From Gucci to Valentino, Tom Ford to Prada, there are few things better than a new-season wardrobe from one of your favourite luxury designers – and one of the finest fashion houses in the world. Names that have become synonymous with style, quality and all-round opulence over the years, there’s no question that they deserve a place on your capsule rail for 2021 – but this year, why not broaden your horizons and look outside of the usual European and American bubble for your fashion inspiration?
Asia has long been influencing the fashion world with its edgy and up-and-coming style, but this year, we can expect to see some of the continent’s own biggest names making waves on the catwalk, and transforming high-end wardrobes around the world.
Sp, if you’re wondering how much further French or Italian design can go, or what new trends the biggest London names can possibly pull out of the bag next, then be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by this alternative port of call.
Models and celebrities alike have been championing emerging Asian fashion brands over the past few years, with Gigi Hadid seen sporting South Korean label Rokh and Rihanna walking the coveted Met Gala carpet in a breath-taking yellow gown from Chinese designer Guo Pei – and as the paradigm continues to shift in the fashion world, if you’re not there yet then it’s time to get up to speed.
If you don’t yet know your Asian designers from each other then look no further, because we’ve rounded up five of the biggest names to keep your eye on over the next twelve months and beyond – your wardrobe can thank us later.
Rokh
As we mentioned, model Gigi Hadid is no stranger to the beautiful designs of South Korean label Rokh, and this up-and-coming brand by Tok Hwang has been catching eyes across the industry ever since, and for all the right reasons. With its cut-open sleeves, exaggerated hemlines and unique twisted seams, it’s a brand that doesn’t do things by halves, yet despite its daring nature it has managed to capture the hearts of fashionistas the world over with its equally chic and sophisticated casual designs.
Sretsis
With its unique slogan t-shirts and vibrant, cherry-print jackets, Thai brand Sretsis is quirky yet edgy, and is fast becoming a favourite amongst those looking to inject that traditional Asian individuality into the way they dress – with celebrities including Katy Perry and Beyonce already seen jumping on board.
Headed up by designer Pim Sukhahuta, who studied at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York, this exciting womenswear line is centred around the idea of celebration, and with its bold polka dot patterns, whimsical florals and playful shapes, you’ll want to add at least a couple of Sretsis pieces to your wardrobe this year.
Salwar Kameez
Geared towards providing unique and beautiful clothing to its ethnic customer base, global platform Salwar Kameez brings inspiration from eastern beauties, Pakistani brands and iconic celebrities from the world over.
Bringing together beautifully designed, high-quality garments for women, men and children, this online store features a vast array of colourful key pieces for your wardrobe, the Salwar Kameez website has been enjoying an increase in traffic and searches over the past year, and it’s not hard to see why.
Mimpi Kita
Malaysian fashion house Mimpi Kita – which means ‘our dreams’ in the country’s national language, is a brand which prides itself on its promotion of individuality and unique dressing, with the Zulkifli sisters – the brains behind the project – producing beautiful hand-finished clothes that are in line with their own penchant for casual luxury. Fabrics are of the utmost in quality – and it shows. Mimpi Kita’s bridal collection is a particular highlight of the brand’s offerings, with show-stopping dresses and accessories winning it great acclaim around the world.
Lantern Sense
Hong Kong is known for its edgy fashion scene, and brands such as Lantern Sens have been continuing to fly the flag. With designers Trevor Ng and Lala Yang at the helm, the brand draws on inspiration taken from art and photography to bring forth a clean and refined contemporary collection that sets it apart from the other rather more daring Asian brands on this list – and that’s all part of its appeal. Modern, innovative and a projection of its multi-cultural heritage, this is a brand that feels utterly opulent – and it’s just as well, because that’s exactly what it is.
