BACKMATTER is a small, independently-run project and initiative that seeks to reclaim meaning in asian symbolism with apparel as a medium.

(The main narrative site is currently down for maintenance as the hosting service shut down. For the time being, background can be seen below.)

BACKMATTER
noun. everything at the back of a book—for example, an index, a glossary, and appendix.

BM started in 2017 as a knee-jerk reaction, a need, to combat accessorization of Asian symbolism in the fashion industry.

The Met Gala theme of “China: Through the Looking Glass” really made me start to question who is making what for who, and why? And how can we start to combat that as makers?

Rob and Turandot in “Decolonize” sweater

With apparel as a medium, BACKMATTER seeks to remove the Western lens and reclaim meaning in Asian symbolism for those who actually live that narrative. The steps are small, but they’re steps.

As small as building on a colloquial phrase…

Stella wearing “Strong Woman” hat

 …to translating another from English, transversing a 21st century exchange.

Let’s speak for ourselves.

‼️: This project is run this by one person and due to various reasons has been put on hold. I am focused on selling all remaining stock. All proceeds go to Black / Indigenous organization or individual of purchaser's choice. Organizations donated to so far include:

The Okra Project
Black Trans Femmes in the Arts
Homeless Black Trans Fund
Louisville Community Bail Fund
Dream of Wild Health
Black QT Funds
O’odham Anti Border Collective
Native American Rights Fund
First Nations Covid-19 Emergency Response
Fund Native Wellness Institute
Office Hours for BIPOC Designers
Loveland Foundation

📝: I believe that your voice knows best. Although initially tackling certain material due to personal familiarity, it is my intention for this to be a platform that boosts visibility for all facets of Asian diaspora. If you are a Pacific Islander, South East Asian, South Asian, or East Asian, and have ideas that can come to life on something worn, please reach out and we’ll see what we can make happen together! 👉 [email protected]