More and more Asian fashion influencers are making their mark in North America. It’s a fresh wave of diverse faces and personalities to the scene.
From style tip blogs to Instagram and Tiktok accounts, their emergence signifies more than a celebration of representation. It stands as a challenge to the conventional standards of fashion in North America.
See also Redefining and celebrating Asian Americans in fashion
As an enthusiast and marketing professional in fashion, I’ve gathered for you five of my favorite Asian American and Asian Canadian influencers. Their content transcends mere aesthetics, shaping a more inclusive and vibrant fashion ecosystem.
Michelle K. Hanabusa
Michelle K. Hanabusa (@mkhanabusa) is one of the coolest people you could possibly follow.
As a Japanese American hailing from Los Angeles, Hanabusa brings a unique perspective to the fashion world. She blurs the lines between Japanese street style and the classic West Coast ethos, as seen in her own streetwear brand — UPRISERS.
Beyond her industry accolades Hanabusa is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. She is a cultural consultant for projects like FX’s Shōgun, and co-founded the AAPI community mobilization group Hate is a Virus.
Denny Balmaceda
I couldn’t in good faith put this list out without including Denny Balmaceda (@denny623).
An OG of the internet, Balmaceda has been a menswear blogger since 2008.
His ability to remain relevant years later is a testament to his true talent in weaving together streetwear, high fashion, and vintage pieces. He is known for his well-defined, eclectic personal style that we see today.
Balmaceda is also a photographer, a model, and has collaborated with the likes of Adidas, to Bape, to Louis Vuitton just to name a few.
See also Claudia Li: Fashion and Asian representation on the runway
Kevin Ha
Moving from an OG to a new school dude who is absolutely killing it, next up is Kevin Ha (@mousetrvp).
Ha’s aesthetic is best characterized by clean lines, minimalist silhouettes, and what I appreciate the most: attention to statement accessories.
He has successfully built much of his following not only because of his ability to co-opt contemporary trends into his own sense of style, but also the mediums by which he documents his fashion journey.
Ha has a very clear passion for videography. Much of his long form content is incredibly easy on the eyes.
The multiple camera angles and attention to color grading are no means by accident. They work to further elevate his already luxurious ethos.
Victoria Hui
If you want both outfit and posing inspirations, look no further than Victoria Hui.
One of my favorite series that Toronto-based creator Victoria Hui (@thelustlistt) does is her “How To Pose” series. In the series, she provides playful insights so that every photo that’s taken — whether it’s solo or with a significant other — comes out picture perfect.
Additionally, she gives traditional styling tips, and has carved out a community on YouTube where she recaps hauls of her international purchases.
Anh Sundstrom
Figuring out what to wear in a business atmosphere day-in and day-out can be difficult. Luckily, that’s where Anh Sundstrom comes to the rescue.
Anh Sundstrom, known by her online persona @9to5chic, is a Vietnamese American fashion blogger and influencer renowned for her effortlessly sophisticated style.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for timeless elegance, Sundstrom has captured the essence of modern femme professionalism.
Whether she’s detailing how to best style different prints, or building the best outfit on a certain budget, Sundstrom’s approachable yet elevated fashion sense has garnered her over 350,000 followers and counting.
With each post, Sundstrom continues to redefine the possibilities of office attire and empowers others to express themselves in more refined environments.
