Áwet New York x Velvet.Co AAPI Pop-Up provided by  BFA

Founders and directors Jenny Zheng (Velvet.Co), Áwet Woldegebriel (Áwet New York), Christine Dai (Make Us Visible NY), and Helen Singson (Make Us Visible NY) addressed the attendees with a speech, underscoring the importance of collaboration and community in advancing the shared goals of empowerment and visibility within the AAPI community.

“We wanted to start AAPI month by bringing some of the best AAPI brands to the public, to shed a light on them to notice our community,” said Zheng.

 

“One of the key pillars of our brand is community, added Woldegebriel. “Community first, fashion second—that’s how we’ve always been working. To see this space transform and see people from all walks of life is so rewarding.”

 

Helen Singson and Christine Dai took the floor to enlighten attendees about the driving force behind the inception of Make Us Visible, delving into personal narratives that shed light on the realities of being an Asian American.

“I am the parent of two elementary-aged school children, and they are probably the main reason I joined Make Us Visible,” Singson said. “I want them to be able to see themselves in history books and a part of the greater fabric of the U.S.”

“I think education is the way we can really make these long-term changes, Dai added. “We want our kids to see that Asian Americans have been in the U.S., have made contributions, and are an important part of our community.”

With a collective mission of bridging cultures and communities together, this immersive experience will allow visitors to experience the rich diversity of Asian fashion, beauty, art, and culture. The pop-up is now open to the public from Saturday, May 4 to Sunday, May 5 at 57 Bond Street, with a percentage of the weekend’s proceeds going towards Make Us Visible.