Fashion moves forward with the efforts of people across fields and countries. This year, to celebrate the outstanding contribution of the Asian diaspora to shaping diversity and excellence in the fashion industry, EnVi debuts its Fashion Power Player List.
We’ve taken the input and suggestions of fashion industry insiders, as well as fashion and entertainment-focused professionals and organizations, to ultimately curate a list of personalities from the Asian diaspora who are influencing and making a lasting impact in fashion.
From creative legends who’ve paved the way for Asian representation to emerging names set to become the new generation of fashion leaders, EnVi rounded up 23 names in three categories.
Read on to discover the Trailblazer, Rising and Next Up creatives, changemakers and pop culture icons recognized in EnVi’s inaugural edition of the Fashion Power Player List.
TRAILBLAZERS
This category reunites seasoned and established names in fashion — pioneers in their fields — who have contributed to shaping the current fashion landscape.
John C Jay
Credited for influencing the “design standards” of a generation, John C Jay is the President of Global Creative for Fast Retailing Inc. (parent company of UNIQLO, Helmut Lang, Theory and more.) Jay started his career in the world of editorial design before making his way to fashion retailing at Bloomingdale’s and advertising at Wieden+Kennedy.
Christine Yi, General Manager of Gold House Futures, describes him as a design and creative legend. And the title is well deserved. Jay is the mastermind behind iconic marketing and visual communication moves such as Bloomingdale’s shopping bags. Created by prominent artists and illustrators — think of Mark Kostabi and Michael Graves — these paper bags reflected the artistic spirit of the era and contributed to positioning Bloomingdale’s as a New York City institution.
Thanks to his deep understanding of cultural conversations and the creative zeitgeist of our times, Jay has pioneered a cross-industry and collaborative approach that has shaped the way brands, such as UNIQLO, communicate with their audiences. Rightfully, one of fashion’s changemakers.
Heart Evangelista
Whether selling out art exhibitions or filming candid YouTube videos, Heart Evangelista has proven to be the embodiment of versatility. Businesswoman, visual artist and actress with a two-decade legacy in the Philippines, Evangelista emerged as a style icon in the 2010s thanks to her front-row presence at Fashion Week. Radiating a warm spirit and an undeniable love for fashion, the Filipino socialite has now become one of the most prominent faces on the fashion circuit.
In addition to her remarkable event appearances, Evangelista debuted as an artist in 2014 with “I AM LOVE MARIE.” She sold all 19 paintings on the first night. When off the clock, she stays busy by sharing a peak of opulence on social media. Luxury outfits, five-star hotels and pristinely groomed furry friends are among the eclectic mix she showcases. However, it’s her accessible nature that entices fashion lovers — her large following goes into a frenzy whenever she attends shows and events.
This strong social media pull is what makes her stand out and drive attention to the Asia Pacific region. In 2023 alone, Evangelista topped Media Impact Value™ (MIV®) rankings across fashion capitals, amassing impressive numbers with her Instagram posts and YouTube videos. She has also graced the covers of several publications, demonstrating the appeal of Asian influencers and their prestige in fashion spaces.
Andrew Gn
“In a way, Andrew reminds me of Monsieur Alaïa,” says fashion editor and consultant, Mayra Peralta, drawing comparisons between the late fashion icon Azzedine Alaïa and the Singaporean designer Andrew Gn. “They both introduced their countries to the Parisian fashion scene (Tunisia and Singapore, respectively). It’s also rare to see an independent fashion house in Paris thriving for a long time, and it’s rare to come across a designer that so flawlessly combines heritage craftsmanship and unabashed femininity,” the editor adds about Gn’s lavish creations.
Gn started his career attending Central Saint Martins in London and studying at major fashion capitals such as New York and Milan. The designer eventually ended up moving to Paris, where he worked as Emanuel Ungaro’s assistant and had a brief stint as creative director of Balmain. In 1998, Gn opened his namesake brand and has since enticed fashion lovers with maximalist and rich designs that reflect Gn’s multicultural background.
