4 Taiwan fashion brands you need to shop on your next trip to Taipei

The next time you head to Taipei for a holiday or work trip, make the effort to check out ‒ and shop ‒ these 4 fashion brands … You’ll be impressed and won’t see yourself walking down the street

Last month I was invited to Taipei In Style, a four day fashion event which is basically Taiwan’s fashion week. Having not visited the city since I was a child, I was intrigued as to what sort of fashion I’d actually see on the runway.

A quick racking of the brains found practically no information about Taiwanese fashion brands, apart from the fact that Alexander Wang’s parents are Taiwanese-American, so I was prepared for just about anything.

What I discovered is that yes, there are a number of older established designers who produce mediocre fashion and that there’s a preponderance of bling, ruffles and more traditional feminine looks; but I also found a number of young, emerging fashion brands that are as good as anything else on the market and well worth spending your money on.

So, here are my four favourite Taiwanese fashion brands …

JUST IN CASE

HONG CHUBBY

ATHENA CHUANG

WANGLILING

This is the diffusion line of Darklight Design Studio by designer Wang Li Ling (obviously) who graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. The main line is more of a couture line with crazy embellished dresses that Lady Gaga would be happy wearing on stage.

The second line is a wearable version of the OTT hand-made pieces and consists of easy-wear, form-fitting dresses and separates in technical fabrics like neoprene but embellished with hand-done embroidery. Think sci-fi office lady with a slight touch of craft; but actually very wearable for the office.

For more information about both the brands, go to www.thedarklightdesign.com. You can shop the brand via its studio at 3F., No.10, Ln. 32, Sec. 1, Dihua Street, Datong District, Taipei City 103, Taiwan; +886 2 2555 9806.