14 Shopping Finds That Support the AAPI Community With Every Purchase

Hate against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities has been on the rise during the pandemic, and the fashion industry cannot stay silent. “History has proven that the world suffers not because of the violence of bad people, but because of the silence of good people,” designer Prabal Gurung wrote on his personal Instagram page. “Not speaking up against pure evil is the same as cooperating with it.” Gurung is one of the many prominent Asian American fashion designersinfluencers, and industry professionals who have been outspoken about the troubling trend, including the horrific Atlanta shootings, but the burden should never rest solely on the AAPI community.

There are many paths you can take if you want to stand against anti-Asian violence: donatingsupporting small businessesspreading awarenessreporting instances of racismeducating yourself, and sharing GoFundMe campaigns. Additionally, you can scroll down to shop items from brands that will be donating a portion of their proceeds to specific AAPI organizations this month and supporting the community empowerment, representation, and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Call all my Gen Z fashion girlies—these jelly earrings are such a fun way to add some color to your spring and summer ‘fits. How it supports: Proceeds from these earrings go towards Heart of Dinner year-round.

A delightfully versatile twist on this wardrobe essential, SVNR’s Vee Midi Dress features drawstrings on either side for maximum . How it supports: SVNR designer Christina Tung hand-dyes each of her silks in her Brooklyn home.

The bold, colorful rings that ignited all of Instagram. How it supports: This month, the brand is donating 20% of proceeds from the sales of these three rings to Apex for Youth, Heart of Dinner, and Immigrant History Initiative.

Confirmed: every It-girl is ditching their denim for relaxed cargo pants right now. How it supports: The Indian-American RTW label abacaxi has partnered with India-based regenerative cotton farm Oshadi to create this fabric. Tapping intoindigenous cotton harvesting techniques and a holistic approach to production allows, abacaxi is able to ensure fair wages and sustainable practices to bring these pieces to life.

While not a “trend” per se, baseball hats are definitely spiking in popularity right now. How it supports: In addition to creating fun-loving merch, Asian American Girl Club is empowering the next generation of Asian-American women through their content and community.

What’s not to love? How it supports: Chunks is a small AAPI and woman-owned brand designed in Seattle and made responsibly in China. Founder Tiffany Ju is committed to manufacturing transparency and dispelling the negative stereotypes around “made in China”.

Simple enough to wear every day, pretty enough to stand out. How it supports: Tai Jewelry CEO and Founder Tai Rittichai employs women artists in Thailand with the aim of keeping the art of handcrafted jewelry alive. Rittichai also supports the community in which the artisans live and is actively involved with multiple charities both in her native Thailand and the United States.

I love the idea of wearing this single earring as an asymmetric look, ideally with my hair pulled back. How it supports: A portion of proceeds from this earring goes towards Heart of Dinner year-round.

Smocked, puff-sleeve dresses should be considered a warm-weather staple at this point. How it supports: The Indian-American RTW label abacaxi has partnered with India-based regenerative cotton farm Oshadi to create this fabric. Tapping intoindigenous cotton harvesting techniques and a holistic approach to production allows, abacaxi is able to ensure fair wages and sustainable practices to bring these pieces to life.

2022’s biggest hair accessory meets its biggest print trend. Just warning you now: be prepared for an influx of inquiries on where you got yours. How it supports: Chunks is a small AAPI and woman-owned brand designed in Seattle and made responsibly in China. Founder Tiffany Ju is committed to manufacturing transparency and dispelling the negative stereotypes around “made in China”.

Dreamy! How it supports: Proceeds from select styles go towards Heart of Dinner year-round.

Oh, you thought I was done with pretty jewelry pieces? That’s funny. How it supports: A portion of proceeds from this earring goes towards Heart of Dinner year-round.

I’m pretty sure it’s impossible to not be in a good mood when wearing this. How it supports: This bucket is knit in Yucatán, Mexico, and hand-dyed in Brooklyn by SVNR designer Christina Tung.

Per the above image, I’m obsessed with these. How it supports: Proceeds from select styles go towards Heart of Dinner year-round.

Next up: 20 Asian Designers Who Have Changed the Fashion Industry