From The Straits Times    |

TAIPEI – You would hardly expect former tobacco factories to be the setting of a fashion trade show; these have been refurbished to host exhibitions including the Taipei In Style fashion trade show.

The fashion event which ran from November 6 to 9, 2014, in Taipei’s new creative hub at the Songshan Cultural Creative Park saw over 80 regional fashion, footwear and accessories labels from Taiwan and beyond showcasing their latest Autumn Winter 2014 wares; some young brands including Malaysian label Cassey Gan shared a peek at their Spring Summer 2015 lines.

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Taiwanese shoe brand WXY at Taipei In Style in November 2014. Image: herworldPLUS

Most of the Taiwan-based brands that we saw have yet to bring their labels abroad, so your best bet is still to make a visit there to shop the best of the fashion and shoe labels. So save this list for your next trip to Taipei:

ATHENA CHUANG

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Athena Chuang Autumn Winter 2014. Image: Athena Chuang

Athena Chuang has worked with none other than Karl Lagerfeld as part of the Fendi design team; her subsequent two years as a visual merchandiser for the luxury house also honed her knack for versatile, ready-to-wear pieces. That attention to luxurious detail continues in designer Athena Chuang’s eponymous label. Her first Fall Winter 2014 collection for instance, embraced an air of the aristocratic, with the stand-out pieces being the caped blouses and organza-and-lace dresses.

Prices start from S$205 for a neoprene top to S$1,002 for a pleated satin evening gown. Visit the Athena Chuang Facebook page for more information.

DANIEL WONG

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Scarves from Taipei-based label Daniel Wong. Image: Daniel Wong

Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and Halle Berry – these are just a few of the famous faces that this young Taipei-based, Canadian-born designer has helped to dress while working at Alexander McQueen and Versace. Now, Wong brings his aptitude for psychedelic prints to his eponymous label, just launched in November 2014.

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Daniel Wong leather-trimmed loafers, TWD 6680 (S$278.74). Image: Daniel Wong

Opt for scarves, shoes and tableware clad in his signature graphics, for an easier way to wear his colourful styles.

Prices start from S$278.74 for leather-trimmed loafers. Go to www.danielwong.co for more information on the brand.

DLEET

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Dleet Autumn Winter 2014. Image: Dleet

Love all things in monochrome? This Taiwanese label will be your go-to for new wardrobe staples. Polished, minimalist and sleek, the fashion brand’s top buys include tops with painted wool for textured detail as well as work-friendly midi skirts with leather trimmings.

Visit www.dleet.com for more information on the brand. Prices were unavailable as of press time.

SWEET VILLAINS

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Sweet Villains “Wilding” Autumn Winter 2015. Image: Sweet Villains

With fantastical inspiration that veers from Game of Thrones to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the oxford shoes from Sweet Villains are certainly far from ordinary. While the loafers are sadly only available from size 40 and upwards for now — men’s sizing, in short — we’re keeping our fingers crossed that we may just get to see the brand take on women’s shoes soon too.

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Sweet Villains “Rabbit Hole” Spring Summer 2015. Image: Sweet Villains

Made to order from S$278.74 for leather-lined fabric lace-up oxford loafers to S$534.12 for weave cow and calf leather lace-ups. Go to www.sweetvillians.com for more information.

WXY
Should you be in search of quirky and comfy new shoes, look to young Taiwanese shoe brand WXY. You’ll find laser-cut florals, origami-like folds and more unexpected details on shoes that use Italian-made leather for a comfortable fit. Its heels go even zanier with sculptural details, inspired by the designer Joi Wen’s background in the fine arts.

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Laser-cut leather loafers from WXY. Images: WXY

Prices start from S$381.94 for a pair of leather loafer flats to S$678.28 for bootie heels. Go to wxybrand.com for more information on the brand.

ZOODY

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Zoody Spring Summer 2014. Image: Zoody

Want bunny-like ‘ears’ or rhino-inspired ‘tusks’ on your leather shoes? That’s exactly what Taipei-based label Zoody has done for statement shoes that still remain wearable thanks to earthy, monochrome tones. Pick up a pair soon, before the rest of the world gets their hands on these curious shoes too.

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Prices start from S$325.69 for a pair of leather loafers. Visit http://zoodydesign.com/ or follow the brand on Facebook for more information.

FABITORIA

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Fabitoria Autumn Winter 2014. Images: Fabitoria

While Taiwanese label Fabitoria did not show at the November 2014 edition of Taipei In Style (it was featured in the earlier March 2014 edition), we think that it’s not to be missed. Like Taiwan’s answer to the trompe l’oeil-effect prints of British label Mary Katrantzou, this young Taipei-based brand toys with your perception through print-on belts and skirts “embellished” with jewellery motifs. One of the brand’s biggest fans is style blogger Susie bubble; so if you love quirky details as much as she does, you’ll be as bowled over by Fabitoria too.

Prices start from S$145.17 for a printed velvet hat to S$1,098 for a printed jacket. Visit www.fabitoria.com for more information.

WHERE TO SHOP

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Axes at Eslite Spectrum Songyan Store. Image: Eslite

Multi-label store Axes stocks Taiwan-based fashion, shoes and accessories brands including Athena Chuang, Fabitoria and Zoody at Eslite Spectrum Songyan Store and Eslite Dunhua South Road.

The Axes multi-label boutiques are located at Eslite Spectrum Songyan Store, 1st floor, No. 88 Tobacco Factory Road, Xinyi District, Taipei and Eslite Bookstore at Dunhua South Road, Ground floor, No.245, Sec. 1, Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106. Find out more about the Axes Eslite stores on its Facebook page.

The Daniel Wong flagship store is located at the following locations.

Dleet stores are located at Eslite Dunhua South Road, Ground Floor No.245, Sec. 1, Dunhua S. Rd., Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106; Eslite No. 88 Tobacco Factory Road, Xinyi District, Taipei, 1st Floor, Taipei City 110; Mistymint, 1st floor, No.10, Ln. 41, Chifeng St., Datong Dist., Taipei City 103.

Shop for Sweet Villains at the brand’s studio apartment, 4th floor, no. 293, Chung shan 1st Road, Lu chou, open from 11am to 6pm on Mondays to Fridays. Call 02 -2285-9449 to make an appointment for Saturdays and Sundays. Sweet Villains is also stocked at Ppaper Shop at Basement 1, No.2, Ln. 26, Sec. 2, Zhongshan North Road, Tel: +886 2 2568 2928.

WXY is stocked at the following locations in Taiwan.

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