AAPI-Owned Gems to Explore in New York City in 2025

New York City’s AAPI-owned businesses are more than just shops — they’re expressions of culture, resilience, and style. Whether you're looking for fashion-forward finds, soulful food, or fine jewelry that tells your story, the city is filled with inspiring destinations run by visionary Asian American and Pacific Islander founders.

Here’s a curated guide to some of our favorite AAPI-owned spots to explore — from iconic brands to hidden gems.

DOVIANA – Soho & West Village

DOVIANA is a Chinese-American, woman-owned fine jewelry and piercing studio founded in New York City. Known for its dainty yet elevated designs, the brand offers jewelry made from 14k solid gold, sterling silver, and medical-grade titanium. DOVIANA blends modern femininity with timeless craftsmanship — creating pieces meant to empower women to shine effortlessly and authentically.

In addition to its signature jewelry collections, DOVIANA also provides professional piercing services in a clean, welcoming, and design-forward studio setting. Every detail — from the materials to the customer experience — reflects the brand’s belief in beauty with purpose.

📍Soho: 174 Spring St, New York, NY, 10012
📍Bleecker: 334 Bleecker St, New York, NY, 10014

❤️doviana.us

Sandy Liang – Lower East Side

Cool-girl energy meets playful nostalgia. Sandy Liang’s namesake brand blends femininity with streetwear, drawing from her Chinese-American upbringing in NYC. Think puff sleeves, balletcore, and Chinatown references — all in one.

📍28 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
❤️sandyliang.info

Freja New York – New York City

Founded by Chinese-American designer Jenny Lei, Freja is a modern, sustainably-minded handbag label rooted in clean silhouettes and elevated minimalism. All bags are handcrafted in small batches using eco-friendly, custom-developed vegan materials. Favorites like the Linnea Tote, Chrystie Bag, and Caroline Bag are adored by style icons including Hailey Bieber and Katie Holmes.

❤️frejanyc.com

Miss Circle – SoHo

Founded by Chinese-American designer Isabel Deng, Miss Circle is a New York-based fashion label that celebrates modern femininity with bold, curve-hugging silhouettes. Their SoHo flagship offers a curated selection of glamorous dresses and gowns designed for confident women of all shapes and sizes.

📍417 West Broadway, New York, NY 10012
❤️misscircle.com

Parisa Wang – New York City

Founded by Chinese-American designer Parisa Wang, this namesake brand is known for its signature circle-handle bags that blend romantic storytelling with functional elegance. Each piece is designed with intention — expressing themes of love, independence, and self-worth — and made with high-quality craftsmanship comparable to luxury houses.

❤️parisawang.com

Niconeco Zakkaya – East Village

A cozy Japanese stationery and lifestyle boutique founded by Siming, who spent a decade in Japan before bringing her love for zakka culture to NYC. Niconeco Zakkaya offers a curated selection of washi tapes, stickers, calligraphy tools, and charming gifts — many with a whimsical, cat-themed twist. It's a haven for creatives and stationery lovers alike.

📍263 East 10th Street, New York, NY 10009
❤️niconeco.com

PH5 – Tribeca

Founded by Wei Lin and designed by Mijia Zhang, PH5 brings a refreshing take on knitwear — futuristic, sustainable, and artful. Their pieces are known for whimsical designs and technical construction.

📍Online and stockists across NYC
❤️ph5.com

Kim Shui – Midtown

Born in the Bronx and raised between Rome and China, Kim Shui’s runway designs are powerful, sexy, and unforgettable. Known for body-hugging silhouettes, rich fabrics, and East-meets-West aesthetics.

❤️kimshui.net

Allina Liu – Lower Manhattan

Founded in 2015 by Chinese-American designer Allina Liu, this NYC-based label is known for its "wearable romance" aesthetic, blending soft femininity with subversive undertones. Drawing inspiration from horror films, shibari (Japanese rope art), and 17th-century Dutch portraiture, Liu's designs feature delicate details like puff sleeves, lace, and bows, juxtaposed with edgy elements. Her commitment to sustainability and ethical production is evident, with all pieces crafted locally in New York City. Celebrities like Cardi B, Awkwafina, and Justine Skye have been spotted wearing her creations.

❤️allinaliu.com

Pearl & The Beast – Chinatown

Pearl & The Beast is a unique, woman-owned jewelry studio offering an interactive experience where customers can harvest their own pearls from mussels and create custom jewelry pieces. They offer a wide variety of pearl mussels, including Baroque, Weirdo, Edison, and Classic pearls, each with its unique characteristics.

📍22 Howard St (Basement), New York, NY 10013
❤️pearlandthebeast.com

Aroma De Merrie – Online & Pop-Ups

Aroma De Merrie is a Asian American-owned luxury scent brand offering handcrafted soy candles, perfumes, and room sprays. Their products are designed to evoke emotion and elevate everyday rituals, with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly refills. Based in NYC, Aroma De Merrie frequently participates in local pop-up markets, such as the Celebr-Asian of Love event hosted by the Asian American Arts Alliance.

❤️aromademerrie.com

Mumu Bath – Dumbo

Founded by Taiwanese-American entrepreneur Sasha Chou, Mumu Bath is a woman-owned, all-natural bath and body company specializing in gentle, toxic-free products. Drawing inspiration from Sasha's Taiwanese heritage, the brand offers a range of skincare products crafted from high-quality, organic, and natural ingredients, ideal for sensitive skin.

📍72 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
❤️mumubath.com

Platform 32 – Koreatown

Platform 32 is a curated retail space located in the heart of Koreatown, providing small business vendors with a physical platform to showcase their products. This collective supports emerging AAPI-owned brands, offering a diverse range of fashion, accessories, and lifestyle goods. It's a vibrant hub for discovering unique, locally-made items.
📍29 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
❤️instagram.com/platform32nyc