29 October 2024
Niva Shah
A Historic Moment:
The First-Ever AAPI Emerging Designers Table at the CFDA
The CFDA Fashion Awards are often regarded as the pinnacle of recognition in the American fashion industry. This year, the event made history by celebrating the inaugural AAPI Emerging Designers Table, a dedicated space to highlight the creativity, vibrancy, and excellence within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. This landmark initiative not only spotlighted emerging talent but also underscored the importance of representation on one of fashion’s biggest nights.
A Vision for Representation and Excellence
Spearheaded by philanthropist and CFDA Friend Yao King, the AAPI Emerging Designers Table brought together five designers who exemplify innovation and artistry. Each designer selected a muse who embodied their creative vision, showcasing the diversity and excellence of the AAPI community across industries like film, photography, social media, and culinary arts. The collaboration highlighted the power of storytelling through fashion and emphasized the broader cultural impact of these designers.
Meet the Designers and Their Muses
The evening featured a stellar lineup of designers and their chosen muses, creating a vivid tableau of talent and collaboration:Bach Mai and actress Lucy Liu, a legendary figure whose elegance and career achievements perfectly complement Mai’s haute couture-inspired creations.
Grace Ling and entrepreneur Chriselle Lim, whose modern minimalism and influence in fashion and media made a perfect pairing.
Kozaburo Akasaka and content creator Kemio, showcasing avant-garde designs that reflect cultural narratives and bold individuality.
Kim Shui and model-activist Richie Shazam, a pairing that celebrated gender fluidity and the power of self-expression through bold designs.
Olivia Cheng and chef Ellia Park, whose whimsical yet sustainable designs echo Park’s innovative and artistic approach to food.
A Celebration of Achievements
Each designer has already achieved remarkable milestones, cementing their roles as trailblazers in fashion:
Bach Mai: A two-time CFDA Emerging Designer of the Year nominee and a finalist for the CFDA x Genesis House AAPI Innovation Grant.
Grace Ling: Winner of the CFDA x Genesis House Award, an LVMH Prize finalist, and recipient of the CFDA x Vogue Fashion Fund Mentorship Award.
Kozaburo Akasaka: A previous winner of the LVMH Special Prize and finalist for both the CFDA x Genesis House and CFDA x Vogue Fashion Fund.
Kim Shui: Recognized as a Time 100 Next Gen Leader and a finalist for the CFDA x Vogue Fashion Fund, her designs have consistently pushed boundaries.
Olivia Cheng: Founder of Dauphinette, her work has been featured in the Met’s “In America: A Lexicon in Fashion” exhibition and earned her a place on Forbes 30 Under 30. The Impact of Collaboration
The initiative took inspiration from leaders like Lewis Hamilton, Thom Browne, and organizations such as Genesis House and Raise Fashion, which champion underrepresented communities. The newly announced Empowered Vision Award, among other efforts, served as a blueprint for fostering a more inclusive creative industry.
Philanthropist Yao King’s leadership, alongside support from CFDA President Thom Browne and CEO Steven Kolb, ensured this initiative went beyond fashion, celebrating the cultural and social contributions of the AAPI community. Key collaborators like Clara Jeon and Bach Mai dedicated countless hours to curating this moment, while PR leaders and industry advocates like Kevin Patrick McCarthy and Eva Chen provided strategic guidance to make the vision a reality.
A Future of Empowerment
The AAPI Emerging Designers Table was not just a moment—it was a movement. It highlighted the importance of carving out space for underrepresented voices and the need to uplift emerging talent. By bringing together designers, muses, and industry leaders, this initiative demonstrated the power of collaboration in shaping a more inclusive and representative fashion industry.
As the CFDA Fashion Awards move forward, the AAPI Emerging Designers Table will stand as a reminder that representation matters and that empowering voices across cultures enriches the creative landscape for everyone. This historic moment paves the way for a future where diversity is celebrated, and innovation knows no bounds.
CfDA AAPI Emerging Designer Table, November 2024. Photo: Yvonne TNT
Special thanks to the designers, muses, and visionaries who made this moment possible. The AAPI Emerging Designers Table is more than an accolade—it’s a step toward lasting change in the fashion industry.