Brands and retailers are doing their part to raise awareness amid the ongoing violent and hateful crimes committed against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
Hate towards the AAPI community has been on the rise during the coronavirus pandemic, sparking national outrage and dialogue. In January, an 84-year old man from Thailand died after being attacked on his morning walk in San Francisco and just days later a 91-year-old woman was pushed to the ground in Oakland’s Chinatown, CNN reported.
Since then, the fashion industry has spoken up, taking a stand against racism, and provided ways you too can combat hate — including buying from brands that are initiating conversation for positive change and donating portions of proceeds to AAPI organizations.
To help you make a difference with your dollar, we’ve rounded up seven brands to shop that directly benefit AAPI communities.
Better Off Alone
Better Off Alone, a clothing brand co-founded by Bonnie Poon, has released a #StopAsianHate face mask to help raise money to support and raise awareness on the important issue. With each purchase of a mask, 50% of proceeds from the mask are going towards the GoFundMe AAPI Fund — a fundraiser that seeks to uplift, empower and protect the AAPI community.
Bodega
Bodega has joined forces with Awake, Carhart Wip, Koreatown, Pleasures, PRMTVO and ThisNeverThat to take a stand against discrimination and violence towards the AAPI community. Together, the brands have launched a collaborative fleece hoodie that will be available for presale from April 6 to April 9. All proceeds will go to the Asian American Legal Defense & Education Fund and STOPAAPIHATE.org — a national coalition addressing anti-Asian hate amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Evolvetogether
Evolvetogether, a go-to face mask brand for stars like Katie Holmes and Addison Rae, is donating to nonprofits like the ACLU and Asian Americans Advancing Justice with each purchase its We Stand Together face mask. The masks are adjustable, breathable and feature comfortable ear loops for a soft fit.
Alumni of NY
Alumni of NY has launched a Lunar New Year capsule, which includes a “Live Freely” long sleeve t-shirt that encourages “free will.” The shirt comes in a vibrant red hue with yellow accents. All proceeds from the capsule will go towards Chinese-American Planning Council.
Haerfest
The founders of Haerfest, who are Korean Americans, launched a capsule called Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes. “We want to break free from an illusion many believe — that we can expect change to happen on its own,” the brand shared on Instagram. Proceeds from the capsule will go directly to Stop AAPI Hate.
Phenomenal
Founded by Kamala Harris’ niece Meena Harris, Phenomenal has launched a Phenomenally Asian t-shirt. The top, which comes in black with white writing, offers a loose fit and comes in a wide range of sizes. Proceeds from the top will go toward the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum.
Uprisers
Uprisers has launched a capsule of t-shirts and sweatshirts in support of Hate Is a Virus — “a nonprofit community of mobilizers and amplifiers that exists to dismantle racism and other forms of hate,” reads the brand’s website.
