Jasion Wu, Richard Chai and Alexander Wang.
Three Asian-Americans won awards at the American Fashion awards ceremony. Richard Chai for men's wear, Jason Wu for women's wear and Alexander Wang for accessories. Why is this important? It was the first time all three awards went to three Asian Americans, there was also three $25,000 scholarships given out that night, all to students with Asian backgrounds. There is a new fast pace increase of Asian-American designers in the industry, they are recognized quickly for their skill and understanding for fabric and fashion.
Many of the major fashion schools have seen a recent influx in Asian-American and Asian-born students since the 90's. Parsons New School for Design now has aprox. 70% of their students from Asia and the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T) out of 1.200 students about 23%.
There have been waves in the past from Asian, but they were much smaller, such as in the 80's which resulted in Anna Sui and Vera Wang coming into the industry.
in 1995 there were 10 Asian-American members on the Council of Fashion Designers of America, now there are 35.
This could be happening for the same reason there was an increase of Jewish decent designers in the 80's Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors. In the 20th century Jewish immigrants built their way up in the fashion industry in New York, starting as laborers, factory owners, manufacturers, retailers and eventually designers.
Similar to the Asian-American designers now who's previous generations were involved in the production of clothes. "I grew up around clothes," Mr. Lam said "it was like a default. Fashion became on of the few outlets for Asian-Americans who wanted to put their name out there."
I love seeing designs progress and what designers can come up with, and how they can come up with things so quickly. Their ability to be inspired and to transform it into clothing and accessories really is impressive to me. Anyone who can do that on such a fast pace and in a lifestyle that is so demanding is to me, talented.
Alexander Wang
Jason Wu
Richard Chai
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