Enclothed Cognition 🥻

Hi, how was your week?

It was a week of full-on glamour—from the Met Gala to the Vatican, fashion really took the spotlight. Asia, rich in culture and tradition, continues to be a wellspring of diverse designs and iconic costumes.

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WEEKLY FAVORITES ❤

In this series, AHN will share our top picks from last week—whether it’s music, a movie, or a random item. We hope they bring you fun and maybe even some new experiences!

This week, we will share our top picks at this year’s Met Gala, with many great attires that bring the spotlight to AAPI in fashion. From bold statements to intricate craftsmanship, AAPI talent truly lit up the carpet. While every individual brought something special, these two stood out to us the most:

👚 JENNIE - Chanel

For a long time, Jennie and Chanel have been a pair of inseparable best friends. And this Met Gala is no exception. As Jennie graces her appearance with Chanel’s strapless jumpsuit, adorned with pearls and Chanel’s signature white camelia, the BLACKPINK members effortlessly blend edge with elegance, dandyism with femininity. 

👚 Diljit Dosanjh wearing Prabal Gurung

There’s nothing that screams dandyism more than an Indian man putting on his best Indian-style royal style to an American event. Diljit Dosanjh did just that. Draped in an ivory and gold sherwani with a map-embroidered cape, a jeweled turban, and a diamond necklace inspired by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, he channeled regal Punjabi opulence with a modern Cartier touch. The 'D' in his name embodied dandyism at its peak, even doubling it!

WORD OF THE WEEK 🗞️

MINIGAME 🎉

Welcome to this small minigame! The rules are simple. We share three Asian cultural facts—two true and one false. You will choose the lie. 

Continue reading to check the answer. 😁

A Cultural Legacy: The Resurgence of Áo Ba Ba and Khăn Rằn in Vietnam 🪷

Recently, there has been a resurgence of love for the áo ba ba (South Vietnamese shirt) and khăn rằn (Vietnamese striped shawl) in Vietnam, especially following the 50th anniversary celebration of reunification in Ho Chi Minh City.

The unique combo of áo ba ba and khăn rằn has become a traditional costume reflecting the diversity of this land, especially in the Mekong River Delta. Despite its origin in Vietnam, áo ba ba was considered an influence from Chinese communities in Malaysia and Southern China, while khăn rằn was a product of cultural exchange between the Viet people and the Khmer community. With its simple design, collarless structure, and two side slits, the shirts are usually adorned with floral patterns or plain colors, reflecting the lifestyles and routines of Vietnam’s agricultural center.

With time, this outfit combination has also become an image widely associated with Southern women in war—a symbol of elegance yet persistence.

Story of the Saree: Transformation and Innovation of the Silk 🥻

The story of the saree is one of evolution and adaptation, beautifully shaped over the decades. India, with its rich culture and ever-changing spirit, curated the saree as the rich, handcrafted silks of ancient times. As time passed and demand grew, the saree gained popularity and accessibility in the 1950s with affordable semi-silks, followed by the bold, bright hues of the 1970s and 80s.

During the 1990s, traditional handloom sarees resurfaced, blending with designer elements that gave them a unique touch. Today, sarees are a perfect mix of old and new—graceful yet modern, simple yet elegant. Whether worn casually or for grand celebrations, the saree remains a timeless symbol of beauty, tradition, and creativity for South Asian women.

Levi’s x 88rising: Road to FAM Unites Music and Culture

Levi’s teams up with 88rising’s Future Asian Music (FAM) for Road to FAM, a free music series spotlighting rising Asian artists touring around Southeast Asian cities. The initiative celebrates self-expression and creativity while honoring the legacy of Levi’s 501® jeans. FAM reflects Levi’s deep roots in music culture, from jazz and rock to hip-hop. 

Though the performances take center stage, the experience extends beyond the stage. In collaboration with the Thailand Creative Culture Agency’s THACCA Splash: Soft Power Forum 2025, a series of music symposiums will offer deeper conversations around culture, creativity, and connection. These forums open new doors for both artists and fans to engage with music on a more meaningful level.

List Your Event for Free With Asian Heritage Week 2025! 🇦🇺🔊

To mark Asian Heritage Week’s second year, we are excited to announce our return to Australia across two cities: Melbourne and Sydney.

Asian Heritage Week (AHW) is an annual celebration that amplifies your events through our network, embracing and honoring the cultural heritage of Asian communities.

To unfold the beauty and creativity of the Asian community, we would love for event hosts to join us on this journey through two beautiful cities:

• Melbourne | May 19 – May 25

• Sydney | May 26 – Jun 1

Autumn Qigong & Sound Bath – A Seasonal Attunement

WEEKLY SNAPSHOTS 🧠

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ❔

Should traditional Asian garments be modernized or preserved as they are?

MYSTERY SOLVED 🔍

✅ Color-coded couture? Yup! Thai culture associates each day of the week with a color, and traditional attire often matches it — yellow for Monday, pink for Tuesday, and so on.

❌ Lie – As rare as it sounds, this one’s a total myth. Pandas have been a protected national treasure in China since 1962 — harming them has always been a big no-no.

✅ True – Bollywood meets couture here. Indian bridal fashion is a global empire, with luxury labels creating intricate lehengas and sherwanis that can cost more than a car.

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