Taking place in a country that has made significant strides in epidemic prevention, Taipei Fashion Week was held in person, a reminder to the world that the human spirit is resilient and that a brighter future does lie ahead.
Taipei, Taiwan – It is difficult to believe that a year has passed since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. When closing our eyes and thinking of this previous year, it all feels like a two-minute-long film, repeating itself in a monotonous loop. Everything has happened so fast that, at times, it is as if the past twelve months have been nothing more than a blur of images in our memories, but also so slow that it makes it harder to deal with the tragedy of the situation and the pain so many have faced. Through it all, artists have been essential in supporting us in dealing with this pandemic. Their arts and crafts offer a form of escapism from the real world—a world of beauty and hope to look forward to in the days ahead. One of the main goals for the organizers and fashion designers at the hem of Taipei Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2021, held from March 10th to the 15th, was to help us remember the importance of human connection. In a country that has made significant strides in epidemic prevention, Taipei Fashion Week was held in person, a reminder to the world that the human spirit is resilient and that a brighter future does lie ahead.
#DAMUR
#DAMUR first launched in Berlin in 2015 under the creative eye of fashion designer Damur (Shih-Shun) Huang. With this A/W 2021 collection, #kiosk, the designer explores the subject of overproduction and excess in fashion and how this impacts our environment. He implemented the use of upcycled waste cloth, and fabrics, offering a more scientific and economical alternative for the fashion consumer.
ALLENKO3
Transformation is a focus of the urbanwear brand ALLENKO3, by designer Allen Ko. By deconstructing functional outfits, the designer crafts a world where experimentation leads to a lavish metamorphosis into street fashion. With this collection, “90: Evolution,” Ko has reimagined student uniforms, showcasing a lineup that manifests “orderly rebellion.”
Bob Jian
Bob Jian’s trajectory in the world of fashion started in 2011. Since then, Jian has become the go-to designer for various celebrities looking to turn heads at red carpet events. His work has become synonymous with the female form and feminine beauty. His A/W 2021 collection is inspired by his childhood memories of temple fairs, with the designer transforming traditional costumes into contemporary styles aimed at a new generation.
C JEAN
C Jean was founded in 2017 by designer Chun-Yuan Jean, a University of the Arts London-London College of Fashion MA graduate who also spent time at the studios of Alexander McQueen and Hussein Chalayan. Inspired by traditional crafts and fabric development, Jean also looks to nature and its palette of colors to spark her creativity. Her A/W 2021 collection, “Lost Birds,” aims to raise awareness about disappearing species of birds, with the process of extinction being heavily driven by human factors and forest degradation.
DLEET
Practicality is part of the Dleet DNA. However, practicality in everyday wear should not mean the sacrifice of creativity. With this in mind, designer Lee Bei transforms practical styles into avant-garde pieces. For this A/W 2021 collection, “Time-Pausing,” Bei examines deconstruction and reorganization concepts, resulting in a minimalist collection where tones of black and white dominate the color palette.
DOUCHANGLEE
Established in 1995 by designers Stephane Dou and Changlee Yugin, Douchanglee is a brand known for its expert implementation of contemporary fashion concepts. Concepts that result in collections that are innovative, striking, and timeless. The “Real World” collection draws on new art perspectives, combining traditional components in tailoring with tech materials. The outcome is a collection that balances the classic with the futuristic.
GIOIA PAN
Gioia Pan’s “Interfusion” collection highlights texture and design. The brand, founded in 2001 by designer Yi-Liang Pan, has long been known for its knitting craftsmanship and its imaginative combination of materials.
With this collection, designer Pan continues her goal of creating original and elegant garments while exploring romanticism, the classic, and the contemporary.
INF
Sustainable fashion is a focus of designer Kuo Wei. With this A/W 2021 collection, the designer aims to balance structure with versatility, drawing inspiration from the dynamic changing world of fashion and retail in Taiwan. An intriguing aspect of this collection is that it was produced using plastic bags. The designer also implemented the use of patterns and embroidery that aim to transform cultural elements of fashion.
ISABELLE WEN
Isabelle Wen is one of Asia’s leading female fashion designers. Since launching her eponymous brand over 25 years ago, Wen has inspired her clients to embrace their beauty, strength, and femininity. Her A/W 2021 collection, “Roman Roland,” draws upon the power of femininity, highlighting elegant silhouettes, fine details, and the implementation of crystal chip-like material, natural silk, and linen.
SIEVSON
What is the fate of our future? This is the rhetorical question emerging designer Jill Shen aims to explore with her new collection “2062 MORN.” The collection blends impressions of the avant-garde with more feminine concepts of style.
SHIATZY CHEN
Founded in 1978 by designer Wang Chen Tsai-Hsia, the luxury fashion house Shiatzy Chen has continued to explore traditional craftsmanship while implementing the fusion of East and West fashion concepts. For the A/W 2021 collection, dazzling evening looks with signature embroidery and romantic textures continue to cement the brand’s image in the world of fashion. With this collection, Shiatzy Chen aims to deliver a message of hope during the Covid-19 global pandemic.
SILZENCE MEN
One of the most influential Asian designers, Jun-Liang Chen, is world-renowned for his focus on reimaging traditional costumes and design while drawing inspiration from local culture, traditional crafts, and social issues impacting humanity. The results of his work are awe-inspiring collections that honor the past and push traditional styles into the future. His “Void Color” collection juxtaposes plain basics with elegant local components and contrasts color with oriental lines.
UUIN
With their brand UUIN, designers Tzutsao Liu, Andrea Liu, and Van Lin aim to create a world of sophistication that takes into consideration innovation and comfort. Their combined experience in concert costumes, high-end couture, and functional outfits has enabled them to push their creativity each season. The “Gardeners” collection highlights how Taiwan’s citizens have come together to resist chaos during the pandemic and honors Taiwan’s innate spirit of resilience.
YOUNG TALENT-STUDENT SHOW
During this Taipei Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2021, fashion design students from Ling Tung University, Shu-Te University, Fu Jen Catholic University, and Shih Chien University were provided an international stage to highlight pioneering and innovative concepts on sustainability and technology in fashion. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which has catapulted the students’ talent and creativity across the world, resulted from the first partnership between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education.
For more information on Taipei Fashion Week, please visit tpefw.com. – GM
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