TT: What is the inspiration for this season’s collection?
IW: Our spring/summer collection is called “June.” Spring and summer both evoke a sentimental mood for me, one that’s not so cheerful and carefree. And in the next few years, even with the recession, the world needs to slow down and it needs love and peace. It’s a lot like the 1960s, actually. Back then there were a lot of artsy people who wanted to challenge traditions and customs and that is how the hippies were born. This collection kind of has that atmosphere and the ideas in it. We joke that it’s for royal hippies, hippies with a certain amount of purchasing power.
When I think of the women who wear my clothing, I think it appeals to them not just because it’s pretty, but also because they have minds of their own and don’t want to look like everyone else. I make things for women who like art and who aren’t really into super trendy clothes but designs that take their cues from art and culture instead. They also like romantic clothing, and they are financially independent and earn their own money.
I also have clients who will save up and purchase my clothing every two or three months. I really appreciate those customers and I don’t feel like you have to be rich to enjoy my clothing. My intention isn’t to design a hyper-exclusive brand. I hope that everyone can afford to wear my clothes.
TT: I read in a previous interview that when you started out about 20 years ago, Taiwanese consumers favored international designers over Taiwanese brands. Do you think that is still the case?
IW: I think Taiwanese people now love Taiwanese brands. That’s how I feel, or maybe that’s because I’ve been lucky. But international brands have a lot of power and financial clout.
TT: What countries do you think are the most receptive to Taiwanese designers?
IW: About 15 years ago, I opened a few stores in the United States and the reception was actually very warm. Customers thought it was unusual and they liked that, but we didn’t have the manufacturing resources to expand our size range to fit the different requirements there, so I ended up closing the stores.
TT: Do you want to open stores in Europe?
IW: I think the moment has passed in Europe and America. They are no longer fresh markets, because the fashion industry there is already so saturated. I think in the next 10 years we will have to look toward the Chinese market if Taiwanese brands want to expand.
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