Modern Multi Ethnic Fashion Brands We Absolutely Love
We put a spotlight on fashion labels that have successfully created a space where traditional ethnic fashion meets modern and contemporary designs. Creatively bringing together this fusion of modern aesthetics and traditional fashion, are brands that have created everything from handmade shoes and Indian jewellery to African headwraps and instant hijabs.
1. Papa Don’t Preach
Shot in one of the largest salt deserts in the world, Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika‘s latest collection called ‘Run Frenzy, Run’ showcases Festive Couture. Collaborating with Aastha Sharma for styling and PARAMSahib for whimsical headgears and sunglasses has resulted in a wild and bold summer collection.
Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika‘s festive collection consists of an innovative set of garments ranging from pantsuits to corseted jumpsuits to their signature half lehengas, and an array of unique accessories consisting of embellished vegan crossbody bags, their signature round spidey purses, embroidered earrings, belts, belt bags and shoes - all in gorgeous bold colours and designs!
2. Ilham Echenta
Ilham Echenta, Malaysia's iconic turban designer and fashion influencer, has created a label specialising in modest instant turbans and instant hijab scarves that offer the best of style and convenience. The versatile pieces can be worn and styled in many different ways; just take a look at their website for simple tutorials on how to wear your fashionable turban or hijab.
Ilham Echenta’s latest collection, designed for the upcoming Hari Raya festivities, comprises of instant turbans and hijabs with a touch of glamour while still maintaining their signature casual and simple looks.
3. JUJU by Jyoti Sardar
Art for your feet. That’s exactly what JUJUs are. And because these handmade mules and loafers look effortlessly chic, classy and elegant, they can easily take you from everyday work attire to grander formal occasions. Founded by Jyoti Sardar, who has a personal affinity towards animals and made the choice of living sustainably, JUJUs are responsibly-sourced vegan shoes hand embroidered by artisans from India. Each pair is one-of-a-kind!
Jyoti wanted to create a brand of footwear that would blend ancient shoe-making traditions of India with a contemporary aesthetic and sustainable, conscious fashion. If you’re looking to invest in a pair of unique and comfortable shoes while supporting conscious fashion, look no further than the JUJUs. Keep your eyes peeled for the new women's wear summer collection launching in May and menswear collection in June.
4. Martini G Couture
Founded by Singapore’s well-known fashion designer, Ada Goh, Black & White International Pte Ltd (BWI) focuses on promoting Chinese arts and culture. Back in 1998, Ada started manufacturing wedding gowns and haute couture bridal fashion for clients from Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and other overseas markets. With the encouragement and recognition from their satisfied clients, Martini G was established in 2006.
With over 22 years of experience in the industry, the designer of her own signature labels, Ada specializes in evening couture, bespoke wedding dresses and traditional and fusion Qipaos also known as the Cheongsam. Ada’s designs and the production of these outfits are done in-house through her boutiques and workshops in Singapore, Malaysia and China.
5. Zariin
Avant-garde yet classic in inspiration, Zariin designs eclectic, bold, and sophisticated pieces that creatively incorporate fascinating stones into contemporary, luxury statement jewellery. Rozana by Zariin is one of the latest introductions to provide affordable luxury jewellery that is defined by its craft and quality, not its price.
Rozana by Zariin is an extension to Zariin’s commitment to artisanal craft and will continue to experiment with classics and trends to inspire new handcrafted creations for the everyday jewellery needs of the modern woman.
6. Fanm Djanm
Source: Fanm Djanm Facebook
Fanm Djanm, which means "strong woman" in Haitian Kreyol, was founded in 2014 as a collection of eight headwraps, which the founder, Paola, sold directly from her apartment on the weekends. Today, Fanm Djanm has transformed into a headwrap collection and lifestyle brand that serves to both empower and inspire women to live boldly. Fanm Djanm encourages women to wear a bold print, take command of a room, laugh a little too loudly, and pursue their greatest goals.
Though Fanm Djanm has grown over the years, the brand takes pride in its dedication to hand making its headwraps locally in Harlem, New York City and enforcing a zero waste policy via the reuse and recycling of fabric. Fanm Djanm supports international wholesalers and when able, hand picks all fabrics and dyes from various African countries as a means of supporting local entrepreneurs.
