Gender fluidity, where one’s gender identity can shift over time or with the situation, has become an evergreen topic in fashion. This style allows individuals to transcend traditional gender norms and express their authentic selves. From iconic rock star Prince’s pink feather boas and sequined suits in the 1980s to rapper Lil Nas X’s glittering Met Gala bodysuit, gender-fluid fashion has captured attention of fashion-forward crowds for a long time.
Asian brands like Ponder.er and Rui Zhou have gained recognition for their gender-fluid designs, resonating strongly with LGBTQ+ communities. For those seeking inspiration, here are seven Asian-owned fashion labels that have made waves on the global stage.
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Ponder.er
*Known for: delicate textiles and form-fitting silhouettes*
Ponder.er is a local label founded by Hong Kong-born designers Alex Po and Derek Cheng. The latest collection showcases its signature diamond-shaped smocked trousers and shirts with frayed and cut-out details. The brand creatively transforms traditional menswear into a fluid, body-hugging style suitable for all genders and body shapes. In February, Ponder.er was selected as a semi-finalist for the 2024 LVMH Prize for young fashion designers.
Demo
*Known for: soft masculine style*
Demo is another one of Hong Kong’s rising stars in the gender-fluid fashion scene. Led by designer Derek Chan, the brand strikes a balance between classical elements and edgy styling. In its fall-winter 2024 collection, Demo continues to blend elegance and modernity, highlighting vegan leather shorts, black culottes and burgundy velvet shirts.
RUIBuilt
*Known for: curve-hugging bodysuits with oval cutouts*
Worn by A-list stars like Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa and Lisa from Blackpink, RUIBuilt (formerly Rui Zhou) was established by designer Rui Zhou in 2019. The designer views clothing as a second skin and a form of self-expression, and her elastic designs suit a wide range of body sizes and diverse gender expressions. RUIBuilt was honoured with the Karl Lagerfeld Prize by LVMH in 2021.
Fang
*Known for: form-fitting knitwear*
Fang is a New York-based fashion line created by Beijing-born designer Fang Guo. The brand aims to explore the dichotomy between femininity and masculinity, offering diverse fashion for queer individuals. Fang’s designs are known for being gender-expansive, and recently, the queer designer launched a Pride capsule collection in collaboration with the LGBTQ+ dating app Sniffies.
Finix Wear
*Known for: contemporary athleisurewear*
Originating from Singapore, Finix Wear is an athleisure label that combines elements of active, street, and lounge styles to promote inclusivity and diversity in everyday wear. It has been using transgender, gender-fluid, LGBTQ+ and plus-sized models to market its clothes since the brand started in 2020. In early June, the brand launched its first Pride collection to celebrate the freedom to love in 50 shades of pink with hand-dyed tie-dye.
Motoguo
*Known for: colourful and maximalist aesthetics*
Don’t miss out on Motoguo if you are looking to infuse some dopamine into your gender-fluid style. Motoguo is the eponymous brand founded by Malaysian designer Moto Guo in 2015. His distinctive design aesthetic captures the essence of childhood joy, with vibrant colours, nostalgic silhouettes and playful embellishments.
Ka Wa Key
*Known for: engineered prints*
Ka Wa Key was established by the Hong Kong-born Ka Wa Key Chow and Finnish-born Jarno Leppänen. It reshapes genderless wardrobe staples and patterns, drawing inspiration from Asian and Scandinavian heritage. Each collection features minimally cut garments with unexpected proportions and simple yet vibrant, eye-catching prints. The brand also prioritises quality eco-conscious fabrics, including organic cotton and linen.
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