Focus Taiwan Spring 2012 featuring Free East, Jane Hu, Eve Lin, Jasper Huang, Shirley Yang and Chang Ying

New York Fashion Week Spring 2012 was quite an exciting time for Taiwanese designers at Focus Taiwan as it was the first ever presentation in New York. Focus Taiwan was held at Chelsea Market and showcased the designs of Free East, Jane Hu, Eve Lin, Jasper Huang, Shirley Yang and Chang Ying. Having no knowledge about Taiwanese fashion and the fact that I am all about 7-for-1 presentations (7 designers in 1 presentation), I attended the presentation and was overcome with, for lack of better words, gorgeousness.

The presentation models were arranged on standing blocks in a circle. Each section of the circle, a specific designer. Far East showcased cashmere knit dresses displaying interesting graphic prints (notably a tiger) and a silk gown with Chinese calligraphy splashed on it — I wish I knew what it said. Chang Ying, the most eco-friendly of the designers presented with three cotton jersey dresses in neutral colors and orange displaying interesting knot and tassles detailing. From afar the dresses look effortlessly tied or knotted on, but up close, you’ll find that quite a bit hard work was needed to create the dresses.

Art deco chinoiserie and sharp tailoring brought the drama to Jasper Huang’s designs. My favorite look of his set was a green and bright red print sleeveless jumpsuit with the chinoiserie collar. Of all the designers at Focus Taiwan, Jane Hu’s clothes proved to be the most girly of the bunch. Laser cut ribbon overlays and sashes were seen on mauve dresses along with what looked like floating polka dots. Shirley Yang’s designs were also quite feminine with the use of ruffles, polka dots and floating petals on dresses.

My most favorite looks at Focus Taiwan came from Eve Lin. Inspired by Japanese origami craftsmanship, Lin had a beautiful butterfly origami print button-up shirt that tied in the front and had shirt tails that made the shirt look like an origami piece. Same goes for another look that I was taken by — a black mini linen cape with black linen overlay over an off-white linen asymmetrical shirt and leggings. I loved that her looks lacked symmetry but still remained beautiful.

Here are some photos I managed to take at the Focus Taiwan presentation:

Overall, Focus Taiwan was a successful presentation that has opened by eyes to Taiwanese fashion. I’m looking forward to the next Focus Taiwan!

For more information or to view previous collections, visit the official sites of the Focus Taiwan designers:
Free East
Eve Lin
Chang Ying
Shirley Yang
Jasper Huang
Jane Hu