As the only Singaporean designer to regularly show his creations as part of the official Paris Fashion Week calendar, Gn’s legacy is extensive. In 2023, he celebrated his brand’s 25th anniversary with a retrospective exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) in Singapore. The event collected more than 100 of his demi-couture pieces, popular among royals and entertainment figures such as Lily Collins, Fan Bing Bing and Queen Rania of Jordan.
A few days ahead of this publication, Gn announced he’d take a step back from designing and put his company in dormancy. While the news saddens those who admire his richly embroidered creations and signature pagoda shoulders, this is not a definite goodbye. Gn announced he’ll focus on art and helping younger generations of designers. The fashion world eagerly looks forward to this new career chapter.
BLACKPINK
The members of K-pop supergroup BLACKPINK are omnipresent names in fashion. Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa have mastered the art of personal branding, earning iconic ambassador positions and breathing new life into legacy fashion houses such as Dior and Chanel. Always one step ahead of the game, the Asian singers are recognized as global trendsetters — everything they wear, they make popular online. They’re acknowledged for their close connections to fashion creatives and their status as designer muses too.
Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa have done it all, from fronting fashion campaigns and magazine covers to walking runways and launching collaborations. In 2023, the quartet attended highly-anticipated fashion shows, starred in global campaigns and signed new ambassador deals — all amidst their Born Pink world tour, which became the highest-grossing tour by a female group. To no one’s surprise, they also emerged among the top figures contributing to brand amplification in the fashion, lifestyle and beauty (FBL) sector on Instagram.
If we break down just a few of their most relevant individual milestones, Jisoo dominated social media figures at multiple Fashion Weeks and became the first Asian star on the cover of Vogue France. Jennie made her Met Gala debut — following in the footsteps of Rosé who attended the event in 2021. Both of them were also present at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival for the first time, cementing their respective positions as major pop culture referents. Meanwhile, Lisa, the group’s youngest, made waves as a Bulgari and Celine ambassador and stunned with her guest appearances at Crazy Horse Paris. And the list goes on and on.
“BLACKPINK is the revolution,” the quartet sings in their globally acclaimed hit “Forever Young.” There’s no more accurate tagline to sum up the influence these powerhouses wield, either individually or as a group.
Margaret Zhang
The epitome of a multi-hyphenate, Margaret Zhang is a writer, model, filmmaker, creative director and the editor of Vogue China. At just 30, Zhang sits as Vogue’s youngest editor and is recognized for leading the Chinese edition into a more contemporary and innovative era.
In addition to bringing a renovated approach to one of Asia’s most renowned publications, Zhang is passionate about supporting other creatives in the field. Some projects she’s pursued to support this agenda include Vogue Film, which supports Chinese women in film; Vogue Open Casting, a scouting program that will soon expand internationally; and the Chinese craftsmanship initiative, where designers and local craftsmen connect for collaboration opportunities.
About her work, Laurent François, Managing Partner of 180 Luxe, says, ”Margaret’s photo book In the Youth of Our Fury (2016) is a cultural marker. Her influence keeps growing across Vogue pages, connecting with Asian talents and shaping a true cultural pulse towards a growing audience.”
Win Metawin
Since his debut in 2gether: The Series (2019), Win Metawin has been at the forefront of a burgeoning generation of fashion-savvy Thai stars. The actor and singer was among the first Gen Z celebrities hailing from Thailand to significantly shake up fashion spaces and partner with global brands.
As a recognized face among FLB brands, Win has not only catapulted himself to fame but also contributed to putting Thailand on the fashion map. Upon his first front-row appearance at Milan Fashion Week, Alison Bringé, CMO of Launchmetrics told EnVi, “One notable celebrity we have seen becoming a familiar face at Mens’ Fashion is Thai superstar, Win Metawin. […] Thanks to his wide popularity not only in Thailand but also within South-East Asia, brands wanting to build exposure can leverage Win’s Voice to reach the wider APAC region.”
