Although most fashion shows worldwide have been postponed or gone virtual because of restrictions brought on by COVID-19, Taiwan persevered by hosting the third edition of the Taipei Fashion Week, which will run from Sept. 25 to Oct. 31 at venues across the nation's capital.
Themed "Re:connext" – a term that combines "reconnect" and "next," the month-long event seeks to revitalize Taiwan's fashion industry that has been affected by the pandemic, in addition to sparking conversation on how the industry can thrive amid the global outbreak.
Through the event, the Ministry of Culture aims to integrate mid- and downstream manufacturers in the fashion industry to promote the strength behind Taiwan's textiles and apparel industry – the nation's aesthetics of fashion and its exceptional techniques in manufacturing functional fibers, Vice Culture Minister Lee Lien-chuan (李連權) said at a press conference on Sept. 24.
While Taiwan's status in the international community has visibly elevated for its remarkable pandemic management, Lee said, it is hoped that the nation's fashion industry will seize the opportunity to carve out a greater room for themselves in the global market.
On the outlook of Taiwan's clothing brands, Lee said the fashion industry will see more domestic spending in clothing as shopping tours abroad are currently inaccessible due to international travel advisories.
This year, the Taipei Fashion Week will be of a large scale, featuring an immersive exhibition, a blend of performance art and runway show, 16 fashion shows that showcase more than local 40 brands.
In addition, viewers will be able to enjoy two themed shows – "Primitive Sense" and "Virtual Escape." While the former sheds light on indigenous community's admiration and respect for Mother Earth, the later seeks to highlight how Taiwan's texture manufacturers do their part to cope with extreme weathers with launching collections made of mixed and functional fabrics.
During the event, targeted buyers from Canada, China, France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and United States will be invited to participate in a series of digital streams, virtual showrooms, and digital presentations that showcase Taiwan's clothing brands. All the events will proceed with English and Mandarin speaking hosts.
To further promote local labels, a database that includes 114 brands and designers that have participated in the Taipei Fashion Week in the past three years is now available, offering interested buyers detailed information pertaining to the clothing labels.
On occasion of the fashion event, the Ministry of Culture issues a printed copy of "Guide to Designer Brands" that illustrates the locations of studios or shops of participating brands and designers around the island. The Ministry will also begin to explore the idea of a digitalized fashion guide that profiles Taiwan's clothing brands in a foreseeable future with an aim to introduce more local labels to both buyers and consumers home and abroad.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Council of Indigenous Peoples, and the Taipei City Government, this year's Taipei fashion week will take place in a number of locations, including VieShow Cinemas, BELLAVITA department store, the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Xinyi District, as well as Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center and Taipei City Hall Square. Visit here for more information.