Architectural Digest Editors Share 20 of Their Favorite AAPI-Owned Businesses

With the disturbing rise of anti-Asian violence in America, we should all be fully aware of the countless ways we can stand in solidarity with AAPI communities and amplify their voices, from seeking out educational resources to supporting AAPI-founded business. To kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re sharing some of our favorite AAPI-owned brands, designers, and craft makers that should be on your radar. From bedding and home decor to food and skin care, we’ve got pretty much every stretch of the imagination covered with this mix of offerings. In addition to supporting these diverse businesses with a purchase, we also recommend donating to the Support the AAPI Community Fund and other AAPI charitable organizations of your choosing.

“Stumbling upon Adeline Wang’s incredible textile art was truly the best thing that a texture-obsessed Taurean like myself could do. Based out of Santa Clara, California, Wang specializes in punch needle art, weaving together fibers into tableaux of nature-inspired abstractions. Following her on Instagram, you can see how Wang utilizes her medium for everything from seat cushions and rugs to standalone wall art. I purchased Eye Above the Setting Sun during a tough time in my life, and it now resides over my bed, a piece of artwork that feels as personal and comforting to me as a down comforter.” — Elise Portale, social media manager

“Bokksu is a curated subscription snack box that features delicacies created by small makers across Japan. Each month, the theme of the box changes, so you might get savory snacks, sweet snacks, or both. Most recently, I had the pleasure of sampling the brand’s limited-edition Sakura box in honor of cherry blossom season, and a close second to actually tasting all of the delectable treats is the educational pamphlet the accompanies the box and traces the origin of each snack and its ingredients. This box would make a perfect gift for anyone who delights in trying and tasting new things—a few of which have textures and flavors I’m sad it took me several decades to experience for the first time (shredded ume potato sticks, where have you been all my life?!) And, if you fall in love with any particular snack, which I can more or less guarantee you will, the Bokksu market has a selection of goods you can purchase directly.” — Rachel Fletcher, commerce editor

“This trio of goodies from Brightland makes for an amazing hostess or housewarming gift. Brightland is known for its exceptional high-quality olive oil, and this gift showcases the olive oil alongside a vibrant champagne vinegar and sweet, fragrant honey. It’s next-level goodness in packaging that’s so artistic you’ll want to leave it out on your counter.” — Kristi Kellogg, contributor

“My mom always tells me to wear SPF, and Everyday Humans makes my go-to sunscreens as of late. Their Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum doesn’t leave a white overcast, clog my pores (in fact, it’s infused with skin-enhancing hyaluronic acid), or have a strong smell, so I really love applying it in the mornings under my makeup and lightly layering it on throughout the day.” — Audrey Lee, commerce writer

“There are products you see all over Instagram that you probably should avoid. And there are a rare few where the hype is 1000% deserved. Fly By Jing’s Sichuan Chili Crisp is one of those rare few. There are weeks when I haven’t had a meal that this savory, tingly sauce wasn’t drizzled on. It’s just as delicious on fried eggs as it is on meat-filled dumplings, pizza, or even a simple steamed veg. Taste aside, I love everything the brand, founded by Chengdu-native Jing Gao, does. From their packaging and graphic design, to their sourcing of handpicked ingredients, and even the way they respond to their many trolls online. This is one Internet-famous product you shouldn’t sleep on.” —  Rachel Fletcher, commerce editor

“During the pandemic, Fly By Jing helped curb my cravings for some of my favorite Chinese restaurant dishes with their superior flavor formulations and delicious bites. The pork soup dumplings are my personal favorite (and a dead ringer for my favorites from Chinatown), though you can’t go wrong with their spice jars or even their lovely merch.” — Audrey Lee, commerce writer

“Trust me, your body will thank you for regularly exfoliating with this towel from Gunma, Japan.” — Sydney Gore, digital design editor

“I’ve always been attracted by the clean lines and handmade feel of In Common With’s light fixtures, which are all assembled by their team in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Their work feels industrial and sculptural at the same time. And I love how many of their pieces are topped with clay shades—an unexpected touch.” — Hannah Martin, design editor

“I think one of my favorite homewares to shop for (and lust after) is lighting. I love how much a beautiful lamp or good bulb can transform a space. Enter In Common With, a Brooklyn-based design studio helmed by Felicia Hung and Nick Ozemba that makes so many exceptional lights. I’m particularly smitten with the elegant Up Down sconce, which has 125 different finish combinations and is available in a hardwired, plug-in, or slim ADA-compliant style—very lust-worthy” — Zoë Sessums, digital design writer 

“In Common With is a Brooklyn-based lighting studio comprised of the combined creative talents of Felicia Hung and Nick Ozemba, and I’m utterly obsessed. When I first laid eyes on their lights, I had an immediate urge to replace every single fixture in my home with their work (and, frankly, I’m still saving up in order to realize that dream). Discovering the Ceramic Disc Orb Surface Mount was like love at first sight—it’s the perfect showcase of how In Common With plays with roundness and texture to create a bold yet minimalist statement—and reminded me that art can be just as functional as it is beautiful.” — Elise Portale, social media manager

“Italic’s extensive collection of high-quality essentials includes everything from durable kitchen items to stylish loungewear, all at the lowest prices possible (the brand sources its stock directly from manufacturers to cut costs to the consumers). This past winter, I practically lived in the brand’s super-soft cashmere quarter zip, which was the perfect piece to comfortably lounge around in or throw on to look more put-together during Zoom meetings.” — Audrey Lee, commerce writer

