Embracing Heritage Through Style

Kỳ Lân is the first activewear brand deeply rooted in Asian aesthetics, created with a powerful mission: to empower second-generation Asians worldwide to embrace their heritage with pride. Born from Hải’s personal journey growing up Vietnamese in Hungary and struggling to find a sense of belonging, Kỳ Lân reflects what it truly means to live between cultures, and finally feel proud of that identity.

For Hải, Kỳ Lân isn’t just about clothing. It’s about rewriting the narrative for second-generation Asians and bringing Asian representation to the forefront of mainstream sports- and streetwear. 

Kỳ Lân’s mission is to help second-gens embrace their Asian heritage through clothing

The Meaning Behind Kỳ Lân: A Symbol of Heritage and Unity

Kỳ Lân is a mythical creature from Asian folklore, often described as having the head of a dragon, the body of a horse, and the tail of a lion. It symbolizes peace, prosperity, and good fortune. Versions of the Kỳ Lân appear in Vietnamese, Chinese (Qilin), Japanese (Kirin), Korean (Girin), and Thai (Kilen) cultures, highlighting the deep cultural connections shared across Asia.

Hải chose this name to honor that shared heritage. As part of his efforts to reconnect with his roots, he began volunteering in the Vietnamese community and eventually became the organizer of a 6,000-member Asian Meetup and Discord group. This community centered around 1.5-generation and second-generation Asians, those who either immigrated as kids or were born abroad to immigrant parents. Together, they explored questions of identity, belonging, and the desire to reconnect. These conversations sparked the idea for Kỳ Lân: a brand that celebrates Asian aesthetics but, more importantly, gives voice to the in-between experience many second-generation live daily.

Kỳ Lân is more than just a clothing brand, it’s a tribute to these stories and a movement towards proudly reclaiming culture.

Hải volunteering in his local Vietnamese community

The Origin Story: From Hungary to the U.S. and Back to His Roots

Growing up in Hungary in the 1990s, often as the only Asian kid in school, Hải vividly remembers the bullying, the stares, and the relentless pressure to fit in. Like many second generation Asians, he spent much of his youth trying to blend in, often distancing himself from his Vietnamese roots just to feel accepted.

It wasn’t until years later, after moving to the U.S., that everything shifted. For the first time, Hải saw second-generation Asians unapologetically taking up space, celebrating their identities through art, food, fashion, and film. Vietnamese cafés were opening everywhere, Asian artists topped the charts, and streetwear inspired by Asian heritage became more mainstream. Gradually, pride replaced shame.

He became proud to be Asian, and curiosity toward his culture blossomed.

Hải, his little brother and his mom in Budapest

His parents’ story deeply influenced him, too. They immigrated to Soviet-era Hungary on scholarships and chose entrepreneurship over low-paying engineering jobs after graduation. Their hard work and resourcefulness deeply shaped Hải’s values, even though they initially encouraged him to take a safer path.

That growing sense of cultural pride deepened during a visit to Vietnam, where Hải saw relatives and locals running small storefronts straight from their homes. Every corner was buzzing with hustle. “That’s when it clicked,” he says. “Entrepreneurship is ingrained in our DNA. No wonder I felt this constant pull to build something of my own.” 

From Software Engineer to Fashionpreneur: Finding Purpose

For Hải, the realization that entrepreneurship was in his blood didn’t make the decision to quit his job any easier. Like many children of Asian immigrants, he grew up with a very clear definition of success which included stability, a good education and a respectable job. And he achieved exactly this: a successful career in software engineering, after decades of hard work and sacrifice from his parents, who had moved to Hungary in search of a better future.

For a while, he was unsure whether to commit to building a business or return to the comfort of a tech job. However, the dread he felt preparing for software interviews made it clear that he had to make some kind of business idea work, no matter what.

Like so many second-generation Asians, Hải carried an unspoken responsibility to make his parents’ struggles worth it, to succeed and stay on the path they paved.

Eventually, the pull toward his purpose was stronger than the fear of failure.

In a twist of fate, Hải is following in his parents’ footsteps. After immigrating to a foreign country and getting a degree in Engineering, he decided to leave it all behind and pursue Entrepreneurship.

Hải’s parents threw away their Engineering degree to open their heavy metal t-shirt business back in the ‘90s.

The Birth of Kỳ Lân: A Perfect Fit 

Inspired by his parents’ own clothing business selling heavy metal t-shirts at marketplaces, Hải worried initially that they might disapprove of him following a similar path. Instead, they became his biggest supporters once they saw his dedication.

While it might seem like a waste to throw away his engineering career, Hải’s background turned out to be a great asset in building Kỳ Lân. His time at Amazon Ads taught him how to run effective digital campaigns, his logistics experience at Convoy helped him navigate supply chains, and his coding skills meant he could build his own websites without outsourcing. Even his parents’ experience running a clothing business became unexpectedly useful. 

Looking at it all together, it started to make sense. This wasn’t him starting from scratch, it was him finally using all of his skills in one place.

A Movement Rooted in Identity, Representation, and Pride

Kỳ Lân is more than just activewear, it’s a cultural movement. It celebrates the rich fusion of Asian cultures and modern sportsmanship while giving second-generation Asians a platform to proudly reclaim their identities.

Through Kỳ Lân, Hải is not only creating clothing but also rewriting the story for second-generation Asians around the world – one that embraces heritage, community, and pride.

