We all know that POC talent don’t get the same opportunities in the fashion industry as white designers do. All we have to do is look at the fashion industry’s leading brands and their creative directors. Looking at Asian designers alone, they certainly have and continue to contribute to the fashion industry massively. They have a huge impact on fashion as we know it. You should all already know about game-changing designers such as Robert Wun, Xander Zhou, Chitose Abe of Sacai and Yoon Ahn of Ambush, and if you don’t, you really need to get with it and read our articles more regularly! So, we’ve compiled five of our favourite young up and coming Asian designers that you need to check out. 

Dingyun Zhang

Despite never having sold an item,  Zhang has become the ‘if you know, you know’ designer over the past few months. Working with Yeezy, his oversized puffers have already become an infamous piece of streetwear.

Chet Lo

Chet Lo has redefined the realms of knitwear, presenting sharp and colourful cuts that go beyond your typical sweater. Having recently graduated from CSM, his spiky knitted corsets and figure-hugging dresses are eccentrically chic and have already been seen on celebrities including Kylie Jenner. 

Rui Zhou – Rui

Famously worn by Dua Lipa on the cover of Rolling Stone, Zhou’s work focuses on bodysuits. The designer flips the script, making bright twisted designs that feature peekaboo cut-outs throughout. Her work is equal parts natural and glamorous.

Dongjoon Lim and Sookyo Jeong – Post Archive Faction (PAF) 

Korean menswear designer Dongjoon Lim launched Post Archive Faction back in 2018 with Sookyo Jeong. Since then, they have been creating avant-garde pieces inspired by sportswear and futuristic outerwear. Using unconventional designs such as asymmetric constructions, crinkling and experimental cuts, PAF is set to be the next ‘anti-fashion’ brand.

Shuting Qiu

Chinese designer Shuting Qiu first garnered attention with her collection ‘She Lives in a Wonderland’; a colourful floral collection that plays on shapes and pleats. Since then, she has gone from strength to strength, most recently making it to the semi-final for the LVMH Prize 2021. 

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See also: THE SEMI-FINAL LIST FOR LVMH PRIZE 2021 IS HERE

See also: CSM MA 2021 SHOW: A CHAOTIC AND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE