The 2024 Taiwan Fashion Design Award (TFDA) concluded its grand final and awards ceremony on October 16 at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, attracting over 600 guests from across the fashion industry, government, and academia. Since its elevation to an international competition in 2013, the TFDA has consistently drawn emerging fashion talents from around the globe. This year, Nattawika Boonard from Tailand claimed the First prize with her collection, "Mysteries of the Garden of Eden", which seamlessly blended style with market potential while embodying the principles of sustainability. These works stood out from over 543 entrants representing 23 countries and regions, earning them a cash prize of USD 10,000. The two Second Prizes, Wang Yeh-Lin and Lu Yong-Ping, were awarded USD 5,000 each for their respective collections, "CRACK" and "Reptilians". Additionally, Kuo Chien-Hsin, Chang Shu-Wei, and Chen Hsuan-Yu were honored with special awards for Best Use of Fabrics, Best Pattern Making, and Best Market Potential, each receiving USD 3,000.
Judges Praise Innovative Designs Combining Creativity and Sustainability
This year's prestigious panel of judges included renowned figures from the international fashion industry and media. The panel featured Tomonori Matsui, founder of One-O Fashion PR in Japan, veteran designer Dai Fujiwara, Stephane Dou, Creative Director of DOUCHANGLEE, Stephanie Kuo, Fashion Director at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Ellen Yang, Publisher and COO of Hearst Taiwan, Jane Singer, Managing Director of Inside Fashion, and Charlotte Chiang, Director of the Taiwan Textile Federation. The judges commended the high level of creativity and innovation displayed by the contestants. They noted that the collections presented fresh perspectives by merging diverse design concepts, giving the garments new meaning. Many pieces skillfully integrated cultural elements, such as mythology and blue-and-white porcelain. Each piece demonstrated flexibility in function and stood out with unique style and originality, highlighting the distinctiveness of every creation. The materials used were sustainable, including surplus inventory or second-hand materials, as well as recycled cardboard and paper mache, processed using natural plant dyes. These unique materials and design techniques were combined to strike a balance between creativity and practicality.
Since its inception, the Industrial Development Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs has actively supported the TFDA, collaborating with the Taiwan Textile Federation and various international enterprises to enhance the global visibility of Taiwan's fashion design industry. This year's competition was generously sponsored by Lealea Enterprise Co., Ltd., Li Peng Enterprise Co., Ltd., Coddy Global Ltd., New Wide Enterprise Co., Ltd., New Wide Garment Co., Ltd., and the Fortune Industrial and Commercial Development Foundation, with a total prize pool of USD 35,000. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Culture for its significant investment in the fashion industry chain and for providing an excellent platform during Taipei Fashion Week to support the TFDA. This year's competition has successfully gathered emerging designers from around the globe, showcasing their innovation and talent, thereby injecting a broader international perspective and energy into Taiwan's fashion design. We eagerly anticipate that these outstanding designers will shine on the international stage in the future, continuing to promote Taiwan's fashion design on a global scale.
Winners of 2024 Taiwan Fashion Design Award:
First Prize ：Nattawika Boonard (Thailand)
Second Prize：Wang, Yeh Lin
Second Prize：Lu, Yong Ping
Third prize–Best Use of Fabrics：Kuo, Chien Hsin
Third prize–Best Pattern Making：Chang, Shu Wei
Third prize–Best Market Potential：Chen, Hsuan Yu
Media Contact
Taiwan Textile Federation
Contact: Inka Lai
Tel: +886-2-2336-7599 ext. 39
Email: inkalai@textiles.org.tw
Andrew Wang
Tel: +886-2-2341-7251 ext. 2965
Email: andrew@textiles.org.tw