I believe fashion is not simply about following trends, but a way of understanding ourselves and the world. Design begins with observation and grows from our experiences of life. Through clothing, we can transform memories, emotions, and culture into tangible forms. Good design does more than create beauty; it allows us to see familiar things anew and discover our own stories and values within them.

Final Year Graduate Student

CHIH-YUN CHEN

Title

The Land, The Heart

Description

“This Land, This Sentiment” was inspired by a journey to the United Kingdom. While appreciating the landscapes and cultures of another place, I began to reconsider Taiwan, the land where I have grown up for more than twenty years, and realized that it too holds countless forms of beauty worthy of being cherished and documented. The character “斯” refers to “this place” or “here,” while “斯土斯情” expresses the emotions and sense of belonging accumulated through my relationship with the land of Taiwan.

The collection draws inspiration from Taiwan’s mountains, oceans, rocks, vegetation, and clouds, translating the colors and textures of these natural landscapes through knitting techniques. The silhouettes incorporate influences from the sculptures of Taiwanese artist Ju Ming, developing distinctive three-dimensional sleeves. Sculptural contours express the appearance of land shaped by time and natural forces, creating a bold and powerful presence while challenging the conventional perception of knitwear as inherently soft.

Knitting serves as the primary medium. Its one-piece construction allows for efficient material use, while leftover yarns are repurposed into accessories and bags. CLO 3D digital simulation is also used to reduce material waste during physical sampling. Through this collection, I hope to encourage people to look again at the environment they inhabit and develop a deeper sense of connection with and appreciation for the land.