From one to another
Only writers that have hearts that can be touched can touch the hearts of others. Fashion Market was an instant success, triggering a fashion market craze. It also sold 20,000 copies in Taiwan, a rare feat indeed for design-oriented books, to become Eslite Book's best-selling book for 2004 in the art and creativity category.
In Taipei, some fashion markets are held regularly in fixed locations, while some are more mobile bazaars held in tandem with major concerts or art events. "All of them share common points: They spotlight individual creativity and youth culture," observes Hsi Fun, chief editor of Garden City which published Fashion Market.
"If we take Campo, located in Hsimenting and presently Taipei's largest fashion market, in addition to the vendors, you will see live DJs and fashion shows with models wearing clothing and accessories designed by fashion market participants," Hsi explains. "You frequently see other things including elements from the youth subculture, like role-playing."
Held once a month for a total of six times so far, the weekend Campo fashion market sees as many as 20,000 visitors. Normally quiet, Kangting Road's Taipei Cinema Park becomes a hubbub of noise on market days. All afternoon until nine at night, it's one big outdoor party.
Squeezed among the crowd of 20-somethings, you'll find knickknacks, dolls, and handmade silver jewelry with prices starting at a few hundred NT dollars. You also see a great deal of unique photography, paintings, and decorative items. The poet Hung Hung, who set up a fortune telling booth here, says, "You've got to come here to experience the young fashion market."
In addition to highlighting creativity and individual style, most of these creative people are still students or have jobs. The fashion market is not their mainstay.