The Ministry of Culture officially launched the “Taipei Fashion Week AW26” today (March 26) at Taipei Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. This season introduces breakthroughs across brand identity, promotional videos, and the opening reception, highlighting the creative energy and development momentum of Taiwan’s fashion industry. Attending the opening reception were Deputy Minister of Culture Sue Wang, Legislator Wu Szu-yao, Control Yuan members Fan Sun-lu, Ji Hui-jung, and Yeh Ta-hua; Markéta Lipold Záhumenská, Director of the Czech Center Taipei; Huang Ching-hsuan, Secretary General of the International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs; Chang Chi-yi, President of the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI); and representatives from the Taipei City Government. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim specially attended the first Runway show presented by C JEAN, demonstrating wide-ranging attention and support for the transformation and development of Taiwan’s fashion industry.
Deputy Minister Sue Wang stated that it is the “Year of Transformation” for Taipei Fashion Week this season as it enters its eighth year, with TDRI joining the planning and preparation. The most valuable aspect of this transformation is seeing that “everyone is involved.” All the teams who have helped shape Taipei Fashion Week, as well as new partners, are present—“this is the most important part of the transformation.” The transformed Taipei Fashion Week aims to effectively serve as a platform connecting brands, design, industry, and market, from logo and venue design to Runways shows focused on the brand as the centerpiece. “The key to transformation is communication and support from everyone,” Wang emphasized. Only by engaging more participants can Taiwan’s fashion industry grow stronger and build a fashion ecosystem rooted in Taiwan’s unique characteristics and cultural values, opening a new chapter for Taiwan fashion.
Legislator Wu Szu-yao, who has championed and supported Taipei Fashion Week since its inception, remarked that from the official launch in 2018, through the establishment of TDRI in 2020 to leverage design to transform Taiwan, to this “Year of Transformation” in 2026, the event is evolving on a strong foundation built by past teams. This year’s edition is more open, public-facing, and brand-focused, allowing for new experimentation. Wu also shared her experience in the Legislative Yuan of wearing trendy wide pants and sneakers instead of the traditional suit during interpellations, reflecting that “fashion is not just what we wear, but who we are.” She encouraged everyone to express their identity boldly: “Wear what represents Taiwan and yourself,” as part of TEAM TAIWAN in the fashion and design community.
The Ministry of Culture noted that the global fashion industry is undergoing restructuring, with high-end luxury brands realigning and middle-class consumers moving away from luxury brands. Amid this global reshuffle, Taiwan fashion has a unique opportunity. This is the context for transforming Taipei Fashion Week AW26. Fashion is both culture and industry. By leveraging Taiwan’s textile industry, which emphasizes sustainability and comfort, alongside designers’ creativity and technological capabilities, the “micro-customization” approach can become a key advantage for Taiwan fashion and a potential new business model in the international market. Beyond encouraging designers to showcase their creativity, Taipei Fashion Week will continue cross-ministry collaboration, particularly with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, to integrate design creativity, industry momentum, and international connections, allowing Taiwan fashion to advance on both creative and industrial fronts while showcasing a more distinct and confident style regionally and globally.
The AW26 opening reception focused on “returning to business and professional exchange” and used a “light social” format. Nearly 200 key representatives from the fashion ecosystem, including participating brands, designers, domestic and international buyers, professionals, and related industries, gathered for strategic matchmaking and informal interaction. The event strengthened industry connections, promoted brand-buyer-media engagement, and created opportunities for diverse commercial collaborations and industry development.
To expand the domestic market, AW26 strengthened connections with major local department stores and buyers, including Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, DREAM PLAZA, the CMP Group, NOKE JUT Retail, as well as professional curators and fashion platforms such as En-Suey International Garment, CLA Fashion Platform, and TOBIRA Store, broadening cooperation opportunities for Taiwanese fashion brands.
AW26 also deepened its international presence, inviting 26 buyers from 10 countries, including Japan’s Isetan, Hankyu, Takashimaya, JUN Group, URBAN RESEARCH; European buyers such as Printemps (France) and select shops Margreeth Olsthoorn, Henrik Vibskov, and VOO; and Southeast Asian curators BEVC, Flânerie, and This Is For Him. This highlights the international attention toward Taiwanese design brands. In addition to buyers, the event also invited fashion and design media from Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand to cover the shows, enhancing Taipei Fashion Week’s presence in Asia.
The opening reception featured live music by Golden Melody Award-nominated duo DDMM, creating a relaxed atmosphere blending music and social interaction. A highlight reel introduced AW26’s shows and brand highlights to attendees. Hosts and DJs wore pieces by designer Tang Tsung-chien’s eponymous brand TANGTSUNGCHIEN, while DDMM performed in outfits by designer Justin chou’s JUST IN XX, naturally showcasing the brands in an immersive music-fashion environment and creating matchmaking opportunities.
According to the Ministry of Culture, this edition of Taipei Fashion Week features not only traditional Runway shows, but also Presentations and Events, encouraging designers to select formats that best suit their brand development. From now until March 29, 12 domestic and international brands—including C JEAN, BOB Jian, JUST IN XX, Daniel Wong, TANGTSUNGCHIEN, mizuiro ind, Yentity, Liyu Tsai, #DAMUR, INFDARK, WEITZUYUAN, and WANGLILING—will present diverse design styles, highlighting Taiwan fashion’s innovative perspectives.
Although most shows are invitation-only, mizuiro ind, WEITZUYUAN, INFDARK, and TANGTSUNGCHIEN offer online ticketing or on-site standby access (subject to availability). #DAMUR and BOB Jian welcome public ticketing both online and on-site. All shows can also be watched via the “Live Streaming” area at Warehouse 3, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.
From March to May, five brands—C JEAN, #DAMUR, JENN LEE, RAY CHU, and UUIN—will host a series of Events such as parties, exhibitions, pop-up shops, workshops, and forums, inviting the public to experience the diversity of fashion culture. Moreover, exhibitions by RAY CHU, UUIN, and C JEAN are open for public visits during the Fashion Week.
For those looking to shop for fashion, stylish accessories, and lifestyle pieces, the "Editor's Pick Curated Market” at Warehouse 3 during Taipei Fashion Week is a must-visit. Featuring 18 diverse fashion brands, the market showcases a unique blend of design and lifestyle aesthetics. As a special highlight, participating brands have transformed "Sleepy Tofu" stools into creative installations. These pieces use different design languages to reflect each brand’s identity, resulting in a series of playful and creative fashion displays exclusive to Taipei Fashion Week. Additionally, Warehouse 2 at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park will host "TAIPEI IN STYLE," an international tradeshow organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Both events are open to the public with no reservation required, offering everyone a chance to define their own personal style. For more information on brand events and runway schedules, please visit the official Taipei Fashion Week website to stay updated and find registration details.