In 1998, Sinorama spoke to several of them as they were celebrating their 20th anniversaries in the industry. At the time, Shiatzy Chen’s fashion empire was still a work in progress. In fact, when we interviewed her, she was busy prepping the opening of her Paris store. In the years since we spoke, she has opened more than 60 stores around the world.
When we talked to Stephane Dou, his brand was only three years old and he was still taking on whatever projects he could. Nowadays, he is an important figure on the Taiwan fashion scene, and the go-to designer for many celebrities. Sophie Hong was busy expanding her renowned Hong Silk line. This proved to be a prologue to 20 glorious years in which she not only claimed a spot on the runways at Paris Fashion Week, but also planted her flag in the heart of the world’s fashion capital with the 2010 opening of a shop in Paris’s Palais-Royal quarter.
Times may change, but designers continue to challenge themselves and innovate regardless. Taiwan’s fashion houses have grown in size and prestige over the last 20 years. No longer the uncertain neophytes of yore, they are calm, confident, and ready for the curtain to rise on the runways of a new era.
@List.jpg?w=522&h=410&mode=crop&format=webp&quality=80)