When it comes to fashion inspiration, we often scroll through Pinterest boards, Instagram feeds, and celebrity wardrobes. Today’s style icons – like NewJeans and Tyla – are reviving Y2K aesthetics, while Doja Cat and XG captivate with bold prints and avant-garde designs. But have you noticed? Many of these trendsetting looks are influenced by emerging Chinese designer brands – and we’re here to spotlight a few names that deserve a spot on your radar.
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CFIERCE
A portmanteau of ‘Cute’ and ‘Fierce’, CFIERCE lives up to its name with bold, quirky, and cartoonish designs. Perfect for NewJeans’ signature Y2K vibe, the all-star girl group has frequently collaborated with the brand, donning its pieces since their debut. Other notable fans include the global pop group XG, celebrated for their eclectic and alternative style choices. CFIERCE specialises in graphic prints and statement pieces that push the boundaries of fashion with playful designs, like hats resembling 2D wigs and accessories that blur the line between fantasy and reality. Its latest collection challenges perceptions of art imitating life — or perhaps life imitating art. If you’re on the hunt for fun, unconventional pieces that are both cute and fierce, CFIERCE is the label for you.
YITAI
Founded by American-Chinese designer Yitai Geng during his high school days, YITAI champions sustainability and authentic self-expression. The brand’s designs are as striking as they are meaningful, making a statement both visually and ethically. Specialising in embroidered, wearable art, YITAI creates standout pieces like the Fine China Sweater – a tribute to the timeless craftsmanship of Chinese porcelain, a revered art form dating back to ancient dynasties. Each piece intertwines storytelling with fashion, turning garments into canvases that celebrate culture, identity, and individuality. If you’re seeking sustainable fashion that’s rich in history and personality, YITAI delivers wearable art at its finest.
JC The Label
With roots in both Shanghai and Los Angeles, JC The Label is the brainchild of Jina Cappo. Growing up surrounded by fast fashion, Cappo felt compelled to create a sustainable alternative — and in 2020, JC The Label was born. Her debut ‘Earth Collection’ drew inspiration from nature’s beauty, featuring earthy tones and asymmetrical cut-outs designed to celebrate and flatter the human form. Sustainability and durability remain at the heart of JC’s ethos, with Cappo working closely with manufacturers to ensure each piece stands the test of time. JC The Label’s designs have graced some of today’s biggest stars, including BLACKPINK’s LISA, who was recently spotted wearing pieces from their latest collection, ‘tho(ugh)ts’. This line embraces edgier aesthetics with leather accents and studded details, while earlier collections have appeared in music videos for icons like LE SSERAFIM and Doja Cat.
Grace Gui
Brooklyn-based Grace Gui isn’t just a knitwear brand – it’s a farm-to-fashion project with sustainability and cultural storytelling woven into every thread. Founded in 2023 by Chinese-American designer Grace Wang, the brand explores themes of belonging, heritage, and identity through fashion. Each garment is handcrafted in Wang’s Bushwick studio, using fibres sourced from her New Jersey hometown and incorporating patented felting techniques. Sustainability lies at the heart of the process, with house-raised silkworms, natural dyes, and meticulous care ensuring every piece is eco-friendly and artful. Grace Gui’s designs go beyond aesthetics; they represent love, community, and a narrative of multicultural exploration. Every item is either one-of-a-kind or made-to-order, offering exclusivity that feels deeply personal and meaningful.
Open Aesthetic
Hangzhou-based Open Aesthetic is an indie label by designer and printmaker Verasin Wang, and true to its name, it embraces diverse styles and endless possibilities. The brand breathes new life into late-’90s and early-Y2K aesthetics, blending vintage vibes with modern twists. Think animal prints, fur coats, and low-waisted silhouettes elevated with edgy details – like asymmetrical cutouts, original prints, chain motifs, and steampunk-inspired elements. Open Aesthetic redefines retro for today’s trendsetters, making it the perfect choice for those who love experimenting with eclectic looks.
JYOSEI 角色
The name JYOSEI (角色) translates to ‘character’ – a fitting reflection of the brand’s unapologetic lineup. True to its philosophy of creating ‘hot dresses for spice angels’, JYOSEI’s designs feature asymmetrical cuts, daring silhouettes, and striking materials like lace, mesh, and leather. Think graphic prints, animal motifs, and just the right amount of edge. If ‘bold’ and ‘spicy’ describe your vibe, you’re in good company – South African pop sensation Tyla radiates confidence in the Bea Leather Jacket (pictured above), perfectly capturing JYOSEI’s rebellious yet chic spirit.
Double Seventh 七月夕
If you’re drawn to traditional Chinese fashion, Double Seventh is worth a double take. As one of China’s top-selling Hanfu brands, it’s renowned for its impeccable embroidery, high-quality fabrics, and extensive range of styles. Drawing inspiration from ancient dynasties, Double Seventh offers everything from Ming Dynasty-inspired round-collar jackets to Song Dynasty-style wrapped skirts, reimagined with modern touches.
LaceMade
If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or pinned dreamy outfits on Pinterest this year, chances are you’ve already come across LaceMade. Established in 2016 by University of the Arts London graduate Lace Hong, this label celebrates the feminine silhouette with a flair for vintage charm. Think corset bodices, flowing silk, and delicate lace details – many of the designs look like they’ve stepped straight out of an oil painting or a classic film.
Rachel Tang
Rachel Tang is the Social Media Manager and a contributing writer at Friday Club., where she combines her expertise in PR and Marketing with a passion for storytelling. She began writing for a media platform early in her career, which sparked a love for storytelling that still drives her work today. With a deep passion for fashion, music, and all things pretty, Rachel is always on the lookout for the next best thing – and she’s quick to rave about it to those around her.
