20 AAPI-owned fashion and accessory brands you’ll wish you knew about sooner

It’s AAPI Heritage Month and the start of warmer weather, which is the perfect time to update your closet with all of the unique AAPI-owned fashion, accessory, beauty, food and home brands out there. The last few years have been full of embracing the unexpected. One of the few things we can control? How we choose to spend our money — where we shop, what we buy and what sort of brands we choose to support. And many of our purchasing decisions are about what we have hanging in our closets. So whether you’re looking for a new blouse, shoes or jewelry, there’s no shortage of incredible Asian-owned fashion businesses that we love, and we know you will too.

We heard from Asian business owners and founders in the fashion space, who shared with us the ways in which their background has impacted and influenced what their company is today. Those stories embody the strength, determination and brilliance of the vibrant communities they represent. Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite Asian-, Asian American- and Pacific Islander-owned fashion and accessory brands that you can support now and in the future.

Maison Miru

Maison Miru was founded by Stanford engineer Trisha Okubo, who has always been fond of aesthetics, especially when it comes to jewelry. Okubo wanted to create a line of jewelry that was made to be mixed and matched however you’d like, and thus Maison Miru was born. Miru, which is a Japanese word, is a “reminder to open your eyes, to see the world in a new way,” according to the brand’s website. The brand’s most popular category (and beloved by editors) is likely the coveted nap earrings, which feature flat backs so they won’t hurt while you’re sleeping — plus, they’re made to shower or swim in and never need to be taken out.

Dagne Dover

It’s hard not to spot a Dagne Dover bag when you’re out and about these days. Founded in 2013 by three women —?two of whom have AAPI heritages —?Dagne Dover has made it a mission to create problem-solving bags that look chic too. From sleek gym bags to travel gear to a fanny pack you’ll actually want to wear, it’s hard not to want one of everything from the women-owned brand. On top of that, the brand is committed to becoming more eco-friendly by minimizing waste, using recycled materials in the linings of bags and donating excess inventory to charities.

Okko

Okko was founded by Phoebe Kunitomi, who is the daughter of a Korean mother and a Japanese father. Her upbringing was rooted in minimalism, which is a principle she’s applied to Okko’s timeless, comfortable undergarment designs. The brand’s commitment to its customers is a top priority. In fact, Okko’s first products — the seamless bra, undies and nipple covers — came to life after getting feedback from hundreds of women with different needs. According to the brand’s website, “Okko delivers on undergarments that are worn to be forgotten, and when you’re not thinking about what’s underneath, you’re unstoppable.”

M.M.LaFleur

M.M.LaFleur was founded in 2013 by Sarah LaFleur, who was previously a management consultant. LaFleur couldn’t find office wear that was both chic and comfortable, so she took matters into her own hands by creating this brand, along with Miyako Nakamura (the former head designer of Zac Posen) and Narie Foster. Every piece feature three things: functional details, comfort and style. The brand also has a commitment to sustainability by offering transparency around its supply chain and offering a pre-owned pieces section to keep clothing out of landfills. If you can’t make it to a store, the retailer offers virtual styling appointments so you can get personalized assistance. According to the brand’s website, “M.M.LaFleur is known for introducing the world to the concept of Power Casual, which we define as the clothing equivalent of work-life balance.”

Sandy Liang

Sandy Liang’s namesake clothing and accessory brand was founded in 2014 and is known for its playful, innovative twist on fashion. Liang’s inspo? New York City’s Lower East Side and none other than stylish grandmas. Think modern yet frilly takes on classics like the ballet flat, corsets and cardigans. The designer has even been named on Forbes’ coveted 30 Under 30 list.

Petite Studio

Created for petite women by a petite woman, Petite Studio is best known for its versatile, vintage-inspired pieces created specially for those of us on the smaller side. Founder Jenny Wang-Howell grew up in China, where it wasn’t difficult to find clothes that fit her 5-foot, 2-inch frame — something that wasn’t the case once she moved to the United States. Today, Petite Studio has a fierce following of petite ladies who can’t get enough of the brand’s thoughtfully created, ethically sourced and truly unique clothing.

Sani

Sister-founded brand Sani has brought viral attention to the beauty and craftsmanship of?South Asian fashion. Taking to TikTok to share their brand story, Ritika and Niki Shamdasani soon went viral for their honest look into the ups and downs of launching a fashion label. Of course, Sani’s stunning formalwear, decked out with intricate embroidery and sparkling accents, helped catch people’s attention too. Centered around Indian wedding attire, the brand offers lehengas, anarkalis, pre-draped sarees and more. They’ve also expanded into casual pieces that bring Indian flair into everyday attire — think silk wrap dresses and animal-printed loungewear.

