Ashlyn So, a 14 year old Chinese-American designer who uses fashion as a means to break down prejudices and defend various causes for which she has been praised by the American press, including Teen Vogue. She presented a collection whose scissors stroke echoes the new generation concerned about the issues and the environment in which they evolve. It all started the day Ashlyn returned from sewing camp at the age of 6. She was obsessed! She loves to draw, then drape, pin and sew.
She always wanted to dress like her mom, so she started sewing her own way. Ashlyn also loves helping others. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashlyn started making masks for frontline workers, to protect the heroes who keep us safe and healthy. She was later named a People’s Hero by E! People’s Choice award in late 2020. She has since made 1,000 masks.
In early 2021, still in the midst of the pandemic, she saw reports of Asian elders being abused, injured and murdered. She mustered all her strength and energy to launch not one, but two rallies for #standforasians and Stop AAPI Hate. Since then, she has spoken at numerous rallies, conferences, news shows, and TV specials to raise awareness and created a petition to include AAPI history in school curricula. Ashlyn has shown her collections at fashion shows, including New York Fashion Week, where she combines fashion and activism.
© Photo Paul Tomasini