Hate against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities has been on the rise during the pandemic, and the fashion industry cannot stay silent. “History has proven that the world suffers not because of the violence of bad people, but because of the silence of good people,” designer Prabal Gurung wrote on his personal Instagram page. “Not speaking up against pure evil is the same as cooperating with it.” Gurung is one of the many prominent Asian American fashion designers, influencers, and industry professionals who have been outspoken about the troubling trend, including the horrific Atlanta shootings, but the burden should never rest solely on the AAPI community.
There are many paths you can take if you want to stand against anti-Asian violence: donating, supporting small businesses, spreading awareness, reporting instances of racism, educating yourself, and sharing GoFundMe campaigns. Additionally, you can scroll down to shop items from brands that will be donating a portion of their proceeds to specific AAPI organizations this month and supporting the community empowerment, representation, and a commitment to sustainable practices.