Kim Shui is a woman of the world. Born in the U.S. and raised in Italy, the designer mixes her multicultural upbringing with her Asian heritage for a collection that celebrates each aspect of her identity.

Her wide range of influences are probably why the Kim Shui brand appeals to such a wide range of women – from Kylie Jenner to Maye Musk and Saweetie. The designer, who burst onto the scene after winning a VFiles Runway Show during NYFW in 2016, has now become one of the top buzzed about brands in New York. This year, she solidifed her influence when Time Magazine named her as a Next Generation Leader for 2023.

Read our interview to learn more about the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist.

What is your earliest fashion memory?

My earliest fashion memory takes me back to the first day of school where I decided to wear this lilac two-piece ensemble. It was these satin pants that I paired with a matching 3/4th sleeve top embellished with beaded details along the edges. In Rome, at the time most girls wore Brandy Melville with an Eastpak backpack and Miss Sixty jeans, so I definitely stood out. Being a new student at the time, I remember classmates coming up to ask me where I got the outfit from, telling me how they liked it – which made me realize the power of clothing as a catalyst for creating conversations and giving me a way to present myself on my own terms.

What was your reaction to finding out you were a finalist?

It felt surreal to get a Facetime call from Aurora [James] with Leigh [King] and Allie [Michler Kopelman] in the room too. I thought it was going to be announced early in the morning, so I assumed I didn’t get it. I started tearing up shortly after I hung up because I was so emotional. I felt recognized for so many years of pushing along quietly.

How would you describe your label?

We’re a NYC-based womenswear label that seeks to provide a more expansive view of who the ‘American Woman’ can be. We center women who have been traditionally sidelined and use clothes to start conversations that bridge and share cultures to increase connection.

When I started the brand, it was an act of resistance. I took different elements that were core parts of me that had been previously shamed by others – like my cultural upbringing, my femininity – and I created clothing where those parts of me were uplifted and became sources of joy and celebration. Today, the brand seeks to inspire women to do the same – to reclaim essential parts of who we are and celebrate them.

What is a specific area of focus you are looking for help with?

I would love more support and advice on sustainably scaling our business. So far, I’ve bootstrapped our brand through DTC and organic growth. As we grow, I want to be able to ensure tangible positive impact through the way we build out our supply chain. Receiving guidance and funding would allow us the breathing room to achieve this sooner.

Is there a goal or milestone you would like to accomplish with your brand in the future?

One goal I am passionate about is supporting immigrant women in the U.S. aiming to enter the fashion industry. We’re working to achieve this through integration into our supply chain, along with creating opportunities for empowerment and growth. Other goals are to build a strong team, enhance our ready-to-wear collection, and introduce our inaugural handbag.

The 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists will be announced at the 2023 Vogue Forces of Fashion on October 19th.