TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The 2024 Fall and Winter Taipei Fashion Week (AW24) unveiled Friday (April 19) the uniforms for the Taiwan delegation at the Paris Olympics.
Themed “Cultural Olympics Sports Fashion,” fashion week aligns with the Summer Olympics emphasis on cultural vibrancy. Building upon the success of his Tokyo Olympics uniforms, JUST IN XX's Justin Chou (周裕穎) was picked as designer again.
The uniforms were modeled by Olympic athletes Yang Kun-pi (楊昆弼) and Wu Shih-i (吳詩儀). The uniforms embrace the spirit of Taiwanese style with their textured attire rich in local symbolism.
Minister of Culture Shih Che (史哲) emphasized the scope of Taipei Fashion Week, merging culture, industry, and international influence. In addition, Taiwan will establish a pavilion in Paris during the Olympics.
Sustainability meets style in the uniforms for the Taiwanese athletes. The suit jackets utilize "carbon capture" technology, which is said to turn recycled factory carbon emissions (CO2) into low-carbon synthetic fibers, creating an eco-friendly material.
Abstract art by artist Paul Chiang (江賢二) adorns the jackets, adding a touch of flair. The jacket's finishing touch is a handmade flower wrapped by Lin Pei-ying (林佩瑩), featuring a plum blossom paired with the rapeseed flower – a symbol of encouragement.
To combat summer heat the shirts incorporate cool and germanium fiber technology, offering a refreshing feel with negative ion properties akin to a forest bath, according to Chou.
Additionally, the environmentally friendly leather shoes, also made of woven banana silk, were co-developed by the Footwear and Recreation Technology Research Institute. They feature patented insoles to ensure the athlete’s comfort.
Chou said he felt pressure to design for the world's fashion capital. However, with more than six months to prepare, he assembled a dream team of artisans and textile brands.
The Olympics start July 26.