In 2023, Win’s influence was at an all-time high. The Thai star kicked off the year by officializing his links to the Italian brand Prada and city-hopping between fashion capitals. His prominent presence at international events perfectly exemplifies the fashion world’s shift toward a new generation of global names and the rise of Gen Z stars as luxury endorsers.
Lynne O’Neill
Working in the fashion industry since 1980, Hawaii-born fashion show producer Lynne O’Neill has built a legacy career in show direction and event production. The Japanese-American producer started her career at Macy’s San Francisco working with soon-to-be fashion industry giants such as Gianni Versace, Calvin Klein and Comme Des Garcons, to name a few. Lynne then moved to New York City to participate in the first-ever New York Fashion Week in 1993.
The producer established her own event production company, Hula Inc., where she coordinates fashion shows. Lynne found beauty in the organized chaos that accompanies these events from the kickstart meeting to the finale walk — and she says, she still finds the charm to this day. In between fashion shows, the producer has also served as a consultant for television shows and movies like Gossip Girl and Sex in the City: The Movie. Lynne even had a character written after her (a fashion show producer named Lynne Cameron and played by Margret Cho), in Sex in the City.
When offering advice to future fashion show producers, Lynne tells EnVi, “Be able to deal with varied personalities and their expectations […] be open to creative ideas and the process […] and keep your ego out of it.”
RISING
Rising recognizes the people currently shaking the fashion industry and making significant changes towards more inclusive fashion spaces.
Arwa Al Banawi
In late 2022, Saudi designer Arwa Al Banawi reintroduced her eponymous fashion brand, pledging to strengthen sustainability efforts. Arwa, however, is not a fashion newcomer by any means. The designer, in fact, launched her namesake label in 2015 and is recognized as one of the leading Saudi creatives in the biz.
Inspired by her Arab heritage and celebrating Arab women, Al Banawi has crafted a brand that caters to “The Suitable Woman” — a tagline she uses to refer to smartly-dressed women, constantly on the go. Al Banawi creates womenswear influenced by classic tailoring and streetwear — sophisticated, practical and audacious. This eye for design and rising visibility in the MENA region has placed Arwa at the center of high-profile collaborations with brands such as Pepsi, KFC, Levi’s and Adidas.
Despite this prolific portfolio, Al Banawi and her brand entered a new era in 2023. Following the reintroduction of her namesake label, the designer presented her Spring Summer 2024 runway at the first-ever Riyadh Fashion Week. The collection merged urban influences with Al Banawi’s heritage and repurposed garments such as the caftan for a contemporary clientele.
Rui Zhou
Chinese designer Rui Zhou has risen to acclaim with one-of-a-kind designs that blur the boundaries between body and clothing. With influences such as Zen Buddhism and Wabi and Sabi aesthetics shaping her individuality, Zhou’s style is best recognized for her explorations of cutouts and asymmetry on body-hugging garments. Her distinct design codes reconfigure the relationship between skin and fabric, creating optical illusions on the wearer’s anatomy.
In 2019, the designer founded her namesake brand RUI after graduating from Parsons’ MFA Fashion Design and Society program. The brand’s inception came at a time when subversive fashion was rising as a major trend in fashion. This timing helped catapult the interest in clothes that aligned with Zhou’s signature aesthetics.
RUI has now become a favorite source of futuristic yet sensual clothing that empowers the wearer and champions diversity. You can catch it girls like Jennie Kim, Cardi B, Dua Lipa and Anitta sporting RUI pieces out and about. But Zhou’s reign in fashion began earlier. In 2017, she became one of the semifinalists in the 2017 H&M Design Award. A year later, she was selected as one of the CFDA+ Design Graduates — an early telltale of her current fashion rise.
Alia Bhatt
This year, Indian actress Alia Bhatt formally claimed her place as one of the most influential women in the fashion industry. In addition to starring in two major films (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Heart of Stone), Bhatt has risen to the forefront of mainstream fashion discourse alongside fellow Indian celebrities who are highlighting the region’s impact in the industry.