“I’ve always been fascinated by Chinese scholars’ rocks: the pitted, perforated stones that have been used as sources of inspiration and contemplation in the studies of scholars for more than two millennia. There are always a few of these treasures to admire at JF Chen, Los Angeles’s venerable emporium of centuries-spanning antiques and contemporary creations. Under the direction of Joel and Margaret Chen, as well as their daughter Bianca, JF Chen has solidified a reputation as the go-to destination for design cognoscenti, a place that traces aesthetic lineage between East and West and all points in between. It is a place that honors the Chens’ ancestral roots in China as well as their global purview as arbiters of taste and discernment in design.” — Mayer Rus, West Coast editor

“Created by the community-driven force Welcome to Chinatown, Made in Chinatown’s merch is a window into New York City’s Chinatown, where you can buy art, clothing, and snacks from actual Chinatown small businesses that are shipped right to your door. This sweatshirt from Wo Hop is one of my favorites to reach for. It’s got gold embroidery on the front, the restaurant’s dishes on the back, and is a lovely way to support a small business.”  — Audrey Lee, commerce writer

“I’ve written about my love for Material in the past, and it hasn’t waned since my first time testing the brand’s mini Reboard and paring knife during the first months of the pandemic. Everything Asian American founders Eunice Byun and David Nguyen set out to build is done with care. For example, the Reboard and newly launched Rebowl are made with recycled plastic sourced from kitchen waste, and their popular nonstick pans are made from copper (no nasty coating here) and also nontoxic. And did I mention that everything is as beautifully designed as it is sustainably sourced?” — Rachel Fletcher, commerce editor

“Mochidoki makes the best mochi ice cream I’ve tasted, hands down, forever ruining all supermarket iterations of the dessert for me in the process. Founded by Ken Gordon and Christopher Wong in 2015, the brand’s focus on ingredients first have even made it the pick of high-end restaurants like Nobu and Tao. If you’re based in NYC, luckily there’s two store locations in SoHo and the Upper East Side, otherwise you can ship treats directly to your door (my picks would be the Earl Gray, Ube, Black Sesame, and Passion Fruit).” — Audrey Lee, commerce writer

“Morrow Soft Goods caught my eye when we were covering the supply-chain crisis at AD PRO. As many companies sought to move production closer to home, I appreciated that Morrow stuck by its Indian artisans. The brand’s creative director commented at the time, “We wanted to support [our factories]—we didn’t want to switch.” Coupled with the fact that Morrow produces textiles in dreamy shades like sage and apricot, the decision to support this AAPI-owned brand is an easy one. Right now, I’m eyeing this mauve duvet cover for spring.” — Lila Allen, AD PRO editor

“I discovered this Seoul-based brand during the last Ssense sale and am not ashamed to admit that they had me at the packaging, but now that I’ve been using the products for a few months, I can recommend them with full confidence.” — Sydney Gore, digital design editor

“I’ve been obsessed with Olga Goose Candle from the moment I set eyes on the very rare Pink Cats candle back in 2017. Risa Makabe is a creative genius, and I hope that more homes are filled with her wonderfully weird candle characters because they literally spark joy (even though I don’t actually light mine).” — Sydney Gore, digital design editor

“When I received chocolate and tea from Paru over the holidays, they were a huge hit with my whole household. With unique flavor formulations like lavender Earl Grey and this Hojicha bar (milk chocolate with roasted green tea and toasted rice), I think these bars make an especially lovely gift for anyone who doesn’t like their desserts overly sweet.” — Audrey Lee, commerce writer

“I’m a big tea drinker, and this loose-leaf tea from Salter House is always in my morning rotation. Made exclusively in collaboration with Leaves & Flowers, the Salter Black is a strong blend of Assam, South Indian Lyerpadi and Keemun Leaves.” — Sydney Gore, digital design editor

“Like many others during the pandemic, I became more keen to the slow-living movement—the mindset of taking your time and putting more appreciation toward everyday activities. Family-owned shop Salter House, with its hand-enameled tableware and incredibly cozy knitted bath linens, has become a go-to source for thoughtful everyday utility items. For lucky Brooklynites like me, it’s simply the sustainable shop around the corner.” — Mel Studach, AD PRO associate editor

“If you’re any sort of modern green thumb, you’re likely familiar with The Sill’s extensive offering of lovely botanicals. Perfect for birthdays, holidays (including Mother’s Day!), housewarmings, and everything in between—there’s no better destination to shop for a thoughtful gift.” — Audrey Lee, commerce writer

“Ever since I saw one of these Sohn cotton canvas pillows at Beverly’s, I’ve secretly been wanting one for my own apartment. Don’t be surprised when you start seeing more of these pop up on Instagram: They’re now stocked at Home Union, so it’s only a matter of time before John Sohn blows up!” — Sydney Gore, digital design editor

“Sundae School is a craft cannabis and Korean streetwear brand from California with a mission to contextualize and destigmatize weed. They are committed to diversity and equity as they make it a priority to partner with people and brands that reflect their ideals as well as donate 1% of their sales to nonprofits, which makes their cozy fleece products and cold-weather accessories that much cooler. Their fleece jackets are perfect for fool’s spring when you finally want to put that puffer jacket away you’ve been wearing all winter, but it’s still chilly in the morning and after the sun goes down.” — Kelsey Borovinsky, audience development manager