brands to know, but it's asian and kinda indie
As winter approaches, ever thought about expanding your fashion horizon and trying out brands you’ve never heard of before? My friend, you have come to the right place -- here I have compiled a list of highly underrated, undeniably unique asian indie fashion labels for you to choose from. Whether you are into streetwear, cottagecore, or that ~dark academia~ look, there must be something right up your alley.
ROARINGWILD
Effortlessly cool. Urban streetwear. Unisex silhouettes.
Founded in 2010 and based in Shenzhen, the label prides itself as speaking for youth culture and celebrating all forms of art through “the attitude of ROAR.” Their latest SS collection, “Silent Spring,” is inspired by human interaction with nature. The photoshoots happened in the Tokyo Bay and the Gobi Desert, which is something I like about the brand — there is meticulous work done in more than just the designs, but the spirit of creative expression itself.
ROARINGWILD has a great balance of statement pieces (patent leather jackets, colorful suits, etc) and essential pieces that are perfect for layering. Each piece purchased comes with a number of very cool stickers, which is definitely a plus!
MUKZIN
Dreamy. Eclectic. Nostalgic.
Founded in 2014 in Hangzhou by Kate Han and George Feng, MUKZIN creates pieces inspired by classic Chinese silhouettes with a whimsical flare. Additionally, the label supports traditional craftsmanship and produces clothing in a humanitarian way that strictly follows the Ethical Trade Initiative base code. Every piece makes a loud, colorful statement, and I especially love how the prints are “busy” yet harmonious. You certainly won’t bump into another person wearing the same outfit as you!
KINA & TAM
Toddler fashion in the best way possible. 1980s playground chic.
This brand is rather secretive about where it’s located, but it ships from warehouses in China, Korea, and Singapore. I’ve gotten a panda sweater from there and it’s honestly the most sturdy, comfortable material ever! Besides, I have always pictured myself wearing Kina & Tam at a springtime picnic or visiting art museums — their colorful pieces simply exude happiness and creativity.
C2H4
Science. Subversive culture. Innovation.
Established by designer Yixi Chen, C2H4 is the molecular formula for ethylene, and it is all about the concept of chemistry. To quote from the label, they are “trailblazing fabric materials and processes, testing and tailoring cultural theories, analyzing compounds of apparels from physical and visual properties to the final uniquely crafted synthesis forming a peculiar style.”
I am a sucker for monochromatic looks, therefore I am obsessed with C2H4’s limited palette and the versatility with each piece. You can go for a head-to-toe futuristic look or spice up your usual style with a statement jacket.
MR. ENJOY DA MONEY
Fun. Expressive. Logo-mania.
Hip-hop meets streetwear in this independent label born out of a collaboration between rapper KnowKnow, one-fourth of Higher Brothers, and the Nanjing-based brand Expiry Date. The label was founded in 2016 but did not come out with collections until this year. It has attracted a lot of hype and popularity within the Chinese hip-hop community. I will be keeping my eyes on future collections because the concepts just get better every time. The pieces are marketed as unisex, but I would love to see KnowKnow come out with womenswear.