In May, the British-Indian actress made her debut appearance at the New York City Met Gala in a custom Prabal Gurung gown. The same month, the Bollywood star was appointed Gucci’s first Indian global ambassador, catalyzing Gucci’s connection with the rising power of South Asian celebrities. (Data company Launchmetrics reported that India was one of the key regions across this year’s fashion weeks, reflecting a larger trend that has seen luxury fashion houses honing in on the APAC region.)
Bhatt is also proving her entrepreneurial prowess with Ed-a-Mamma, her sustainable clothing brand, which recently partnered with India’s largest retailer, Reliance Retail. Announcing the team-up, Bhatt wrote on Instagram, “What we have in common is our dream to continue the work of building a homegrown, vocal-for-local brand of children’s products that are safe, parent-friendly and planet-friendly.”
Kim Shui
Before pursuing Fashion Design at Parsons The New School for Design and Central Saint Martins; Chinese-American fashion designer Kim Shui majored in Economics. However, her strong interest in fashion would eventually lead her to a career pivot. In 2016, Shui made her debut on the runway of VFILES at New York Fashion Week and hasn’t slowed down since.
Subverting the traditional use of Chinese motifs and embracing bold feminity, Shui quickly rose to fame. Her work, which Christine Yi (Gold House Futures) describes as rich storytelling of “female empowerment, with sculpting, eye-catching garments,” has been worn by all the it girls of our generation, from Solange to Dua Lipa and Rina Sawayama.
Regarding Shui’s subversive style, Vanya Harapan, fashion journalist and stylist, has previously written for EnVi, ”In sync with [her] design ethos, [her collections] channel bravery and confidence with a dash of sensuality. [They] tend to be steeped in social commentary. A case in point is her Spring Summer 2022 collection, where Shui reversed the roles of Asian bigotry and created clothing drawing upon the romanticized stereotypes of the East.”
Dickson Lim
Malaysian designer Dickson Lim made monumental strides for his eponymous brand in 2023. Since founding his brand in 2020, Lim has become the youngest person to debut a collection at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week and the first Malaysian-born designer to dress a celebrity at the Academy Awards.
As a promising name in the fashion scene, Lim has already made it clear that he is here to stay. This year, he was internationally recognized as the Champion of the World Creative Design Competition in Italy for his innovative approach to men’s tailoring.
Lim’s mission with his namesake brand is to reinvent the traditional approach to men’s fashion with unconventional designs, creative construction, and unabashed individuality. Fashion journalist and stylist Vanya Harapan tells EnVi, “Dickson Lim stands out among the young Southeast Asian designers on the rise. His take on menswear and suiting sets him apart in the region and is reshaping people’s perception of what a suit looks like. Through innovative designs and dedication to fine craftsmanship, Lim is leading a new age of menswear.”
Hema Bose
Hema Bose, the mastermind behind the global communication consultancy Maison Bose, first discovered her affinity for the industry while reading fashion literature at the British Library. After studying at the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins, Bose built a career in fashion, working at Alexander McQueen and Julien MacDonald. In the latter, she served as Head of Global Communications and VIP Placements.
In 2020, Bose embarked on a fresh journey with Maison Bose Communications, a 360-degree creative consultancy and one-stop solution for creatives. “It’s more than what meets the eye;” Bose tells EnVi, “While the spotlight shines on celebrity dressing, the real magic happens behind the scenes. Maison Bose creates a symphony of strategy, design consultation, and meticulous research — a curated roadmap for brands to flourish.”
This commitment to integral growth is best exemplified by the iconic collaborations Maison Bose procured in 2023 for their clients. Some examples include Beyoncé sporting Gaurav Gupta’s designs for her Renaissance world tour, Cardi B rocking a sculptural blue gown at the GRAMMY Awards and Coco Jones taking a Jean-Louis Sabaji look to the Cannes Film Festival.
