About AISTE HONG

Born in 1992 in post-Soviet Lithuania and raised by a single mom who worked as a seamstress, Aiste grew up surrounded by the realities of garment making. Many afternoons were spent at the factory where her mother worked, quietly observing how clothes were cut, assembled, checked, and finished. Seeing the effort behind each garment instilled an early respect for craftsmanship and for the people whose hands bring fashion to life.

This industrial reality was balanced by a childhood deeply connected to nature. Growing up amid the green Baltic landscape, Aiste spent much of her time outdoors fruit picking in the forests and taking long walks around her neighborhood with her mom. It was this early duality - discipline paired with organic ease, that shaped her eye: a respect for structure softened by an instinct for natural movement and fluidity.

At age 13, Aistė moved to the United Kingdom, adapting to a new language and education system. Choosing a practical path, she completed both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Management and Human Resources.

The years that followed were marked by entrepreneurial ventures - from launching a real estate agency to exploring photography and graphic design, and creating a secondhand designer resale platform.

Working closely with garments through resale reignited something deeper. She constantly altered pieces to make them her own, taking them to tailors, questioning construction, and studying how they were made. Eventually, she began attempting to create her own designs, despite not yet having the technical foundation.

That realization became the turning point. Fashion was no longer an interest. It became the direction.

After years of exploration, Aistė applied to Parsons School of Design to formally pursue fashion design. The experience provided rigorous training across design, construction, and creative development, equipping her with the technical foundation and discipline to translate her ideas into fully realized garments.

After graduating from Parsons in 2021, Aistė gained experience working for various brands in New York before founding her namesake label. With her daughter just eight months old, she established her studio and began building the brand from the ground up.

Aistė presented her debut Spring/Summer 2025 collection at the IMG New York Fashion Week, marking a historic milestone as the first Lithuanian designer to be featured on the official calendar.

Reflecting the brand’s emphasis on craftsmanship and longevity, sustainability is approached through thoughtful design, careful material selection, and responsible production, prioritizing limited quantities and high-quality materials. Manufacturing partners and suppliers are chosen for exceptional craftsmanship and ethical practices.

Aistė supports organizations that uplift girls and women from underprivileged backgrounds, including Girls Inc. of NYC and select charities in Lithuania - a commitment shaped by her own background. Her journey informs a belief in independence, resilience, and the idea that determination and ambition can shape a future regardless of where one begins.