20 years of Asian Heritage Month

First established in 2002, May has become the month in Canada where we pay special attention to learning, reflecting on, and celebrating the traditions and cultures of Canadians of Asian descent. And while we’re relieved that the disturbing hate crimes which reached fever pitch last year have dissipated — though we’re also worried that they’re simply being under-reported — it was a very real reminder that racism still exists and it’s every single person’s responsibility to fight it. One way of doing so? By acknowledging and applauding the achievements of Asians who have made Canada their home. Rebecca Tay presents five designers of Asian heritage making waves in the Canadian fashion industry.

OCEAN LOVER

We’ve raved about Ocin before, usually for its cool mix-and-match swimwear, but did you know the brand, found by former swimmer and Vancouverite Courtney Chew, has a Re:current program, too? The line, which releases pieces in batches, reworks cool pieces from local boutique Kamuy Vintage, adding graphics such as the brand’s signature swirl, that are screen-printed by hand by local artists. This 100 per cent cotton Military BDU jacket has a slightly oversized fit that makes it perfect as an easy layering piece all summer long. Ocin, ocin.co | $198

STRUT YOUR STUFF

Toronto-based designer Jennifer Le launched her eponymous shoe label, IAMJENNIFERLE, in 2014 with a mission to, in her words, “create show-stopping, double tap-worthy pieces.” Her pieces have been seen on big names — think Beyoncé, Rihanna, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Kylie Jenner, Mary J. Blige, Cardi B and Lil’ Kim — and with sky-high styles like these incredible Pom Pom lambskin mules with handdyed fox fur, it’s very, very easy to see why.

Jennifer Le, iamjenniferle.com | $429

BUDGET BUY

Oak + Fort has had a pretty meteoric rise — so incredible, in fact, that it’s hard to believe that Min Kang launched the brand more than 10 years ago. Now headquartered in Vancouver and a go-to for anyone seeking out minimalist, trend-driven pieces, a quick perusal in store or on its website inevitably reveals gems such as this very cute cropped knit blouse and skirt co-ordinating set. Oak + Fort, ca.oakandfort.com | $58 each

GREEN PARTY

Ai Toronto Seoul is one of our favourite Canadian bag brands, let alone one of our country’s top Asian-founded brands. Sisters Hannah, Joanna and Rebekah launched the line together after Hannah underwent chemotherapy for a rare tumour, specializing in vegan bags made in Seoul. This Worker style comes in a few colours, but we’re partial to this bright green hue. Bonus points for the fact that it even fits a 13-inch laptop.

Ai Toronto Seoul, ai-co.ca | $195

PUT A RING ON IT

Husband-and-wife duo Keith

Lau and Josephine Liu hail from a family of master goldsmiths in Hong Kong and started Noren Studio in Vancouver as a unisex brand devoted to modern Scandinavian design with a touch of Japanese minimalism. Their collection includes primarily bangles and rings such as this silver 4.5mm version with 18k rose gold inserts, which is equal parts elegant and sophisticated. Noren, norenstudio.com | $800