WORDS BY W, L
TRANSLATION BY Joe Henley
PHOTOS BY Zhuang Zhiyuan
Taipei’s East District (東區) has always been the core of Taiwan’s fashion culture. Despite ever-changing trends, the streets of the East District have continued to lead the way. It is because the area’s many stores are collectively insistent on individuality and not going with the flow that a strong atmosphere of style can be found in the alleys and lanes of this center of Taiwan’s fashionable capital.
In the past, when information didn’t move as quickly as it does now, taking a stroll through the back alleys of the East District and looking at the mannequins on display in shop windows was the best way to get first-hand knowledge of the current fashion trends. Furthermore, the East District’s strong position in fashion drew many trendy brands from Japan, Hong Kong, and the US to open stores here. As a result, the area became the perfect location to scope out the latest fashions. (You might also like: A Perfect Day in Taipei’s Xinyi District)
Though the rise of the Internet means that you can shop at home with products being just a click away, the East District has irreplaceable qualities compared to other locations, especially with the numerous well-established stores that have steadfastly maintained their uniqueness, which keeps those in the know coming back time after time.
In this issue of TAIPEI, we have selected eight fashionable stores in Taipei’s East District ranging from clothing and accessories to trendy toys. It is hoped that the diversity and uniqueness of the East District will rekindle the fun and novelty of shopping on the streets for the new generation.
Boutique No.1
The Warehouse Optical Taipei
This boutique optician from Hong Kong is much beloved by celebrities, including Hong Kong film star Shawn Yue (余文樂). The store’s interior is decorated primarily in white and gold, creating the charm of simplicity and quality. They offer an elegant and comfortable space as well as highly professional services. You will be surprised with how perfectly this optician integrates professionalism and fashion sense.
👗 77, Ln. 187, Sec. 1, Dunhua S. Rd., Daan Dist.
☎️ (02) 8772-1600
🕑 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Boutique No.2
INVINCIBLE EAST
Founded in 2007, INVINCIBLE EAST has benefited from over a decade of hard work and tempering to take a strong position in the market and a commanding position in fashion. Selecting brands and products from Japan, Europe, and the US helps cultivate a space that is rich in quality for discerning fashionistas and fashion afficionados. The store also provides exclusive products to meet different consumers’ preference.
👗 3, Aly. 35, Ln. 181, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Daan Dist.
☎️ (02)8771-9958
🕑 2:00pm – 10:00pm
Boutique No.3
Stussy Taipei
A trendy brand from the streets of California, Stussy’s summer line often makes use of design elements such as the beach and tropical plants to add a laid-back feel to a style already full of personality. The store’s design includes elements of cold, steel framing and rustic wooden materials to create a unique atmosphere that is well worth exploring. (Read more: Taiwan Culture Blooms at InBlooom, Taipei’s hippest fabric art shop)
👗 7, Aly. 69, Ln. 161, Sec. 1, Dunhua S. Rd., Daan Dist.
☎️ (02) 2751-2651
🕑 1:30pm – 10:00pm
Boutique No.4
PHANTACi Taipei Flagship Store
This clothing brand, established by Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou (周杰倫), bases its designs on a blend of fantastic and grand concepts into everyday living and specializes in incorporating leisure into the agile elements of the streets. PHANTACi uses bold, color-clashing styles to accentuate visual focus in an outfit. In addition to selling its own products, the store also frequently introduces limited-edition jointly produced products with other well-known brands.
👗 27, Aly. 35, Ln. 181, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Daan Dist
☎️ (02) 8773-1426
🕑 2:00pm – 10:00pm (Monday to Friday) ; 1:00pm – 10:00pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Boutique No.5
Rather Concept Store
This store creates a unique aura of feminine fashion through minimalist design elements. Rather’s proprietary brand uses black and white as its primary colors to create neat office fashions while providing comfortable everyday wear with a unique color palette and design. The store includes a coffee bar and seating area, and holds occasional art exhibitions as well.
👗 5, Ln. 147, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Daan Dist.
☎️ 0900-370-599
🕑 1:30pm – 10:00pm
Boutique No.6
JUICE Taipei
JUICE, a clothing store founded by Hong Kong celebrity Edison Chen (陳冠希), enjoys an esteemed position in the Asian fashion world. Apart from offering Chen’s personal brand CLOT, the store provides a select array of foreign-brand clothing and limited-edition items. Whenever its limited, co-branded products with Japanese and other popular foreign brands are introduced, the streets of the East District will be packed with enthusiastic shoppers.
👗 38, Ln. 161, Sec. 1, Dunhua S. Rd., Daan Dist.
☎️ (02) 2751-3227
🕑 2:00pm – 10:00pm (Monday to Friday)
1:30pm – 10:00pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Boutique No.7
Monster Taipei
Monster Taipei was purely a toy retailer at first. The shop later began to act as the agent for brands in Japan and Hong Kong and then even became the organizer of the Taipei Toy Festival (台北國際玩具創作大展). Now the company provides anime merchandise that are loved by adults and children alike; their range of rare toys in line with the latest trends are highly sought-after by senior collectors. The store also occasionally features commemorative T-shirts with high collection value. (You might also like: A brief guide to shopping (and bargaining) in Taipei)
👗 46, Ln. 51, Sec. 1, Daan Rd., Daan Dist.
☎️ (02) 2740-2428
🕑 12:30pm – 9:00pm
Boutique No.8
TripMoment VR
The world’s first specialty store combining VR with travel themes allows customers to visit other countries via VR games in addition to shopping and dining. Visitors can experience various recreational facilities, such as “flying over Ba Na Hills” and taking a “basket boat” in Da Nang, Vietnam. In addition, the store welcomes pets with open arms, making it a fun and friendly indoor amusement park.
👗 67, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Daan Dist.
☎️ (02) 2731-9222
🕑 1:30pm – 9:30pm
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This article is reproduced under the permission of TAIPEI. Original content can be found at the website of Taipei Travel Net (www.travel.taipei/en).
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