Creative, homegrown Taichung brands make waves around the world

Translated by Angel Pu

When it comes to apparel, fashion accessories and handicrafts, recent years have seen a growing number of "MIT" (Made In Taiwan) product makers shifting towards the creation and marketing of their own individual brands, rather than solely manufacturing for major international brand names. In the process, many of these local brands have become popular and famous not only in Taiwan, but also among overseas customers. A number of these notable brands and businesses are based right here in Taichung, creating a wide range of high-end products.

Passion Work

(04) 2471-6353
Taichung flagship store: 752, XiangXin S Rd, Nantun Dist.
(04) 2326-1038
Park Lane by CMP branch: 68, GongYi Rd, B2, West Dist.
16, ZhongXing 1st Lane, West Dist.
www.passionwork.com.tw

Passion Work is among the most successful brands to originate from Taichung. Many customers are attracted by its playful designs and unique prints that express a world of colorful lifestyles. The brand mainly produces brightly-hued clothing, home accessories and handicrafts, all inspired by the beauty of nature. The designers for this brand are also adept at using all kinds of techniques to present their inspirations and ideas. They don't just follow trends, but attempt to combine them with the brand's own unique elements and present them via their elaborate, handmade, one-of-a-kind products. --By Natasha Lee

CLOTHPOINT

(04) 2558-8375
CLOTHPOINT will open a temporary shop from Nov. 1, 2013 to Jan. 31, 2014 on the fourth floor (north building) of Top City department store.
www.pinkoi.com/store/clothpoint

CLOTHPOINT is a high-end clothing brand created by local designers. According to founder and designer Coreen Chen, she relocated to Taichung as her partner was working here and she was seeking a new career. She ended up staying because of its good weather, great people and relaxing atmosphere, making the city her "starting point" as her passion for fashion inspired her to create her own original brand. CLOTHPOINT's concept is to create fun and relaxing urban lines that match the natural curves of one's body. --By Natasha Lee

ZUNY

105, Taichung Port (ZhongGang) Rd, Sec 2, 10F, Xitun Dist. (25TOGO FLOATING, FE Top City Dept. Store)

Although perhaps you've never heard of Zuny before, there's a chance you have seen its products in London's Liberty department store or Barneys New York, or even MoMA's shops. Zuny is a Taiwanese original brand headquartered in Taichung and mainly produces creative leather home accessories, such as animal-themed bookends and paperweights. As a brand that loves and aims to protect animals, Zuny only uses high-quality synthetic leathers that don't harm the environment. This material also allows the design team to enjoy more creative possibilities and uniqueness. The cute animal designs offer comfort for busy modern-day people, helping them to forget their stresses for a moment, just as Zuny's main concept states: "Make your life fun and easy". --By Natasha Lee

WXY

www.wxybrand.com/shop

WXY is a new Taiwanese shoe brand that is grabbing attention in American and European markets. The brand's "asexual" design concept is very different from common male or female shoe types, while its other brand concept of "functionality" ensures that every detail has a practical and useful purpose. This is designed to encourage people to abandon the redundant things in life and return to the basics. The main focus for WYX's sales include Taiwan, Australia, the United States, and UK. Owner and designer Joi moved to Taichung from Kinmen for college and now makes Taichung her second home. --By Natasha Lee

Fufa Vintage Shoes

(04) 799-8201
138, FengJia Rd, Xitun Dist.
www.fufashoes.com

Fufa started out in 2004 in the Fengjia Night Market. The owner's parents were also shoemakers and he used the skills acquired from them to develop his own brand that utilized locally-produced fabrics and a Taiwanese design team. Fufa is most famous for its print sneakers, which are exported to countries like the UK, Indonesia and United States and cost NT$390-490/pair, with five new versions introduced every week. Fufa is also among local companies that keep every step of production right here in Taiwan. --By Uvia Chang

LAND MARK

5, Lane 43, BoAi St, Fengyuan Dist.
(04) 2524-0933

lt has been 13 years since Da-jiang established Land Mark, which produces clothing and jeans, in Taichung. Its store concept is to combine classic rock music and contemporary trends without losing Taiwan originality. Every detail of the brand's designs focuses on high quality which guarantees that customers are comfortable with what they're wearing. Land Mark is a place for men looking for trendy and unique street styles that will accentuate their personality. --By Lin Fu-shan