10 Asian Designers Who Are Changing the Game

From creation to production, Asian people have long been an integral part of the fashion industry.

Early innovators such as Rei Kawakubo of Comme de Garcçons and Yohji Yamamoto prove that Asian designers have not only become part of the industry, but have made it what it is today. They have expanded fashion references globally and are constantly bringing refreshing cultural and artistic inspirations through their designs. 

“Advancing leaders through purpose-driven service” is the theme for this year's Asian-Pacific Heritage Month. It is a prompt that focuses on Asian leaders making ambitious, innovative, and inspiring changes in their communities. In light of this year's theme, we are spotlighting some up-and-coming Asian fashion designers from Canada and abroad who are making their mark on the fashion industry.

Here are 10 Asian designers that we think you should look out for:

10. Alex S. Yu

Alex S. Yu - Image by Shannon Hugh

Paper, life-vests and lawn chairs. No, this is not a list of things to put in a survival kit - these are the materials that Taiwanese-Canadian designer Alex S. Yu uses to make clothing. Yu has become a familiar name in the Canadian fashion industry ever since starting his brand in 2014. Since graduating, Yu’s designs have graced the catwalks at Vancouver Fashion Week and have been featured in publications like Elle Canada. 

A blend between reality and fantasy is how you could describe his designs. He masterfully designs streetwear with an Avant-Garde twist, inspired by film and contemporary art. Most recently, Yu began creating non-medical masks from leftover fabric and giving them to people in his community. Now based in Vancouver, London, and Taipei, Yu is making a name for himself internationally. If you're ever looking for fashionable designs that may also potentially save your life... try checking out Alex S. Yu!

Follow them on Instagram @alex.s.yu

9. Hyein Seo

Hyein Seo - Image by Shannon Hugh

A dystopic representation of teenage angst. That is just one way you could describe South Korean designer Hyein Seo’s clothing. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp in 2014, Seo has established her self-titled brand inspired by “the transition between teen to adulthood.” 

Her designs centred around contemporary urban unisex wear juxtapose oversized and fitted, covered and cut-outs. All of these elements come together to create an empowering and unique image that has gained Seo quite the popular client. Not only was her “Fear” collection showcased at VFiles presentation during 2014 New York Fashion Week, but subsequently her designs were worn by Rihanna during Paris Fashion Week - and on multiple occasions after that. A true innovator. Hyein Seo is definitely one to watch.

Follow them on Instagram @hyeinantwerp

8. Priya Ahluwalia 

Priya Ahluwalia - Image by Shannon Hugh

Up-cycler, cultural advocate and designer - triple threat Priya Ahluwalia is making her name known in the fashion world. You may recognize her collabs with Adidas and GANNI, but her menswear line is where it’s at! Being of Indian-Nigerian descent and born in London, Ahluwalia is inspired by the versatile, vibrant, and craftsmanship that each culture offers. She constantly references her heritage in her designs but also in their production. Ahluwalia uses repurposed vintage fabrics, traditional dyeing and beading techniques, and all her materials are made in factories that employ rural women and pay them fairly.

Although starting the brand in just 2018, she has already been recognized on the Forbes 30 under 30 Arts and Culture list. Through her actions and designs, Priya Ahluwalia is paving the way for advocacy and change in the fashion industry. An absolute game-changer! 

Follow them on Instagram @priya.ahluwalia1

 7. Cabrini Roy

Cabrini Roy - Image by Shannon Hugh

British-Filipina Cabrini Roy may be the freshest face on our list but don’t get it twisted. You need to keep tabs on this young designer. Her luxury, contemporary yet minimalistic aesthetic has already caught the attention of many in the fashion world. 

Since graduating from London College of Fashion, 23-year-old Roy has started her own label Cabrini Roy London, been featured in British Vogue, and has presented at London Fashion Week 2020. With a heavy influence from her Filipino heritage and childhood photos, Roy’s designs are hand-crafted, ready-to-wear, and aim to be both comfortable and empowering to the modern woman. 

Follow them on Instagram @cabriniroy

6. Cynthia Lu

Cynthia Lu - Image by Shannon Hugh

Though she has never given an interview, designer Cynthia Lu’s creations speak for themselves. A favourite among hip-hop artists Kid Cudi, Pharrell, ASAP Rocky, and Kanye – Lu is the one who makes Cactus Plant Flea Market come to life. Former intern at Pharrell’s Billionaire Boys Club soon became Pharrell’s personal stylist, and eventually began her own label Cactus Plant Flea Market.

