4 AAPI-owned fashion brands to support this month and beyond

Including Sandy Liang’s NYFW runway show in September 2023 which solidified the pivot from Barbiecore to Balletcore and Baggu’s influence on tote bag culture, AAPI founders have long been the creatives behind impactful fashion moments. More recently, that included designer Prabal Gurung dressing eight women, including tennis legend Maria Sharapova, for this year’s Met Gala.

With more financial support from organizations such as the CFDA and platforms such as TikTok allowing designers to showcase their work, we’ve been exposed to more AAPI-owned brands catering to every type of consumer. Below are four to consider supporting this month.

Baggu

The accessories brand Baggu was founded by Emily Sugihara in 2007, but it has recently had a revival of sorts thanks to the power of TikTok virality. Since achieving social media fame for its trendy and affordable bags, Baggu has gone on to collaborate with brands including Dagne Dover and Sandy Liang.

Sandy Liang

Founded in 2014 by Sandy Liang, the fashion brand has slowly become a brand to watch. Inspired by her childhood, culture and Chinatown, Liang has built her own cool-girl aesthetic through Sandy Liang that’s full of bows, ribbons and frills with an edge.

Kim Shui

When Kim Shui created her eponymous brand in 2016, she was designing for women who love expressing themselves with unique, statement-making silhouettes. The brand is known for its nods to Shui’s cultural background and its funky yet stylish occasionwear.

JW Pei

JW Pei, founded in 2018 by Yang Pei and Stephanie Li, has plans to open new stores and evolve its marketing this year. The accessories brand’s fans include A-listers Emily Ratajkowski and Hailey Beiber. Now, its co-founders have their sights on solidifying it as a household name.

Shop more Pop-approved products at the Glossy Pop Shop, here.