable practices to bring these pieces to life.
Yes, 2022's biggest hair accessory meets its biggest print trend. Just warning you now: Be prepared for an influx of inquiries on where you got yours.
How it supports: Chunks is a small AAPI- and woman-owned brand designed in Seattle and made responsibly in China. Founder Tiffany Ju is committed to manufacturing transparency and dispelling the negative stereotypes around items made in China.
Dreamy!
How it supports: Proceeds from select styles go towards Heart of Dinner year-round.
Oh, you thought I was done with pretty jewelry pieces? That's funny.
How it supports: A portion of proceeds from this earring goes towards Heart of Dinner year-round.
I'm pretty sure it's impossible to not be in a good mood when wearing this.
How it supports: This bucket is knit in Yucatán, Mexico, and hand-dyed in Brooklyn by SVNR designer Christina Tung.
Per the above image, I'm obsessed with these.
How it supports: Proceeds from select styles go towards Heart of Dinner year-round.
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