TT: So eventually you plan to return to Taiwan? It’s difficult for me to imagine that if Dior, for example, offers you a job that you would return to Taiwan.
JK: I am Taiwanese. I cannot change that.
And Taiwan is the nation where I grew up and even though there are many drawbacks, I think that after a few years experience abroad I will return to Taiwan. Then I will create my own line while maintaining a connection to the global fashion industry.
I didn’t apply for any scholarships from Taiwan Textile Federation (紡拓會) because they tell all the applicants that they have to return to Taiwan immediately upon graduation. I don’t think this works. I mean, how can you really learn about the European fashion industry in school? You need to do that in the real fashion industry.
TT: So working in the industry is as important as going to school before setting out on your own.
JK: Right. When you have to run a fashion brand it’s not just producing an item. You have to put a lot of budget into marketing and communication. So maybe you have to spend five years and when everyone knows you, you can sell a T-shirt for a very high price.
And this is what I told the judges of the British scholarship committee. I told them that I can bring that knowledge back to Taiwan because the model of the international fashion industry is totally different than what we have in Taiwan.
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