New York-based fashion brand FANG NYC, founded by designer Fang Guo in 2021, is redefining the landscape of gender-expansive fashion with a focus on modern, liberated self-expression. Guo’s journey from Beijing to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and ultimately to New York, has been shaped by a rich blend of cultural experiences and a passion for understanding diverse aesthetics and perspectives. With FANG NYC, Guo seeks to break down conventional boundaries between masculinity and femininity, creating a space where fashion can embody both freedom and fluidity.
“FANG NYC emerged out of my frustration with the lack of diversity in menswear,” Guo tells The Folklore. “It began as a way to challenge dated norms by combining traditionally feminine elements with male-presenting figures, subverting the conventional view on menswear.”
FANG NYC’s designs, especially its signature knitwear, embody a thoughtful blend of structure and softness, bridging comfort with bold, avant-garde style.
According to the designer, the focus on compression knitwear goes beyond an interest in its function to provide shelter and comfort, but also for its versatile ability to easily accommodate diverse body types and gender expressions. “Honing in on an aesthetic that balances between classic and playful, masculine and feminine, yin and yang, we naturally evolved into a gender-expansive label – offering a sleek, minimalistic look with a forward-thinking ‘queer’ twist,” he says.
The brand’s core mission revolves around diversifying fashion for the queer community and beyond, offering collections that challenge traditional gender norms while promoting self-acceptance and authenticity.
“We believe clothing should be free from gender constraints, and people should be able to wear what they desire without being limited by traditional binaries,” says Guo. “It is essential for us to showcase diverse gender identities in our visual language to celebrate individuality and personal expression.”
FANG NYC founder and designer Fang Guo
By thoughtfully balancing classic and playful elements, FANG NYC resonates with a growing audience of style-conscious consumers who value inclusivity and self-expression alongside creativity in their wardrobes. “As a gender-expansive label, we’re constantly finding creative ways to adapt while staying true to our values, aesthetics, and identity — an ongoing challenge, but one that’s worth the effort.
Through FANG NYC, Guo translates his experiences within the queer community into visually compelling pieces that celebrate the dualities in all of us: yin and yang, masculine and feminine, strength and vulnerability. This unique approach is what positions FANG NYC as a fashion movement — inviting wearers to explore and embrace their identity through the lens of high-concept, gender-neutral design.
