How Asian NYFW Was Born: The Answer to Two Curiosity Questions
Photo Credit: © BFA Designer Alvin Alan
Asian representation in the fashion industry has been a topic of growing interest, particularly in the United States, where the fashion landscape has historically been dominated by Western perspectives. The inception of Asian NYFW (New York Fashion Week) traces its roots to two simple but powerful curiosity-driven questions: How many Asian designers are there in the U.S. and How many Asian models grace global runways? These inquiries sparked a movement to shine a spotlight on the talents and contributions of Asian creatives, transforming the face of New York Fashion Week and the global fashion industry.
The Journey Begins with Two Simple Questions
The story of Asian NYFW begins with a desire to understand the extent of Asian representation in the industry. First, one might wonder how many Asian designers are making waves in the U.S. According to a report from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Asian-American designers have historically been underrepresented in mainstream fashion circles. While exact numbers can fluctuate year by year, in 2020, it was estimated that only about 4% of fashion designers in the U.S. identified as Asian, a stark contrast to the diverse and inclusive cultural fabric of the nation.
The second question that spurred the creation of Asian NYFW was, How many Asian models are represented on global runways? This inquiry reflects a deep concern about the lack of diversity in the fashion world. According to The Fashion Spot's 2020 diversity report, Asian models made up just 13.5% of the models featured on the global catwalks during the Spring 2020 collections. This number, while slightly higher than the 10% seen in previous seasons, still represented a disproportionate level of exclusion compared to the global Asian population. These figures highlighted a clear gap in representation and sparked a desire for change.
The Birth of Asian NYFW
The curiosity around these questions led to the birth of Asian NYFW, an event designed to celebrate the talent of Asian designers and models and provide a platform for them to showcase their work. The event is not only about fashion; it is a movement aimed at elevating the voices and stories of Asian creatives in an industry that has often sidelined them. Through this initiative, Asian designers gain visibility, and Asian models are given the space to represent their culture and heritage proudly on the world’s most prestigious runways.
Asian NYFW challenges the established norms of what fashion week can be and seeks to change the narrative. By highlighting Asian representation in both design and modeling, the event demonstrates the impact of Asian culture on global fashion. It also addresses the desire for inclusivity that resonates with a growing global audience, pushing the fashion industry to evolve toward greater diversity and acceptance.
Impact and Growing Popularity
Since its inception, Asian NYFW has seen a surge in popularity and influence, attracting top designers and models from across the globe. The event not only showcases a range of Asian aesthetics but also serves as a hub for the discussion of cultural influences in fashion. The diverse mix of designers—representing countries such as China, India, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia—ensures that the event is an authentic celebration of the richness of Asian cultures.
Moreover, the event has sparked wider conversations within the fashion community about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry. With each passing year, Asian NYFW gains traction, drawing attention to the need for broader representation and setting the stage for future generations of Asian designers and models to shine.
The creation of Asian NYFW stems from the curiosity about the lack of Asian representation in both design and modeling on global runways. The birth of this event has not only answered these questions but also catalyzed a broader movement toward diversity in fashion. By giving a platform to Asian designers and models, Asian NYFW has become a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to make the fashion industry more inclusive. As the event continues to grow, it is clear that it is paving the way for a more representative future in fashion, where talent is celebrated regardless of ethnicity.