Publication Date：03/21/2013
Source： Taiwan Today
Taipei City’s efforts to win the nomination for World Design Capital 2016 have been boosted by a plan to stage fashion shows in close vicinity to selected metro stations, a local government official said March 21.
“Thirty designers from schools and up-and-coming Taiwan designer brand names will get the chance to win free training, culminating in a catwalk competition near metro stations and the opportunity to sell the creations through retail channels,” the official said.
“Taipei City plans to provide fashion maps at stations, with online information about boutiques in the vicinity, so tourists will immediately learn about designers and brands, and where they can buy them.”
Taipei City cooperated in 2012 with famous local designer brand name Shiatzy Chen to put on a fashion show in Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, an event drawing media attention from home and abroad, the official said.
In 2013, NT$10 million (US$336,000) has been earmarked by the city government to promote specialized businesses, aiming to help students and new designers create and sell their own goods in cooperation with manufacturers.
“Under the plan, fashion shows will be staged on catwalks set up outside busy metro stations on the Bannan Line, so commuters will be greeted by the fashion creations as soon as they step outside,” the official said.
The city government will invite businesses to organize seminars and lectures to equip young designers with branding, distribution and marketing skills, he added.
The selected designers will also participate in the Taipei In Style exhibition in October, where they will have opportunities to meet established designers. Now entering its seventh year, the show is organized by the Taiwan Textile Federation to promote fashion design and branding. (SDH)
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