A Powerful Night at the CFDA Fashion Awards Celebrating AAPI Designers
(Photo credit: CFDA/BFA)
By PAGE Editor
The 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards shone with brilliance, beauty, and unity as celebrated AAPI designers and cultural icons gathered for a night honoring creativity, entrepreneurship, and representation. At the heart of the evening stood the AAPI Emerging Designers Table, an initiative that continues to uplift Asian American and Pacific Islander talent within the American fashion landscape. The evening brought together designers Bach Mai, Olivia Cheng (Dauphinette), Peter Do, and Terrence Zhou (Bad Binch TongTong), alongside a circle of muses and mentors who embody artistic excellence and cultural pride.
Among them was Kimora Lee Simmons, the iconic model, designer, and founder of Baby Phat, who served as this year’s Mentor. Joining her were Grammy-nominated rapper Saweetie, Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee, actor Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and model, producer, and author Geena Rocero — each representing a distinct intersection of art, identity, and influence. Together, they illustrated the power of community and collaboration within the AAPI creative sphere.
Building on last year’s historic debut, the AAPI Emerging Designers Table has evolved into a defining fixture at the CFDA Fashion Awards, spotlighting both established and emerging voices shaping the future of fashion. This year’s cohort demonstrated that representation is not just symbolic — it’s transformative. Each pairing of designer and muse celebrated a shared story of cultural heritage, ambition, and innovation, emphasizing that the evolution of American fashion is enriched by diverse narratives and visions.
In an intimate pre-event gathering, attendees including Terrence Zhou, Dao-Yi Chow, Suni Lee, Bach Mai, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Yao King, Saweetie, Olivia Cheng, Geena Rocero, and Peter Do toasted to artistry and community — a moment that captured the essence of the evening: unity through creative expression.
The 2025 honorees reflected the extraordinary range of AAPI design talent shaping the global fashion dialogue. Bach Mai, a two-time CFDA Emerging Designer of the Year nominee, was joined by Never Have I Ever actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. Mai’s sculptural silhouettes and romantic craftsmanship continue to redefine modern couture. Olivia Cheng, founder of Dauphinette and recipient of the CFDA/Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant, attended with Suni Lee, the Olympic gymnast whose grace and determination embody Cheng’s ethos of joy and resilience. Peter Do, celebrated for his architectural tailoring and minimalism, was accompanied by Geena Rocero, whose multidimensional career as a model, filmmaker, and author has expanded the definition of beauty and representation. Meanwhile, Terrence Zhou, this year’s CFDA/Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant honoree and the avant-garde visionary behind Bad Binch TongTong, arrived with Saweetie, whose unapologetic confidence and glamour perfectly matched Zhou’s surreal aesthetic.
The table and its impact were made possible by Yao King and the White Rabbit Trust, whose continued support of AAPI creatives through investment, mentorship, and visibility has transformed a singular event into a movement. What began as a historic milestone now stands as a sustained platform for inclusion and artistic excellence — proof of what happens when representation meets opportunity.
Founded in 2025 by philanthropist Yao King, White Rabbit Trust was created to organize and strengthen collective efforts supporting AAPI creatives and entrepreneurs. Through strategic partnerships across industries such as film, fashion, literature, food, and art, the Trust builds pathways for innovation and long-term cultural impact. King, who also serves as Founder and Chief Investment Officer of YKAM, has long championed AAPI voices through initiatives like the Asian American Creatives’ House at Sundance, the Asian Comedy Fest, and the #GoldOpen movement, among others. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to building bridges between creativity, community, and capital.
The night’s honorees underscored the extraordinary breadth of AAPI artistry. Bach Mai, the Vietnamese-American designer celebrated for his couture-inspired luxury ready-to-wear, continues to dazzle red carpets with sculptural drama. Olivia Cheng’s Dauphinette redefines sustainability through its use of unconventional materials and upcycling techniques that merge environmental consciousness with whimsical luxury. Peter Do, who rose to prominence after working under Phoebe Philo at Céline and founding his namesake label in 2018, remains one of the defining voices of modern tailoring and craftsmanship. And Terrence Zhou’s Bad Binch TongTong, a New York-based fashion and art label known for its theatrical and surreal creations, embodies the daring spirit of new-generation design.
As the flashbulbs dimmed and the applause settled, one truth remained clear: the AAPI Emerging Designers Table is more than a seat at fashion’s biggest night — it’s a symbol of progress. It represents a future where diversity and artistry walk hand in hand, and where the AAPI community continues to redefine what American fashion can look and feel like.
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