BRYAN CHUANG

Beneath “Wailao”

Description

Those Unseen "Foreign Workers"

To make a living, they leave their homelands and come to Taiwan, becoming what people call "foreign workers." Perfume, dark skin, sanitation work, noise, and heavy luggage slowly build up society’s impression of them. Inspired by the living experiences of Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan, this collection starts from these readily noticeable everyday traits to reflect on how we perceive a person through appearance, scent, occupation, and lifestyle — sometimes even labeling them before truly getting to know them.

Material-wise, Indonesian Batik serves as a core element of the collection, paired with contrasting fabrics and utility-inspired textiles. Batik is not merely surface decoration; placed in the inner layers of the garments, it gradually reveals itself through cutting, piecing, layering, and subtle exposures, allowing a hidden culture to surface. The outer layer represents the initial image of the "foreign worker," while the inner layer represents their own culture, memories, and identity, creating a contrast between external labels and the true self.

The color palette is grounded in dark tones, skin tones, and earth tones, accented with localized color variations that correspond to different characters and life stories. Pattern-making focuses on deconstruction, asymmetry, and layering, altering traditional garment silhouettes through slashing, cutouts, and piecing. Convertible, adjustable structures are incorporated into select designs, enabling the garments to adapt to different styling methods — echoing how migrant workers continually adapt to life in unfamiliar environments.

The production involves extensive hand-stitching and detailed craftsmanship, leaving visible signs of handwork. The intricate creation process symbolizes the patience and resilience required for long hours of labor, elevating "labor" from a label being watched into an integral part of the clothing itself.

Those Unseen "Foreign Workers" seeks to re-examine the stereotyped image of migrant workers through silhouette, material, color, and Indonesian culture. As the outer labels are peeled back layer by layer, what remains inside is not just the identity of a laborer, but also their rich culture, memories, and life stories. Those so easily overlooked in daily life have, in truth, been genuinely present all along.