APISAA fashion integrates diversity through sustainable, ethical practices

Autumn Walser Correspondent

Fashion is an ever-changing landscape, and one clear avenue of influence is globalization. Asian, Pacific Islander and South Asian American influence on fashion in the United States has become the norm, with many consumers opting to shop foreign brands and welcome new styles based on cultural trends and diversity from halfway across the globe.

While many people associate Asian fashion with East Asian brands like YesStyle and Cider, there are many ethically made, sustainable brands that focus on long-term wear and are located throughout the continent.

Krushi Bandam, a first-year studying computer science, said one of her favorite South Asian-owned fashion brands is Hut Mentality.

“Hut Mentality is a sustainable brand that sources directly from North Indian artisans,” Bandam said. “It’s pretty expensive because they ethically source the fabric.”

Hut Mentality has made a name for itself by creating slow-fashion pieces that embody North Indian culture by implementing an-