Ally Shoes

Ally Shoes is creating comfortable luxury shoes that are both fun and formal. It offers what might be the most comfortable pair of heels we’ve ever tried on. Samatha Dong, founder and CEO of Ally Shoes, shares that as a petite Asian woman, wearing heels made her physically taller and feel more confident in the workplace. But after a foot injury while in business school, she realized that enough was enough. “Heel pain remained an unsolved issue for almost all women,” Dong says. And Ally Shoes was her answer to uncomfortable and at times physically harmful footwear.

Dong joined forces with founding team Dr. Roxann Clarke (an African American podiatric expert) and Sarah Jaramillo (a South American designer), three “powerhouse women of color,” she shares. “Our diverse backgrounds and varying professional experiences inspired the innovations behind our product design.” Our favorite product from Ally Shoes has to be its Classic Pumps, which is a collection of unbelievably comfortable, classic pumps that come in multiple colors and patterns. Something that was intentional, shares Dong. The brand also has flats and ankle boots.

Covry

Like many Asians and Asian Americans, Covry co-founders Athina Wang and Florence Shin were frustrated by a lack of comfortable eyewear options. Unlike many folks, they decided to do something about it.

“There was nothing on the market authentically designed for us, so we set out to create eyewear made for our facial features,” Wang shares. Wang grew up between the United States and China, but it took her a while to realize that consistently ill-fitting and uncomfortable frames didn’t have to be the norm. Today, Covry’s Elevated Fit features longer nose pads, a reduced frame curvature and a narrower nose bridge — features that ensure the glasses sit higher on your face and away from your cheeks. The result is a comfortable and flattering fit, based on the measurements of real people. “As an Asian American-owned company, it has always been important to celebrate our diversity instead of to hide it,” Wang notes.

Worried about ordering glasses online? Covry offers a Home Try-On program, which we were able to test for ourselves. Simply choose five different styles, try them on at home and send them back, then you can order the ones you liked the best. It’s super straightforward, and a great way to test both the style and the fit before making a commitment.

Kinn Studio

There are tons of places to purchase gold-plated jewelry online, but when you’re looking for a truly timeless, luxurious piece, nothing comes close to solid gold. Kinn designs 14-karat solid gold pieces that the brand describes as modern heirlooms — something that’s deeply tied to Kinn Studio founder and CEO Jennie Yoon’s own life. When Yoon was younger, her family was robbed and all their heirlooms were stolen. “In the hopes of replacing a few of these cherished pieces,” shares Yoon, “I learned more about the ins and outs of the jewelry industry.” This knowledge led her to realize that there was a demand for long-lasting pieces that could be passed down through generations. “At Kinn, jewelry is more than a product or piece of fashion,” Yoon says. “We see each piece as moments captured in time, milestones to reflect on.”

Amyo Jewelry

If you’ve always wondered how to achieve the elegant yet effortless look of stacking necklaces (and maybe like us, you end up tangling them) you’ll definitely be interested in Amyo Jewelry. The NYC-based jewelry brand offers a range of classically elegant yet affordable jewelry, but what the brand is most well known for is its O Collection — necklaces that feature patent-pending connectors that make the pieces super easy to layer and change up length. On Amyo’s success? Founder Gina Nam credits her background as a first-generation Korean American. “I grew up in an environment where hard work, sacrifice and determination were instilled in me,” Nam says. “These cultural values have been some of our company’s core ethics, and have absolutely contributed to where we are today.”

Pepper

Pepper creates adorable, better-fitting bras for small-chested women, specifically those who are a AA, A or B cup. “As a Chinese American, I grew up wanting nothing more than to be accepted by society as American,” shares Pepper co-founder and CEO Jaclyn Fu. She recalls experiences of going through puberty being called “small chested” as an insult, and of being handed a push-up bra by a sales associate. “Pepper was born from the pain, and eventually the love, that I have for my own body and learning how to celebrate it exactly as it is,” Fu says. “We exist to remind everyone it’s not your body that has to change — it’s the industry.”

Pepper’s bras feature a shallower cup shape, light padding and optimal underwire — all things that aim to make the pieces more comfortable for your natural shape. The site also features an “Ultimate Size Quiz for Small Boobs” so you can find your perfect fit.

Aday

Aday is a clothing brand that aims to help simplify your wardrobe with pieces that are technical, seasonless and sustainable. You get a great sense of what this actually means in practice by browsing its bestsellers — from the Turn It Up Pants to the Something Borrowed Shirt, the pieces are comfortable and versatile yet appropriate for even a business formal setting. Aday co-founder and co-CEO Meg He was born in Beijing, grew up in the United Kingdom and studied and lived in the United States. She credits her mom, a fellow entrepreneur, for much of her success. She met fellow co-founder and co-CEO Nina Faulhaber while they were both working in the technology and finance sector, brought together by the common dream of a perfect wardrobe — something she describes as well designed and functional and that could work “for anything from presenting at board meetings to dressing up to visit our grandmothers or just being comfortable during travel.”

