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

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

I have to say that this was probably my favourite brand that I discovered. Designed by Justin Chou who trained in Milan at Domus Academy, this is a label that sits perfectly in the sphere of current fashion cult brand Vetements, but with a uniquely Asian voice. Justin launched the brand in 2007 but apparently only produces collections as and when he feels like it. 

Just In Case produces clothes for both girls and guys or stuff that can be worn by both. My favourite pieces are bomber jackets, coats and gillets that feature his current obsession with text and the international fashion scene. Picture a bomber jacket embellished with a traditional Chinese embroidery square on the back, but instead of featuring a dragon and a phoenix, it shows Anna Wintour and Karl Largerfeld! There is also an elongated MA-1 jacket that goes down to the floor and a print of Yohji Yamamoto emblazoned with the statement “Fashion Sucks”. Justin is a true fashion maverick and if you can get your hands on something from his collection you’ll be a true fashionista.

Shop Just In Case at its studio/showroom at 5F, No. 15, ALY. 167, LN.30, Yongji Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan. You need to make an appointment at least 2 days in advance by calling +886 2 2749 1096; the studio is open from Monday to Friday, 11am-9pm. You can also shop some limited items at  Axes, 1F, No. 88, Yanchang Road, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan from 11am to 10pm , Monday to Sunday; and Gem Gem, 1F, NO. 14, LN. 187, SEC.1, Dunhua Street, Da’an District, Taipei, Taiwan. For more information about Just In Case, go to www.jic-fashionsucks.com.

HONG CHUBBY

Yep, that’s really this brand’s name. Hong Chubby is part of the fashion empire that belongs to prolific designer May Hsu (she has 5 brands under her name). This one was launched in 2007 and has a ‘younger’ feel than the rest of her labels. Apparently this brand is supposed to make you think of a cute cat (which might explain the colourful faux fur pieces I suppose) but what it’s really about is fun, colourful, cute-sexy clubbing clothes. Think sequinned hotpants, slinky sequined dresses with bold text and slogans and equally sequined oversized tees. Basically Hong Chubby is a fun, easy-to-wear party label with a strong hip-hop streetwear vibe. Lots of fun to wear. 

You can get more information about the brand at www.thevisuall.com/hong-chubby. If you’re in Taipei, check out the brand’s studio at 5F., No.37, Xining N. Road, Datong District, Taipei City 103, Taiwan; +886 2 2550 8663.

ATHENA CHUANG

One of Taiwan’s best known emerging designers, Athena Chuang designs feminine, wearable clothes that have a bit of an Asian accent via her layering and folding techniques. Athena should know what she’s doing in fashion after launching her career by working with Karl Largerfeld at Fendi on fittings and presentations. Athena Chuang makes great workwear and weekend wear pieces that will add a touch of class to any wardrobe. The latest collection was influenced by gothic Victoriana so there are lots of soft fabrics, ruffles and dark colours; the evening dresses are rather good too. 

For more information about the brand, go to www.athenachuang.com. You can shop Athena Chuang at The Lab, Xīnguāng Sānyuè A11 Tel: +886-2-28780;  Axes, 1F, No. 88, Yanchang Road, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan from 11am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday; go to  for a full list of stockists.

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.