On the Rise: Adam-Lin Bungag

The 23-year-old has already made big moves in Vancouver’s fashion world.

Adam-Lin Bungag describes his decision to pursue fashion as “a happy accident,” but only two years into his career, it’s clear he’s discovered his calling.

Founder of made-to-order unisex clothing line Not Dead Yet, the Philippine-born designer crafts brash, voluminous garments using fabrics like PVC and Tyvek that lend his asymmetrical button-ups, drop-crotch trousers and capacious jackets an undeniable edge—one that’s fluid enough for just about anyone to rock. “I don’t think clothing has a gender,” he says.

The 23-year-old has presented latex-laden and punk-inspired collections at Vancouver Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week, and recently came out on top in an episode of Stitched, a competitive Chopped-like style series airing on Slice. For Bungag, fashion is more than the production of textiles—it’s an opportunity to explore his queer identity while encouraging the same introspection in others.

“A lot of what I do is queer storytelling,” he explains. “And so when people feel something at my shows… it really is satisfying and gratifying.”

Not Dead Yet Short Sleeved Cropped Jacket, $180 Not Dead Yet Paper Bag Pant with Belt, $300 Not Dead Yet Cropped Jacket, $180 Not Dead Yet Double Pleat Pant in Plaid, $160