And that’s exactly what Aday achieves. The pieces are perfect for mixing and matching, and it’s all machine-washable, so you don’t have to stress about maintenance. If we had to recommend just one product, it would be one of Aday’s pants.

Song of Style

In 2019, fashion and lifestyle influencer Aimee Song partnered with Revolve to launch her very own brand, Song of Style. While the line undoubtedly draws from her signature sophisticated yet fashion-forward style, it’s also been inspired by Song’s years of blogging, building a YouTube channel and even writing a couple bestselling books.

“My entire collection is a reflection of my life and my experiences,” shares Song. “It’s a mix of being an Asian American born and raised in Los Angeles combined with global experiences my job has afforded me.” And that versatility is what defines some of our favorite products from Song of Style.

Bonbonwhims

Jewelry from the early aughts is cool again, and one of the most talked-about places on Instagram to score playful Y2K-inspired jewelry is no doubt Bonbonwhims. Founded by Clare Ngai in 2021 and based in New York City, the brand started as a way to raise awareness and funds for BIPOC organizations. Fast-forward to today, celebs from Ariana Grande to Gigi Hadid have been spotted wearing these whimsical pieces. From chunky initials to bold rings, this is the spot to go to for trendy, candy-colored fashion jewelry that doesn’t take itself too seriously. You can even customize pieces to make it truly your own.

Verafied

Verafied’s chic bags could be going to the office or date night, and look just as good in either environment. With a sharp eye for design and a modern aesthetic, the brand’s founder, Vera Wang, has created a collection of handbags that you’ll want to take everywhere. Because they really go with everything. The leather bags balance form and function — and that’s just one of the dichotomies that Wang considers in her line.

“My heritage rooted in the dynamic metropolises of China serves as a wellspring of inspiration for my current work crafting handbags in the heart of New York City,” says Wang. “And having lived in both Chinese big cities and New York?City for over a decade now, I draw from the fusion of tradition and modernity in urban life, capturing the essence of both my heritage and the cosmopolitan spirit of New York.”

Known for its bags, Verafied also has a collection of women’s ready-to-wear that draws upon the same effortlessly cool vibe.

Kara Yoo

Vancouver-based jewelry desinger Kara Yoo brings whimsy into her creations, mixing in elements of her heritage as well as aesthetic references to the ’90s, pop culture and East Asian minimalism. You’ll find everyday pieces like simple hoops and studs, alongside cheeky designs like a fish pendant that symbolizes prosperity.

“Over time, I have become more conscious of my identity as a first-generation Korean-Canadian. My parents immigrated from South Korea in the late 1970s, bringing their language, customs and heritage into our home,” Yoo shares. “I try to connect to my roots and identity by looking back at my childhood.” For example, Yoo’s Lunar Collection, which features petite pendants representing the animals of the Chinese zodiac, was inspired by “the conversations my mom and grandma would have when they’d speak about our personalities and how they matched up with the zodiac animals. From a young age, my sisters and I knew our animals and now my nieces and nephews wear their lunar animals as necklaces.”

Private Policy

“My AAPI heritage profoundly shapes our collections by infusing them with both traditional Asian influences and the vibrant spirit of AAPI youth subcultures,” says Siying Qu, co-founder of Private Policy. “This blend allows us to express a boldly authentic narrative and representation of how we think and feel presently as part of the AAPI community.”

The New York City-based label acts as a disruptor, picking a theme for each of its collections that brings awareness to social topics such as animal endangerment and environmentalism. The genderless brand has been a hit at New York Fashion Week and beyond, earning critical acclaim for its subversive styles and creating cross-industry collaborations with big names like Coca-Cola.

Ming Yu Wang

Minimalist and bold, founder Jennifer Wang designs with longevity and heritage in mind. When she created her namesake jewelry brand in 2013, she decided to use her Chinese name as a way of reintroducing herself and honoring her family and culture. In addition to these influences, Wang’s intentional design process utilizes sustainable materials. The entire collection is made from recycled sterling silver and brass, and ethically sourced gems.

“A lot of my inspiration draws from beautiful memories of when I was a child and the stories shared by my parents and grandparents growing up in Taiwan,” shares founder Jennifer Wang.?“I love that I can connect with many other Asian Americans, not only with our stories but through our creativity.?It’s a truly beautiful thing.”

Apede Mod

If you love having a trendy bag but don’t want to have the same style as everyone else, let us introduce you to Apede Mod.

“Inspired by vintage pieces, architecture and modern art, Apede Mod was founded by working women in their search for the perfect go-to bag,” founder Claudia Lin shares. Thus, the collection includes plenty of options to fit different styles and moods, from the multi-pocket Froggy Boom bag to the slouchy and minimalist Jolin bag. The best part? All the bags are $550 or under.