Lang Opens New L.A. Flagship Spotlighting AAPI-Founded Fashion Brands

Two years after opening in Los Angeles’ Chinatown Central Plaza, Lang is entering its next chapter with a bigger, custom-designed flagship at Row DTLA. Hong Kong native Kayla Wong has built a following with Lang’s fashion-forward mix of clothing, jewelry, home goods and art from AAPI-founded brands. Her new 2,000-square-foot space in Downtown Los Angeles expands her vision, while also bringing together design and community under one roof.

“I felt like there was a gap in the market here in Los Angeles and I wanted to bring Hong Kong talent to the city and to North America,” Wong tells Fashionista. “As I was starting this concept, I learned and found a lot of new AAPI designers as well… There can be so much more representation for Asian designers in the fashion industry. So I wanted to create this space for designers to showcase what they have to offer.”

The new store was designed by L.A.-based Studio Paul Chan and reflects the duality of Wong’s life between Hong Kong and California. For example, custom furnishings by local textile studio Suay reference Hong Kong’s iconic red, white and blue woven bags through tie-dyed upholstery inspired by SoCal’s surf culture. A hand-painted lantern installation pays homage to Hong Kong’s Da Jiu festival.

Wong wants customers to spend time in the cozy space, discovering labels such as Plumfloor, Find Me Now, Class Trip and Affection Blvd. Ponder.er, with its limited-edition Pride collection, “Straight Acting,” is another standout. Founded by creative duo Alex Po and Derek Cheng, the brand illustrates Lang’s community-led approach to curation.

“Straight Acting” is a phrase the designers started noticing on dating app profiles. “This is our humorous take on the term…taking control,” Cheng says. “For our brand, it’s really about everyone finding their own voice…and everyone can dress however they want and present their own personalities.”

To wit, clothes in the space aren’t separated by gender. All shoppers are encouraged to try on any item and see how they feel in it. In fact, the dressing room was custom-designed for those moments.

“I’ve always gone into a store and when you try your clothes on, it almost feels like you have to rush through it,” Wong says. “With our changing room, we wanted it to be a moment that you get to enjoy for yourself. The lighting is designed so that it evenly shines onto you so you’re able to really see what the outfit looks like on you. And we have shag carpets on the floor. So it’s all about being comfortable and feeling like you’re in your own little world.”

As for what’s next, expect community events, even more buzzy and emerging designers and limited-edition capsule collections to come from Lang. For now, get a closer look at the shop below.

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