Taipei Fashion Week SS25 Opening Show: What Defines Taiwan’s Unique Style Through the Fusion of Art and Fashion

Taipei Fashion Week SS25

Taipei Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025,” organized by the Ministry of Culture was held over five days from October 17 to 21, 2024. As with every season, the event kicked off with a glamorous opening show, and this season was no exception, featuring a diverse array of events throughout the week.

The opening show was themed “Taiwan Type Illustrated Fashion Book,” with participating brands drawing inspiration from Taiwan’s cityscapes and everyday life to explore Taiwanese sensibilities toward fashion and culture, presenting a new vision of “Taiwan Fashion Type” at Taipei Fashion Week. Six fashion brands collaborated with six Taiwanese IP art creators, merging fashion with creative art to express Taiwan’s diverse appeal.

This article features the latest collections from the brands that took part in the Taipei Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2024 opening show, highlighting their distinctive designs.

.67ARROW x Saitemiss

The opening act of the show was none other than .67ARROW, kicking off with a distinctive flair that seamlessly fused edgy streetwear with whimsical, dreamlike illustrations, thanks to a captivating collaboration with Saitemiss.

This collection delved deep into the anxieties of modern life, raising a provocative question: “What happens when we lose ourselves in the relentless flood of information, especially within the confines of social media?” Through the lens of fashion, the answer took the form of an adventurous narrative—a small cowboy, lost in a post-apocalyptic world, wandering on a journey of self-discovery.

The first look to grace the runway was a playful reimagining of a boyish school uniform, with an oversized shirt cinched by a tie and paired with menswear-inspired shorts. Loose socks added a dash of nostalgia, while the shirt itself featured the debut of Needle, a cowboy character designed by Saitemiss exclusively for this collection. The cryptic message “If you know you know” scrawled across the back whispered a secret challenge to the onlookers.

One model, embodying Needle, strutted down the runway as the story’s protagonist, bringing the character to life in a cowboy-inspired ensemble. The other models donned streetwear with nostalgic retro elements, their cool expressions symbolizing the strength to survive in a desolate future world.

Saitemiss’s ethereal illustrations were boldly splashed across not only shirts but also denim and slacks, creating a mesmerizing juxtaposition between decayed elegance and gritty realism. Each look came alive with intricate embroidery and accessories—caps, chains, and scarves—that injected a vibrant Y2K energy into the mix.

Warm brown knits paired with camouflage cargo pants, and quilted knit jackets matched with sharp slacks, offered a visual dance between the old and the new, where nostalgia and modernity intertwined.

The collection brilliantly married vintage-style gothic fonts, iconic Western influences, handcrafted textures, and sleek urban silhouettes, weaving a story that promised fresh hope to those souls worn down by the tumult of the present day. It was more than just fashion—it was a glimmer of redemption through style.

.67ARROW x @saitemiss

.67ARROW x @saitemiss.67ARROW x Saitemiss

RAY CHU x @mich_un

RAY CHU drew inspiration from the lively scenes of Taiwanese parks, specifically from Michun’s depiction of “Park Dance Floors,” to present an energetic collection. Influenced by Taiwan’s resilient spirit and beautiful flora, the collection centers around the graceful Crinum asiaticum (Spider Lily), which is beautifully rendered through sleek 3D printing.

The show was brimming with energy, reminiscent of a nightclub dance floor, capturing the joy of tai chi and community dances often seen in Taiwanese parks.

The looks in the collection, while seemingly simple and casual at first glance, were instantly elevated by silver, three-dimensional Crinum asiaticum embellishments. These floral motifs appeared not only as subtle decorations but also as necklaces and embroidered accents, adding a striking touch of elegance to the designs.

Additionally, a plus-size model donned a figure-hugging white dress, while red and black micro mini skirts featured striking asymmetrical designs. With wired hems, the skirts created flowing curves, adding a playful twist to their simplicity and embodying the collection’s unique spirit.

One of the standout pieces was the final red dress. The deconstructed shoulder design gave the impression of fabric jutting out from the body, leaving a bold and unforgettable impression as the show reached its climax.

This collection, stylish yet effortless, transcended everyday fashion, offering wearers a sense of freedom and self-expression, embodying the liberating power of fashion.

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RAY CHU x @mich_unRAY CHU x @mich_un

#DAMUR x Weiweiboy

#DAMUR unveiled its Spring/Summer 2025 collection in collaboration with Weiweiboy, blending dreamy pastel hues with bold, vibrant checkerboard patterns.

Titled “Weiweiboy Goes to Berlin,” this collection takes inspiration from the vibrant nightlife and diverse culture of Berlin, exploring themes of pop culture, art, and identity, while depicting a whimsical journey.

The show began with a mysterious atmosphere, where each model’s unique character and story was brought to life through contemporary dance. Vivid shades of yellow, neon pink, and violet popped against #DAMUR’s signature checkerboard patterns, captivating the audience’s attention.

Many of the looks featured matching sets, with long vertical zippers as standout accents on tops and skirts. The zippers, when partially undone, effortlessly transitioned structured silhouettes into more casual looks, while fully unzipping the chest areas created cut-out effects, adding a sense of freedom and boldness to the designs.

The footwear also caught the eye, with models sporting mismatched sneakers—one foot in white, the other in black—or an unconventional mix of one high heel and one sneaker, showcasing playful and daring styling.

In the grand finale, the character Weiweiboy made an appearance, radiating playful charm as he walked down the runway alongside the designer, spreading joy. This collection stood as a thought-provoking piece, symbolizing a deep spiritual dialogue between pop culture, art, gender, and fantasy, leaving a lasting impression on all who watched.