Kỳ Lân’s mission is to help second generation Asians embrace their heritage through clothing

Connect With Hải Bùi & Kỳ Lân Activewear

To celebrate Kỳ Lân’s pre-sale, Kỳ Lân is offering the Asian Hustle Network community an exclusive 20% off with the code AHN20 – valid for one week only.

Website: Kỳ Lân Activewear

IG: @kylan.athletics

For over two decades, the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) has stayed at the forefront of Asian cinema in North America. Going into its 24th year, NYAFF is a project designed to remind the world that Asian cinema is here to stay and thrive, providing platforms for both well-established and rising filmmakers. At the helm of this meaningful festival is Samuel Jamier, a Korean French curator, filmmaker, and consultant whose passion and vision for Asian cinema drive NYAFF forward.

AHN had a chance to interview the talented Jamier on the festival’s inspiration and mission, and the future of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) and Pan-Asian cinema.

Bridging Cultures Through Film

Over the course of his well-established career, Jamier has proved himself to be an avid enthusiast for Asian cinema who shows a clear commitment to its artistry and cultural authenticity. Jamier has gone from Chargé de Mission for the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, through his experience working with The Korea Society, The Japan Society, to becoming the guiding force behind NYAFF. 

As a Korean adoptee raised in the idyllic Brittany of northwestern France, it is natural that his journey was one of cultural navigation and a lingering yearning for heritage connections. All this lifelong commitment to Asian cultures made it intriguing to learn where it all began—turns out not all those who wander are lost.

I was always drawn to stories that challenge conventions, that shake you awake in the middle of the night. My inspiration came from literature, philosophy, and cinema—works that make your heart pound and your mind race like you’ve had too much caffeine.

Traveling and living in different countries in my 20s rewired my brain. Experiencing cinema across different cultures made me realize the immense power of storytelling. I was particularly struck by the underrepresentation of Asian narratives in global film industries, which fueled my drive to bridge that gap through my work at NYAFF and beyond.

Leading a “nomadic” life throughout his 20s has reframed his understanding of storytelling, endowing him with the severely underrated power of Asian narratives in global media. That realization has become some sort of a push for him to challenge stereotypes and redefine Western perceptions of Asian cinema beyond just kung-fu flicks and arthouse genres. 

Breaking Barriers for Asian Filmmakers

Hollywood has become a benchmark for world cinema. It only took a few seconds to look up “film classics” on Google, and most of the recommendations would be Hollywood/ Western. As he revealed that one of his greatest challenges lies in “shifting global perceptions of Asian cinema” and “the industry’s gatekeeping,” his answer underscores a limited spotlight on Asian narratives. 

Historically, Western audiences have viewed Asian films through a narrow lens, often limited to action-packed martial arts films or slow, contemplative arthouse works. This raises concerns over “typecasting” Asians in movies and hindering the potential of the world’s largest region. Through NYAFF, Jamier has worked tirelessly to push back these outdated preconceptions and aimed towards a broader, more nuanced appreciation of Asian storytelling.

Jamier has also successfully secured various global distribution deals for Asian filmmakers, shedding light on emerging talents to international audiences. Back in 2020, the pandemic took over New York City, leaving many film festivals canceled and filmmakers struggling. 

Recognizing the urgency and devastating impact, Jamier and his team at NYAFF quickly adapted, launching virtual screenings and digital initiatives to keep Asian cinema in the spotlight. His commitment to dismantling industry gatekeeping and evolving Asian narratives has provided new opportunities for talents from Asia and the diaspora to gain recognition at major festivals and in Hollywood.

A Bridge Between East and West

Through his work at NYAFF and his consultancy firm, SMLX Consulting, Jamier has become a key figure in ensuring cultural authenticity in Hollywood. He never stops encouraging studios, filmmakers, and screenwriters to represent Asians, collectively drawing diverse and respectful depictions of Asian identities in movies. It’s not just about quantity—to Jamier, it’s about both: quality and quantity. 

Beyond curating films, Jamier is about to make his directorial debut with The Huntress, marking his first endeavor in filmmaking. The film, inspired by World War 2, was a powerful manifesto of women’s roles in resistance movements, bringing overlooked histories to the spotlight while challenging conventional war narratives of Southeast Asian stories on screen. His transition from festival curator to director is a testament to his commitment to elevating untold Asian stories on screen. 

The Future of Asian Cinema with New York Asian Film Festival 2025

Recent years have witnessed an interesting spike in Asian media—from K-dramas to anime—Asian cinema is “at an exciting turning point,” he shares. NYAFF remains dedicated to showcasing the depth and innovation of Asian storytelling, and Jamier encourages audiences to explore the incredible films emerging from Asia.

My mission is to bring authentic, compelling Asian stories to the forefront of global cinema. Whether it’s through NYAFF, my consulting work, or my filmmaking, I want to challenge outdated narratives and create new spaces for Asian filmmakers to be recognized and celebrated.

Looking ahead, the 24th edition of the New York Asian Film Festival is set to take place from July 11-27, 2025, promising a lineup that further expands the horizons of Asian storytelling. Jamier remains committed to fostering representation and creating new spaces for Asian filmmakers to thrive.

To support NYAFF’s mission and stay updated on the 2025 festival lineup, visit www.nyaff.org.