The global fashion industry is no longer dominated solely by Western brands. Asian designers and labels are making waves with innovative designs, sustainable practices, and a fresh cultural perspective. From Japan to India, these brands are redefining style and gaining international acclaim.
Here are 7 Asian-origin clothing brands that are disrupting the fashion world:
1. Comme des Garçons (Japan)
Photo: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Founder: Rei Kawakubo
Why They Stand Out: Known for avant-garde, deconstructed designs, Comme des Garçons challenges conventional fashion norms. Its sub-label, CDG Play, with its iconic heart logo, has become a streetwear staple worldwide.
2. Sacai (Japan)
Photo: www.sacai.jp
Founder: Chitose Abe
Why They Stand Out: Sacai blends high fashion with streetwear, creating hybrid pieces like trench coat-dresses and denim-sweater fusions. Collaborations with Nike and The North Face have solidified its global influence.
3. Huishan Zhang (China)
Photo: vogue.co.uk
Founder: Huishan Zhang
Why They Stand Out: This luxury brand merges traditional Chinese craftsmanship with modern silhouettes. Loved by celebrities like Emma Watson and Zhang Ziyi, Huishan Zhang is putting Chinese design on the global map.
4. Blindness (South Korea)
Photo: www.vogue.com
Founders: KyuYong Shin & JiSun Park
Why They Stand Out: Gender-fluid and bold, Blindness is known for its exaggerated tailoring and romantic yet edgy aesthetic. It has been featured in Paris Fashion Week, gaining a cult following.
5. 11.11 (India)
Photo: www.vogue.in
Founder: Shani Himanshu
Why They Stand Out: Craftsmanship lies at the heart of 11.11 / eleven eleven. Renowned for its use of indigenous cotton and 100% natural dyes, the label uses heritage techniques such as hand spinning, hand loom weaving, hand painting, miniature tie-dyeing, and quilting. Creating relaxed silhouettes with a sartorial touch that echo the brand’s ‘seed to stitch’ philosophy.
6. IISE (South Korea)
Photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1s2eoYJzR3/?img_index=1
Founders: Terrence & Kevin Kim
Why They Stand Out: Inspired by Korean heritage, IISE offers minimalist, high-quality streetwear with a focus on sustainability. Their timeless designs have earned them a loyal international clientele.
7. Rastah (Pakistan)
Photo: https://www.vogue.com/
Founders: Zain, Ismail, & Adnan Ahmad
Why They Stand Out: Rastah blends South Asian craftsmanship with contemporary streetwear, creating unique, culturally rich pieces. Worn by celebrities like Hasan Minhaj, the brand is redefining Pakistani fashion globally.
These brands are creating space for themselves on international runways by molding their designs for Global high fashion. Developing a fresh dynamic of handcrafted textiles, prints and motifs from their home country.