#DAMUR x @weiweiboy

#DAMUR x @weiweiboy#DAMUR x Weiweiboy

DYCTEAMRaimochi

The collaboration between DYCTEAM and Raimochi, titled “Define Your Character,” presents a collection that seamlessly blends practicality with warmth, incorporating bold illustrations of Taiwan’s cityscapes.

In this collection, DYCTEAM skillfully utilizes its signature functional materials and jacquard weaving techniques to create sleek, practical styles. A closer look at the camouflage-like patterns on the jackets and coats revealed familiar characters from Raimochi’s work. These characters are depicted crossing a street, symbolizing the themes of “self-definition” and “the freedom to move forward.”

Long coats and denim jackets in black, khaki, gray, and blue serve as the foundation of the collection. While chic in appearance, the subtle presence of characters added a playful touch to the stylish designs. To further highlight these unique prints, simple and muted-tone outfits are expertly coordinated, offering a balanced and refined overall look.

Fusing charm and sophistication, this collection empowers the wearer to embrace their individuality and find the strength to move forward in everyday life.

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DYCTEAM x RaimochiDYCTEAM x Raimochi

TANGTSUNGCHIEN x @sammi_00712

The collaboration between TANGTSUNGCHIEN and Sammi_00712 was one of the most striking collections of the opening show, shining with beauty and poetic expression.

Designer TANGTSUNGCHIEN, known for his skillful fusion of cultures, incorporated elements from IP creator Xia Xian’s illustrations depicting “Taiwanese daily life.” Stars, swallows, utility poles, ferns, and periwinkles—unique symbols of Taiwan’s nature and urban landscapes—were broken down and reassembled into each piece. Through fabric textures, tailored details, and color combinations, he created a collection that is modern, fantastical, and undeniably poetic.

The first look featured a playful and romantic dress made from layers of frills and sheer chiffon. With voluminous ruffles at the waist and hem, the airy silhouette exuded a girlish and whimsical mood. The upper part of the dress was adorned with 3D starfish embellishments, adding a visually striking touch while maintaining a relaxed, feminine vibe.

Next came a pink knitted top, with a coral-like texture, designed in a bold cropped style that revealed the waist. The pastel blue and pink skirt brought a sense of casual elegance, creating a perfect balance of laid-back charm and sophistication.

In the menswear scene, a structured all-black coat made a powerful statement. The bold silhouette and stiff fabric conveyed strength, while a green net bag served as a playful pop of color, creating contrast and bringing the entire look together.

As a last look, a vibrant floral dress took center stage, crafted from sheer fabric and decorated with bright motifs of flowers, leaves, and birds. The light, whimsical design evoked the rhythm of nature, while wire detailing added a 3D effect to the voluminous silhouette. With its blend of transparency, elegance, and individuality, this mesmerizing piece was the perfect conclusion to the show.

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TANGTSUNGCHIEN x @sammi_00712

Story Wear x @chimney_animation

The final presentation of the opening show featured the latest collection from Taiwan’s only zero-waste fashion brand, Story Wear. In collaboration with Chimney_animation, Story Wear transformed the characters from Fish Wang’s films—an IP creator known for his focus on Taiwan’s history—into fashion pieces.

As the rhythmic background music set the tone, the show began with two contrasting female models: one dressed in an A-line dress and the other in a masculine jacket paired with denim pants. These opposing styles showcased the wide range and diversity of the collection.

Then, with a flurry of butterflies projected onto the screen and the sound of thunder, the mood shifted dramatically. A men’s dress jacket adorned with three-dimensional butterfly embellishments appeared, exuding a sense of melancholy. Following this was a long coat with shimmering lines resembling shooting stars, paired with a sharp striped suit and a hat, creating a dandyish and elegant style.

Next on the runway was a pure white dress. A veil draped over one shoulder, with blue and white butterflies gracefully landing on the fabric, evoking a poetic atmosphere. In contrast, the following look featured a white robe with blood-like red sequins scattered across, adding a sense of suspense and mystery to the show.

As the show progressed, the nostalgic Japanese children’s song “Kono Michi” by poet Kitahara Hakushu began to play, and the entire venue transformed into a serene space.

The finale showcased a flowing skirt in deep blue tones. Paired with a cropped top featuring shirred detailing and a blue bomber jacket adorned with leaf patterns, the look blended casual and elegant elements seamlessly. As the model walked, her hands spreading the skirt wide, the richness of the blue hues stood out with every movement, creating a graceful and fitting end to the show.

The collection, titled “ONE”, was said to embody the essence of artist Fish Wang’s signature color, orange, capturing the nostalgic light of twilight. The use of thread in “PANTONE 158 C” infused the entire series with warmth, symbolizing the idea that Taiwan’s history and recycled materials from the past can serve as the foundation for a brighter future, beautifully expressed through the collection’s visuals.

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Story Wear x @chimney_animation

Taipei Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 featured exciting collaborations between a diverse array of talented designers and creators. During the opening show, Minister of Culture, Li Yuan emphasized the holistic nature of culture, stating, “Food, clothing, residence, and transportation are all integral parts of our cultural identity.”

From October 18 to 22, 13 brands also held their runway shows at various locations across Taipei, including the official venue at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Each brand presented innovative fashion pieces that incorporated Taiwan’s historical narratives, cultural diversity, and contemporary aesthetics. Using the runway as a canvas for storytelling, the designers offered a fresh perspective on how fashion can serve as a bridge between the past and the future.

Taipei Fashion Week SS25 Event Overview

Dates: Thursday, October 17 – Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Official Venue: Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
Organizer: Ministry of Culture, Executive Yuan
Produced by: CNX Taiwan, Condé Nast Taiwan Group
Official Website: https://tpefw.com/
Facebook: @tpefashionweek
Instagram: @tpe.fashionweek
Threads: @tpe.fashionweek
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taipeifashionweek4596