12 AAPI Fashion Designers You Should Know

Whether you're the mother of a to-be-wed, a bridesmaid or a guest, no Pinterest style board (or wardrobe) would be complete without a few offerings from AAPI fashion designers. Notable industry icons such as Vera Wang and buzzy newer talent like Sandy Liang have transcended borders and challenged aesthetics while garnering countless accolades along the way.

Not all of the names on our list (which is by no means exhaustive) are bridal fashion designers and that choice was intentional given the number of ready-to-wear designers now diving into weddings. Most of these Asian fashion designers also offer bespoke bridal services… because who doesn't want to feel like themself on the big day?

1. Andrew Kwon

Photo: @andrewkwon_official | Instagram

Closing New York Bridal Fashion Week is a big deal and that's just what Andrew Kwon is doing this season. Though Kwon started in ready-to-wear, the Korean-American designer pivoted to bridal fashion in 2021, bringing a unique perspective and setting trends by embracing jumpsuits and black dresses when most of the industry was still churning out traditional full-skirted numbers. Newly engaged? Watch this space.

2. Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Photo: @sabyasachiofficial | Instagram

Often it takes an outsider to appreciate what locals take for granted. Not so with Sabyasachi Mukherjee. The Kolkata-born designer is to Indian brides shopping for lehengas (see Priyanka Chopra Jonas) what Vera Wang is to many American brides. Known for his devotion to preserving Indian craft, Sabyasachi's intricately embroidered and beaded ensembles are maximalism at its finest. He's also highly sought after for fine jewelry and now a line of cosmetics which recently launched in partnership with Estee Lauder.

3. Joseph Altuzarra

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Perhaps solely responsible for taking tie-dye beyond its hippie roots, Paris-born Joseph Altuzarra's chic, French infusion into American sportswear has garnered him a Woolmark Prize and a CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award. Altuzarra's designs effortlessly straddle corporate boardrooms and the red carpet (see above on Ariane DeBose at the Met Gala) and his leather-caged raffia "Watermill" bags are a must-have for summer.

4. Huishan Zhang

Photo: @huishanzhang | Instagram

Having trained in Dior's haute couture atelier, Quingdao, China-born Huishan Zhang is crafting some of the most elevated eveningwear around. While still a student at London's prestigious Central Saint Martins School of Design, Zhang was handpicked by LVMH scion Delphine Arnault to work at the famed French house. Zhang's designs, which feel like vintage couture treasures, have been worn by the likes of Keira Knightley and Anya Taylor-Joy.

5. Jason Wu

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Jason Wu is nothing if not prolific. In his 41 years, the Taiwan-born designer has lived several lives, having gotten his start as a designer of doll dresses. Perhaps the biggest break for the Parsons grad came in 2009 when First Lady Michelle Obama donned a white Jason Wu evening dress for the inaugural ball. Though eveningwear is a particular forte of Wu's, the NYC-based talent continues to defy categorization with furniture collections and yes, plumbing hardware for Brizo.

6. Sandy Liang

Photo: @sandyliang | Instagram

Born in Queens, Sandy Liang's experience as a Chinese-American in New York City has been a recurring influence on her work. Liang's debut collection was inspired by the styles of Chinatown grandmothers and her first fashion show was held in her family's Chinese restaurant. If you're a to-be-wed looking for something white with a bit of edge, Liang's bridal capsule is not to be missed.

7. Rejina Pyo

Photo: @rejinapyo | Instagram

One of the hottest tickets at London Fashion Week, Rejina Pyo is known for just-left-of-center designs that embrace a subtle femininity. That said, when the Seoul-born designer visited Buckingham Palace for a reception honoring Britain's East and South East Asian communities, she commissioned a traditional hanbok. Most often inspired by art forms, Pyo's designs have been spotted on Michelle Obama and Meghan Markle.

8. Laura Kim

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A paragon of both design talent and time management, Laura Kim (along with design partner Fernando Garcia) miraculously balances creating collections for two major brands: her own, Monse, and Oscar de la Renta. So whether you're in search of a wedding dress, a ball gown, or something a bit edgier, Seoul-born Kim has got you covered.

9. Andrew Gn

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If you didn't know Andrew Gn's name a year ago, chances are you now do thanks to the emerald green, bejeweled buttoned ensemble that the current Princess of Wales sported at the Trooping the Color celebrations in London. Born in Singapore and educated at Central Saint Martins, Gn recently announced his retirement from fashion so there is sure to be a run on his final collection. Need we mention that Beyonce is also a fan? Get it while you can.

10. Vera Wang

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A household name that needs no introduction, Wang started out as a competitive figure skater before cutting her teeth at Vogue as an editor under Anna Wintour. Now in her 70s, Wang continues to defy both age and categorization having launched wedding stationery with The Knot, a brand of prosecco, and a range of engagement rings in partnership with Zales.

11. Anna Sui

Photo: @annasui | Instagram

It's quite likely that '90s Boho fashion wouldn't ever have existed without Anna Sui but before we get too nostalgic, it's worth noting that the same design DNA is still very much present at the brand, which boasts some of the most loyal devotees around. Among them: supermodel Naomi Campbell and actress Anne Hathaway. In addition to clothing, Sui's beauty and fragrance business is one of the most successful around.

12. Bibhu Mohapatra

Photo: Dia Dipasupil / Staff | Getty Images

What do J.Lo and Mindy Kaling have in common? Both have been spotted in Bibhu Mohapatra's designs on the red carpet. Fascinated by handwork and textiles from a young age, the Odisha, India-born designer has led efforts in his home country to preserve the knowledge of traditional crafts and promote them in his designs wherever possible. If you're in search of a head-turning gown, Bibhu is a no-brainer.