Beyond VIP placements, Hema Bose’s mission is to challenge fashion norms by providing a stage for voices unheard and perspectives overlooked. In doing so, Hema says, she aims not only to contribute to the evolution of the fashion industry but also to empower the next generation of creatives to embrace their potential and break barriers.
Bohan Qiu
Bohan Qiu, the founder of the creative consultancy agency Boh Project, has constructed his brand around the intersection of fashion and sociocultural environments. Since its inception, Boh Project has partnered with globally renowned names like Calvin Klein, Mugler, Dion Lee, Louis Vuitton and Alaïa, as well as Chinese designers.
Notably, 2023 marked the start of Boh Project’s global expansion — the agency launched its South Korean branch, Boh Korea, in September. In only three months, Boh Korea has already worked with major Korean fashion forces and notable celebrities. Plus, Boh Project just debuted its own branded podcast, the BOH.cast, which highlights members of the agency team as they discuss topics relevant to Boh Project’s work.
“Bohan Qiu belongs to a new generation of multifaceted fashion professionals in Asia contributing to strengthening the continent’s influence as a fashion hub,” says Mayra Peralta. “At the head of Boh Project, Bohan is championing a new approach to public relations and communication, as well as connecting global brands with local audiences.”
Liushu Lei and Yutong Jiang
High school friends turned business partners, Liushu Lei and Yutong Jiang launched the Shanghai-based fashion label SHUSHU/TONG in 2015. Experimenting with ruffles, bows and prim silhouettes, the fashion label has attracted the likeness of Gen Z, as well as a celebrity clientele that includes Jennie Kim and Gemma Chan.
Lei and Jiang pull inspiration from sources as diverse as high-school girl tropes, Japanese anime and hyperfeminine aesthetics. Their “unabashedly feminine” designs have grown a cult following of fashion-savvy individuals, but they’ve also earned Lei and Jiang accolades as designers. The duo has been nominated for the International Woolmark Prize and has been indexed in the Business of Fashion’s The BoF 500. SHUSHU/TONG has also collaborated with brands such as Asics and Charles & Keith, bridging together different segments of the Gen Z demographic.
While Lei and Jiang’s designs don’t stray too far from the hyperfeminine creations that have been popular in fashion in recent years, their portrayal of womanhood is refreshingly well-informed. In a year where the girlhood experience was overly explored — and exploited — SHUSHU/TONG’s designs were a reminder that femininity and subtlety can evoke a wide range of empowering messages and not just objectification and infantilization.
Apo and Mile
Nattawin Wattanagitiphat and Phakphum Romsaithong, referred to by the mononyms Apo and Mile, are a Thai power duo most popularly known for their roles in KinnPorsche. Since starring in the BL production in 2022, Apo and Mile have significantly expanded their reach beyond the world of Thai television, attracting the attention of the fashion industry.
This June, the pair were appointed as ambassadors for the luxury brand Dior. Explaining this partnership, the French fashion house stated, “The duo has established a special friendship with the house, where both embody the Dior style and spirit locally and worldwide.” Following this announcement, the duo made waves with a streak of stylish joint appearances at events worldwide, from Fashion Weeks to international film festivals.
At Dior’s Spring Sumer 2024 show in Paris, Apo and Mile yielded eight of the ten highest-valued placements for the French Maison. “This season the brand focused on activating Thai audiences by inviting impactful Thai ambassadors,” shared Launchmetrics. “The top Celebrity Voice was Nattawin Wattanagitiphat, worth $6 million in Media Impact Value™ (MIV®). Phakphum Romsaithong was the second Celebrity Voice, worth $6 million in MIV®.”
Apo and Mile’s ambassadorship reflects a greater trend that sees global brands acknowledging Thailand’s rising star power and turning their attention to the region. However, their style-savvy portfolios and staggering ability to draw large digital audiences set the duo apart as rising global stars.
NEXT UP
Next Up rounds up the people to look forward to in the future. These are the most promising talents expanding their influence and reach beyond Asia.