Working out of her Brooklyn apartment, she creates “artisanal streetwear” with a DIY and detail-oriented aesthetic. Bold, quirky doodles and graphics make Lu’s designs some of the most unique on the market. This has gotten her collaborations with big brands such as Nike, Stussy, and Marc Jacobs. Cynthia Lu is creative, unpredictable, and she is on the rise! 

Follow them on Instagram @cactusplantfleamarket

5. Ruchika Sachdeva

Ruchika Sachdeva - Image by Shannon Hugh

A road trip across India is what designer Ruchika Sachdeva took to inspire her brand Bodice. Inspired by minimalism and menswear tailoring, Sachdeva travelled across 22 Indian states to find all the best things her country had to offer. Along the journey, she discovered weavers in the Himalayas, fabrics in Maheshwar, Bio Dye in Goa. She took all of these elements and put them in one cohesive collection.

Sachdeva, a former intern at Vivienne Westwood, has been recognized by Vogue India and won the 2018 Woolmark prize. Her designs incorporate pleats, flowy elements, and nods to traditional tailoring. She is paving the way for a more holistic approach to consumption. Ruchika Sachdeva’s designs make it easier for those missing travel during the lockdown.

 Follow them on Instagram @ruchikasachdeva

4. Taka Kasuga 

Taka Kasuga - Image by Shannon Hugh

If there were a definition for something that is functional, authentic and elegant, it would be the works of Japanese designer Taka Kasuga. He started as a designer for Junya Watanabe (protege of Rei Kawakubo) of Comme de Garcçons, but eventually joined as a creative director at Vancouver-based brand Veilance (formerly Arc’teryx). 

Unlike your typical rustic outdoors fashion, Kasuga has taken Veilance to a new level of sophistication. His sleek yet utilitarian designs reflect both the traditional Japanese aesthetic of his childhood and the outdoorsy British Columbian lifestyle that he now embraces. Who doesn’t love clothes that you can wear to both work and while hiking?

Follow them on Instagram @takakasuga

3. Sandy Liang

Sandy Liang - Image by Shannon Hugh

Fun fact: for her debut collection, this designer cast her Grandma as one of her models! Inspired by nostalgia and grandmas in New York City’s Chinatown, designer Sandy Liang has not let her success get to her head. Though she’s had multiple shows at Fashion Week, that doesn’t stop Liang from incorporating personal elements into her collections.

References to her Chinese roots and childhood in New York City have gained her cult status in the fashion world. The competitive environment at Parsons School of Design has forced Liang to approach the design process with calmness and confidence, which show in her designs of carelessly cool clothing. Be ready to take a trip down memory lane with Sandy Liang!

Follow them on Instagram @sandyliang

2. Rahemur Rahman

Rahemur Rahman - Image by Shannon Hugh

Bangladeshi and London-born, Rahemur Rahman blends history and tradition with fantasy. This breakout designer at London men’s fashion week aims to use design to reinterpret and retell stories of South-Asian identity. Rahman focuses on quality tailoring that incorporates patterns and techniques (like traditional natural dyeing) inspired by his heritage. 

Beyond his designs, Rahman constantly gives back to his community. He works to collaborate with organizations that create opportunities for youth. He also remains a teacher at a Bangladeshi community centre in London. Playing with patterns, textures, and nods to his heritage, Rahman aims his designs to people who “dream in colour.” It’s his investment in his community that makes him one to watch for years to come.
Follow them on Instagram @rahemurrahman

1. Anaïs Jourden Mak

Anaïs Jourden - Image by Shannon Hugh

If you can remember the fabulous “furry” cropped puffer Ariana Grande wore in her 7 Rings music video, that was no other than Anaïs Jourden Mak. This Hong Kong native is proving that you can look both strong and feminine at the same time. A harmonious collection of textured yet simple silhouettes, Mak plays with traditionally “pretty” aesthetics and adds elements of fierceness to them. She designs for the “self-confident, independent, and unapologetic.” 

Her label Anaïs Jourden has been a highlight at Paris Fashion Week for the past couple of seasons and has only grown since then. Most recently, she’s had a focus on sustainability, designing a collection made entirely from past-season garments. Her skillful yet ambitious designs are making waves in the industry. Next time you’re thinking of buying something from Anaïs Jourden, approach it with this philosophy in mind: You see it? You like it? You want it? You got it!
Follow them on Instagram @anaisjourden

There are so many talented Asian designers it was hard narrowing it down to just 10. Did we miss your favourite up-and-coming designer? Let us know!