When I was a child and watched commercials for cosmetic brands such as Maybelline or haircare brands like Pantene, I always saw models on the television screen - although they were definitely beautiful with their gorgeous locks and perfect skin, I always felt “off” about seeing those advertisements.

I was once that impressionable adolescent who seeked ways to adhere to the thinness and euro-centric “ideals” that continue to be heavily projected in mainstream media. I was the tallest kid in class until middle school, which made me stand out like a sore thumb.

Often times, when Asians speak up about racial issues we face, we’re silenced. People say it’s “just a joke” or “not a big deal.” Many are ignorant of the history of oppression we’ve dealt with and are unaware of many current occurrences of racial violence, hate crimes, or severe incidents of racism.

Nowadays, fashion is all about being “hype.” Street fashion has swept into mainstream fashion trend by overtaking the old-fashioned, elite high-end fashion that only a few get to enjoy.