For the third consecutive year, AAPI designers and muses converged at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards to spotlight emerging talent at the table hosted by White Rabbit Trust.  Among those seated at the table were this year's Mentor Designer, Jason Wu, who selected actor Awkwafina as his Muse; this year’s Business Mentor, Roopal Patel; and host Yao King of White Rabbit Trust.

"I’m honored to serve as this year’s mentor for the White Rabbit Trust Emerging Designers Table. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors who believed in me and helped me find my way, especially when I wasn’t sure what came next. Their guidance has stayed with me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to pay it forward," said Jason Wu.

The White Rabbit Trust Emerging Designers table seeks to strengthen the AAPI creative community, showcasing the vital role of AAPI creators in shaping the future of fashion.  By strategically pairing designers with cultural figures, the event fosters collaborations that enhance opportunities and support, emphasizing creativity, culture, and community on one of fashion's biggest nights. Together, these voices contribute to a collective movement uniting art, fashion, and identity.

The initiative this year recognizes the outstanding talent of Haoran Li of avant-garde streetwear brand Private Policy, paired with actor Simu Liu; Bach Mai of American Couture brand Bach Mai matched with actor/digital creator Liza Koshy; and Ashlynn Park of intellectual, zero-waste luxury brand ASHLYN, partnered with artist Anicka Yi.  The effort supports emerging AAPI excellence in fashion by linking emerging designers with influential cultural leaders who inspire them, creating meaningful relationships and amplifying visibility within the industry.  Two esteemed industry leaders also champion the cause as the Mentor Designer and the Business Mentor, who both make mentorship commitments to each designer, highlighting the value of and need for greater connectivity, support, and guidance for the industry’s rising stars.

"Tonight represents a meaningful moment of celebration and connection for the fashion industry and the AAPI creative community," said King.  "This initiative brings together three emerging designers, each paired with an Asian American luminary as their muse, alongside two experienced mentors whose commitment to guiding our designers extends far beyond tonight’s Awards.  In our muses, whose achievements span the Golden Globes, Emmys, People’s Choice Awards, Streamies, and The Hugo Boss Art Prize, we’re reminded of the excellence and vibrancy within our community across fields like film, comedy, social media, and art," said Yao King.

To kick off the festivities, the table guests were welcomed to a cocktail hosted by White Rabbit Trust to create further connectivity amongst the designers and creatives.

The White Rabbit Trust Emerging Designers Table at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards was made possible by Yao King of White Rabbit Trust, whose ongoing work champions AAPI creatives through investment, mentorship, and visibility. What began as a historic first has become a sustained platform for representation and impact—proof of what happens when inclusion meets artistry.

Image credit: Carl Timpone/BFA and Martin Romero