Aiste Hong continues to delight with her elevated yet fresh takes on professional wardrobe pieces for women. The designer returns for her second season with raffia touches reminiscent of Jacquemus, clean lapel silhouettes reminding us of vintage Saint Laurent, and a Prada-approved colour palette of neutral basics with hints of colour that blend seamlessly with Aiste’s own signature exaggerated tailoring, clean hemlines, and unique fabric tie systems built asymmetrically into timeless looks.

Aiste herself is a force to be reckoned with. The designer will accept nothing less than perfection on her own terms, a refreshing perspective in an industry built to keep up with trends at a breakneck pace (often at the same expense of quality or originality.) She immaculately fixes ties on garment looks in the seconds before they hit the runway, coaches models on the proper turns for a seamless showcase, and personally flits about backstage making minor corrections or last-minute updates to show looks such as coordinating with jewelry partners (Ming Yu Wang artistry provided the show’s glimmering golden bits accompanying each look for a touch of additional elegance) — all to ensure everything in the Aiste Hong universe merges together for her vision, without a single hitch. Not only that, but she does it all in her own Aiste Hong look from head to toe…accompanied by designer stilettos.

Backstage during the show, Aiste herself tries to enter the catwalk mid-show to remove a single piece of raffia that had fallen to the walking path from a model’s trailing skirt — a testament to her passion for her designs, showings, and clientele. The modern woman would do well to add an Aiste Hong piece (or five) to her daily rotation: expertly merging form with function, each piece speaks to the notion that the woman in charge really can do it all, without losing her sense of style and self. Long asymmetric ties hang down, creating a sense of secretly intentional laissez-faire dressing. Silky shapes cling to the feminine form in all the right places, lending flattery without feeling constrictive. Playful patterns or prints such as jungle-inspired hits speak to current trends, sans dating themselves. Timeless elegance flirts with peekaboo touches of sensuality perfect for day to night dressing.

Aiste Hong is carving out a niche for herself within the industry that you won’t want to miss — through a passionate dedication to her craft, refreshing clear sense of branded touches, and uniquely sensual yet professional take on womenswear akin to timeless looks from our favourite great fashion houses. One to watch, be sure to keep Aiste Hong both in your minds and in your closets as she continues use to rise through the ranks of the emerging designers at New York Fashion Week. Discover her latest Fall/Winter 2025 Collection, debuted dramatically on the 54th floor of the Madison Square Park Tower, captured by veteran runway photographer Ailin Stimson exclusively for No Alibi Magazine.