Pipatchara and Jittrinee Kaeojinda
Sisters Pipatchara Kaeojinda and Jittrinee Kaeojinda founded Pipatchara in 2018 and have since become two of Thailand’s most recognized creatives. Pipatchara is known for its creative use of macramé, which directly honors the co-founders’ Thai heritage. (The brand proudly touts its pieces as 100% handmade in partnership with local Thai communities.)
This year saw the Kaeojinda sisters take their label internationally, expanding its global presence. The brand debuted its Fall Winter 2023 collection at Dubai Fashion Week (DFW). Pipatchara also made it to the wardrobe of celebrities and influencers such as Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Nola and Thai icon Kimberley Anne Woltemas.
Respecting their commitment to slow fashion, Pipatchara strives to create the junction of sustainability and fashion. The label has showcased pieces crafted from recycled plastics at DFW and created a custom dress for Thai star Davikah entirely out of water bottle caps.
Rizal Rama
The Indonesian modeling scene gained momentum in 2023 with new talents emerging at the forefront of international fashion. Among the distinct fresh faces, a name to note is Rizal Rama. The model started his career when a local model agency scouted him in his hometown, Surabaya. After making a name for himself in the local fashion industry, the model ventured into international territories.
In 2022, the model walked the runway of Fendi’s Fall Winter 2022 show. The same year, he modeled for Botter, Onitsuka Tiger, Comme des Garçons, and Simone Rocha, to name a few. He also fronted campaigns for Wooyoungmi and Y-3. Following this all-star streak, in 2023, the powerhouse graced the runways of Moncler, ACT No. 1 and Kiko Kostadinov, among others. Rama also reached a career milestone, landing on the cover of Vogue Singapore’s October Issue.
Rama’s sharp bone structure and piercing eyes, bestow him with a unique image, equal parts sleek, edgy and graceful. Paired with his ability to embody a multitude of styles, this distinctive look makes him the perfect candidate to represent a wide range of brands. The model is also driven to continue making room for industry diversity and shedding light on Indonesian and Southeast Asian representation.
Cynthia Jreige
Fashion editor, creative director and stylist Cynthia Jreige built an independent media publication out of her Master’s Project while studying at the London College of Fashion. “Growing up as a Lebanese from the diaspora, I was always looking at ways to connect with my father’s home. to understand my roots better. I quickly figured that what the media wanted to show [about] the Middle East was always so limited: conflict, hummus and sparkly gowns,” she tells EnVi. “We’re so much more than this.”
Since its inception in 2017, Jreige’s publication, JDEED, has grown to become a referent for fashion and art in the MENA region. The magazine is recognized for its all-embracing coverage that spotlights emerging and homegrown Arab talent. JDEED is also a visual masterpiece that retells narratives of Arab identity through a contemporary lens.
“I’m hoping that JDEED will always offer a view of my beloved Middle East that perhaps some people didn’t know existed before,” Jreige adds. “Beyond fashion, JDEED always focuses on the human behind the creation. There is a huge social aspect to what we do. The most important to us is to tell the stories of these people, as purely and raw as possible.”
Şansım Adalı
Şansım Adalı, the designer behind the Turkish-based fashion label Sudi Etuz, has experienced a life of multicultural diversity. After taking drawing classes in Antwerp and finding inspiration in the avant-garde fashion hub, the designer traveled home to pursue a career in design. Adalı debuted Sudi Etuz in 2016 with a Ready-to-Wear collection that brought conceptual design to the hands of young Turkish designers.
Within a few years, the Istanbul-based design house has found itself under the spotlight. The fashion label has been featured in publications like Forbes, Vogue and i-D and has made waves on the runways. For its first international presentation in 2019, Sudi Etuz participated in the International Design Exchange Program during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tbilisi.
