21 Cool Brands I Discovered While Travelling Through Asia
Fashion Frontier
By Natalie McGowan | 12th March 2025Often to the annoyance of my travel companions, my idea of travelling is going shopping in different cities. Even if I walk away empty-handed, there’s nothing I love more than exploring local boutiques and shops.
On my recent trip to Asia, where I hit up major fashion cities like Hong Kong and Bangkok, I kept myself veryย busy discovering cool Asian brands I’d never heard of.ย From established South Korean streetwear labels to emerging Japanese designers, here are my favourites that I’ll be bookmarking for my next online shopping rabbit hole.
RECTO
Rooted in impeccable tailoring and timeless design, Korean brand RECTO reimagines classic silhouettes with a contemporary edge.
MSCHF
MSCHF has been a South Korean streetwear staple since 2010. Inspired by 90s hip-hop, the pieces are ultra-cool and functional. Think Diesel meets Supreme.
Open YY
This Seoul-based label adds a unique twist to wardrobe staples, whether it’s a distressed element, an asymmetrical hem, or an irregular proportion. I am here for it.
Kowga
An emerging Japanese streetwear brand, Kowga is one to watch, with its elevated take on basics.
MATTER MAKERS
The Bangkok-based MATTER MAKERS blends wearable fashion with the avant-garde, making for original and totally unique designs.
Matin Kim
Trendy and comfortable is this Korean brand’s MO, with effortlessly cool pieces and accessories that are bound to become wardrobe staples.
ADSB ANDERSSON BELL
Born and based in Seoul, this ready-to-wear label integrates the principles of Scandinavian design through a Korean lens. The result? Trendy yet timeless designs.
pushBUTTON
Korean label pushBUTTON blends sporty with sexy and masculine with feminine to create a uniquely playful streetwear brand that’s been around since 2003.
LฦฏฬฃU ฤAฬฃN
LฦฏฬฃU ฤAฬฃN is a menswear label that should be on everyone’s radars, not just the gents, for their funky prints and oversized silhouettes.
HYEIN SEO
Lesugiatelier
Seoul-based label lesugiatelier is all about classic and timeless styles with a twist. Balancing sophistication with the unexpected, like asymmetrical draping and cut-outs, they make the every day a bit more fun.
BADBLOOD
Korean streetwear brand BADBLOOD delivers bold, urban-inspired designs with a playful edge. Effortlessly cool, itโs a label that knows how to have fun.
OSOIย
Known and loved for its high-quality bags and footwear, South Korean-based womenswear label OSOI embodies a minimalist and modern aesthetic.
“IMNOTAMORNINGPERSON”
This Thai brand is a casual cool girls’ dream, with the most perfect baby tees, micro shorts, and sweats. It’s giving Realisation Par.
Nothing Written
Clean and sophisticated, this Seoul-based minimalist brand launched in 2017 focuses on impeccable tailoring and high-quality materials.
Amomento
Looking for wardrobe staples?ย This Seoul-based brand crafts everyday pieces that exude understated femininity.
Dunst
Focusing on timeless yet effortless style, Dunst redefines everyday essentials with a refined, modern touch. Blending casual ease with classic tailoring, the Korean label crafts elevated wardrobe staples that balance versatility and sophistication.
MISTYSTORAGE
LOW CLASSIC
South Korean brand LOW CLASSIC takes a minimalist approach to design, creating pieces that are simple and beautifully constructed.
Kijun
Inspired by the street style of ’80s and ’90s Seoul, Kijun is a contemporary womenswear label for those who appreciate bold, fashion-forward dressing.
GENTLEWOMAN
Fun, quirky, and cute, GENTLEWOMAN is a Thai brand that is very well-loved. Expect unique silhouettes, lots of frills, and a healthy dose of lace.
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