Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month With Brands & More Projects That Support the Asian Community
Ashley Rushford
Digital Editor
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May marks the beginning of AAPI Heritage Month — a time to celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander heritage across North America. it’s also a month to recognize and openly acknowledge the contributions and influence of the Asian community. There’s no better time than the present to celebrate and uplift AAPI creators, businesses, entrepreneurs and brands. From first-generation entrepreneurs to sustainable brands, these founders have built successful businesses while paying homage to their Asian roots.
Here is a roundup of some brands that are actively supporting AAPI causes and donating profits to organizations while helping the AAPI community.
State Cashmere
State Cashmere is an Asian-owned and sustainable cashmere brand that puts the wellness of our planet at the forefront of its business philosophy. State Cashmere aims to democratize luxury fashion, while helping you build a premium capsule wardrobe that will last you a lifetime. The cashmere pieces are designed for real-life — they are 100% pure for wild softness and will take you wherever you need to go.
How it supports the AAPI community: State Cashmere is committed to sustainability, transparency, and quality; proudly being fair-trade and cruelty-free. Using pure Grade A cashmere and offering the fairest prices without compromising the wages and livelihoods of their shepherds, State Cashmere works to raise the circular economy and sustainability initiatives in the cashmere industry.
Saks
Saks Fifth Avenue has debuted a digital campaign in honor of AAPI Heritage Month. The company will honor AAPI Heritage Month through a month-long calendar of digital content, programming, and virtual and in-person events focused on representation and communicating ways to support the AAPI community.
How it supports the AAPI community: Additionally, the Saks Foundation will make a $60,000 donation to Apex for Youth and Saks also donated $30,000 in support of Apex’s 30th Anniversary Gala. Through May 15, 2022, customers can also enter code APEX30 on Saks.com for 10% of the sale to be donated to Apex for Youth.
Avre
Avre was born out of necessity to transform the industry with the inspiration to pursue a sustainable footwear brand for the empowered woman. Avre does exactly that by using recycled plastics bottles on the quest to craft trendy and comfy footwear.
How it supports the AAPI community: The Taiwanese-American-owned sustainable women’s footwear brand is donating 20% of all sales to AAPI Women Lead for the month of May.
Chriselle Lim x Love, Bonito
Chriselle Lim has partnered with Love, Bonito – the leading D2C womenswear label in Southeast Asia – as the brand continues to expand to the U.S. and further their mission to empower women during AAPI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond.
Koolmac
Cameron Look also known as “Koolmac” has debuted his collaboration with Air Jordan. The Air Jordan 36 Low “Koolmac” was inspired by his love for matcha, boba milk tea, and his AAPI heritage.