Prioritizing quality over quantity, the designer is now committed to producing one collection per year. Adalı strives to fuse streetwear into high fashion, developing a one-of-a-kind “street-couture.” Whether it be an asymmetrical denim skirt or a neon heart bra, the garments hold a great avant-garde spirit with Adalı’s signature — origami tules. It helps, of course, that some of the biggest Turkish names have become loyal customers of the brand and are taking Şansım Adalı’s designs to the global stage.
Stray Kids
In a year where associations between fashion brands and South Korean stars were the order of the day, the members of the K-pop group Stray Kids stood out as promising fashion newcomers. The octet — consisting of Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N — fronted Tommy Hilfiger’s “Always Together” campaign for the Asia Pacific region and made headlines with every red-carpet appearance and international performance.
Whether they opted for utilitarian looks to perform at Lollapalooza Paris — a first for a K-pop act — or stepped out in sleek suits for the MTV Video Music Awards, the group deservedly commanded the attention of fashion enthusiasts. Even off-duty looks made the rounds online among fans of the groups.
But not everything was about sparking adoration among their own fandom. Stray Kids rose beyond K-pop confines to effectively influence fashion spheres. Members Hyunjin, Felix and I.N debuted in the fashion circuit after scoring individual associations with powerhouses such as Versace, Louis Vuitton and Alexander McQueen.
And though all this fashion fame is incipient, the group has made it clear that they have what it takes to effectively leverage the brands they represent. Hyunjin, for example, led one of the buzziest holiday campaigns of 2023. Meanwhile, Australia-born Felix gathered impressive MIV® numbers with his sole presence at the Louis Vuitton SS24 show during Paris Fashion Week. The star was responsible for $6.6 million in Media Impact Value™ through echo mentions. Now, multiply that eight times and you’ll understand what the Stray Kids’ hype is about and why fashion insiders are looking forward to the deals the group will ink in 2024.
Isyana Sarasvati
Indonesian musician Isyana Sarasvati is on her way to becoming a household name in the international music industry. She started her career with the single “Keep Being You” in 2014, and since then, she has steadily grown into a well-respected musician in the local scene. However, in 2019, the songstress took a bold spin and entered her LEXICON era. Through this release, Sarasvati began exploring a musical genre that blends rock with classical music, making this blend her artistic trademark.
Fast forward to 2022, the star debuted an iconic half-red, half-black hairstyle. And with that, her fashion era began. Sarasvati developed a signature aesthetic — one that involved black and bright reds, gothic and Victorian influences, and touches of regal and theatrical elements. As she began to delve headfirst into building a visual concept for herself, the singer grew more and more comfortable with rocking experimental and heavy-duty pieces.
This one-of-a-kind aesthetic she built is now showcased through albums, performance outfits, event appearances and even her off-duty looks. This well-executed shift in style has quickly garnered the attention of brands like Coach, Gucci and YSL Beauty. The musician even became a repeat attendee of Vogue World events in 2022 and 2023, which proves that she is shaping up to be a fashion force to be reckoned with.
Nichapat Suphap
Though Thai editor and consultant Nichapat Suphap is in no way a newbie in the fashion industry, the entrepreneur launched a new chapter of her career in 2023. Looking to further bridge Thai entertainment and international fashion, Suphap set up the talent agency The Venture Management. The multihyphenate kicked off this new era with a bang, scouting stars such as Apo, Mile, Bright Vachirawit and Davika Hoorne, among others.
This new venture came at a time when all eyes are turning to the Asia Pacific region and Thai entertainment is quickly emerging as a cultural power. In the most recent Fashion Week cycle, Data company Launchmetric reported that Thailand took the third spot in terms of growth in the APAC region, and ranked first globally for celebrity-generated MIV® — surpassing stars from other Asian countries.
Fashion Editor: Mayra Peralta
Words by Mayra Peralta, Mel Simmons, Vanya Harapan and Valentina Reni.
Graphics and illustrations by Niamh Murphy, Mal Peterson and Élise.
Interested in more fashion content? Check out the best-dressed Asian men of 2023 here.
*The author’s content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.
