Five Asian founded streetwear items as Christmas gifts

Asian founded streetwear brands once again made noise in 2023 . 

Labels such as Asia-based Edison Chen’s CLOT, Auralee and ASICS, to Asian American brands such as Brain Dead and Rhude are no longer hidden gems. They are household names within the industry. 

These Asian founded streetwear brands earned their widespread recognition. They have a common ethos: transcending style and redefining streetwear as a dynamic medium for cross-cultural creative expression.

As an enthusiast and marketing professional in street fashion, I’ve gathered for you five of my favorite Asian founded streetwear items that are sure to make great gifts this holiday season.

Sandy Liang x Vans Authentic 44 DX “Scribble”

Based in New York City, Sandy Liang is a relatively new designer who’s already made quite the name for herself — literally.

Her namesake label’s seamless blend of familiarity and eclecticism has made her a favorite of both traditionalists and dilettantes alike. And evidently Vans too.

Originally released in 2022, the design on this popular silhouette drew inspiration from Liang’s childhood rooted in NYC’s Chinatown borough.  

Beige Check Polo by Brain Dead

Led by Creative Director and Co-Founder Kyle Ng, Los Angeles-based company Brain Dead blurs the lines between fashion house and creative collective.

So much so that beyond just their clothing line, they have also found much success operating a de facto movie theater. They also host Magic: The Gathering tournaments at their studio on the iconic Fairfax Avenue.

Renowned for their often maximalist approach, this tonal checkerboard quarter-zip polo stands out because it is quite the opposite.

This top shines through its attention to detail, and ability to be dressed up or down depending upon the situation. 

COSTS x ASICS GT-2160 “Shaoji”

Although COSTS may not yet be a staple in Western fashion, they will be.

Their popularity across Asia is undeniable. They had a couple of hyped drops with ASICS thus far, with their newest being my favorite of the bunch. 

Nicknamed “Shaoji” in homage to the traditional Chinese weaving technique. This take on the GT-2160 maintains ASICS’ classic minimalism, with just enough collaborative touches to make the silhouette feel refreshed.

Some of the notable details include Shaoji in Chinese “筲箕” embroidered on the sneaker’s eyelets, and co-branded navy blue laces. 

PERTEX T-Down Jacket by thisisneverthat

Globally launched in 2010, thisisneverthat is a formerly underground South Korean fashion label. They are best described as the product of 90s American hip-hop meeting contemporary sportswear.

With their loud prints and patterns, they’re usually known for their ostentatious outerwear. This puffy jacket is certainly no exception. 

CLOT x Nike Air Max 1 “Kiss of Death – Solar Red”

Vancouver-born Edison Chen has become pretty synonymous with success in the streetwear world.

He and co-founder Kevin Poon’s label, CLOT, has worked with the likes of Nike and Jordan Brand. More recently they inked a new deal with Adidas on a collection that is being released to much anticipation. 

At first glance, this Air Max 1 appears to be a rather toned down sneaker by CLOT’s current standards, but its backstory is anything but that.

This 2021 version is actually a re-release of an original 2006 model that was worn by a certain rapper on their “Touch The Sky” Tour that we don’t talk about anymore.

Finding an original pair is frankly impossible and unaffordable, so shout out Edison for the retro.