Heritage Is the Ultimate Inspiration for These 12 AAPI Designers A talented group of designers and artists shares how memory and tradition shape their work. May 14, 2021 ELLE Decor talks with 12 designers, makers, and artists that celebrate their heritage in their work. From sculptors working in unusual materials like rope and rubber to designers and makers honoring traditional crafts with contemporary thinking, this design dozen is united by innovation, materiality, artisanship, and a goal of sharing culture through the international language of design. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Courtesy Lauren Hwang Growing up in Korea, textile designer Lauren Hwang spent days with her paternal grandmother, a very talented dressmaker, going to the local fabric markets. She would watch in awe as her grandmother would transform a piece of cloth into a beautiful garment. “I learned everything from my grandmother during the early years. She was a “domestic goddess,” long before this was a thing. She was crafty, and having survived the war, she knew how to take a scrap of cloth and turn it into something beautiful,” says Hwang. This early fascination coupled with decades of collecting vintage handwoven textiles resulted in Hwang’s launching her own line. Hwang’s collection honors the handloom whenever possible and is a celebration of heritage, fiber, and craft. Her line of wovens, in a rich yet understated palette, is deceptively simple. Upon closer inspection you’ll see that Hwang has artfully used the world’s most exquisite cotton, linen, silk, and wool yarns to create cloth that epitomizes quiet elegance and luxurious refinement. “I am not chasing trends or fashion. My collection is an evolving love story about culture, nature, and fiber,” says Hwang.