A match made in Taiwan

Taiwan is a pioneer of the design-printing technique but its neighbors are eager to acquire the technology. "We have already leveraged it to Singapore and right now Japan, North Korea and Australia are all interested. It's only a matter of time before we start marketing globally. ... The opportunities are endless," Chang said.

For Huang, the process combines his talents for both graphic and fashion design. The entire course, from the original design on the computer, to the printing onto fabric and the assembling of clothing, is all done by Huang and takes approximately five hours to complete.

"He is talented, but most importantly he has the capability to use this technology. Jasper provides us with a outstanding example of what is possible when you combine a new invention with young talent," said HP Taiwan sales director Eric Lin (林嘉祥).

After graduating in 2000 from a fine arts college in Tainan, Huang worked as a fashion graphic designer when his interest in the industry was piqued. Overwhelmed by his instant success -- having won prestigious awards in Taiwan and abroad -- he traveled to the fashion Meccas of Tokyo, New York, Milan and Paris before launching his career. In less than four years the young artist has found a comfortable niche in the market with his own line of clothing and boutique. With a background in oil painting and metalcraft, Huang's talent has spilt into different areas of design. His store is a display area for his clothing, accessories, jewelry and home furnishing designs.

His street-driven vision has attracted the eye of style-savvy youths and stars. One of his first assignments was to design the stage costumes for Mando-pop king Jay Chou (周杰倫) on his "The One Tour." He has two lines: casualwear that he makes mostly for sale in his store and the more formal custom-made outfits. Unlike the everyday attire in Huang's store, the up-market line consists of decorative full-length gowns and suits that are more ornamental than functional.

Whether it's a piece from his casual line or a flamboyant costume, Huang pushes the boundaries of conventional Taiwanese fashion to design in his own image. His clothes are an example of how young designers emphasize chic yet maintain an urban sensibility. It's a refreshing alternative to the older, more mature styles presented by many top Taiwanese designers.

"I'm not trying to be ultra cool. I just want to have my own modern perspective in my designs. I want to make clothing that young people can afford to buy and want to wear," Huang said.

Jasper Huang's Clothing store is located at 32, Ln 31, Minsu West Rd, Taipei (台北市民族西路31巷32號1F 圓山捷運站), next to Yuanshan MRT station exit 2. Tel: (02) 2591 1808.