FORMOSA AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN TAIWAN + CONTEMPORARY FASHION
It’s a nice idea to support emerging designers. But aside from that, what are the benefits of doing so? What do we as consumers get out of buying these new designs and what does it mean for the future of the design industry?
Trend Privé Magazine is excited to spotlight FORMOSA, the visionary brand founded by designer Stephanie Yu Hsuan Chen. Stephanie got a unique perspective that resonates strongly with contemporary fashion still mixed with traditional craftsmanship. The creations from FORMOSA serve as a stylish bridge to the natural world, highlighting textures from Taiwan and colors that nature gifts us.
Stephanie’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, titled “fleu, FORMOSA,” draws from her Taiwanese heritage, beautifully weaving the lush landscapes and deep cultural traditions of her homeland into her designs. Now more than ever, there is a pressing need for brands like FORMOSA, which infuse their work with intentionality. Among the standout features of FORMOSA’s collection are intricate accessories crafted from green jade, often hailed as the “stone of heaven.”
In celebrating the remarkable talent of emerging fashion designers worldwide, particularly those from FORMOSA, we find inspiration in her creativity and dedication to her roots. Launching a personal fashion label in today’s competitive scene is undeniably a bold venture, but the passion for design outweighs the challenges posed by the corporate fashion world, earning our admiration. It’s vital we carve out space in the industry for innovative voices like FORMOSA—those who are reshaping our perspectives and setting new trends through their visual and cultural identity.
Supporting emerging fashion talent is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, when you choose to purchase from independent designers like those at FORMOSA, you are investing in luxury items at a fraction of the price compared to established fashion houses. While it’s true that garments from smaller brands may carry a slightly higher price tag than mass-produced options, this is often reflective of the quality and care that go into their creation. With FORMOSA, you’re often acquiring handmade or custom-made pieces without the hefty couture costs.
INTERVIEW WITH STEPHANIE CHEN, FOUNDER OF FORMOSA
TPM: How did your childhood influence your decisions towards creativity?
I grew up in an artistic / musical background – which I am grateful of for their openness decision making for my career path, my mom was a piano teacher and dad was an interior designer. It’s funny because we have strict rules about watching TVs at home, so that leaves a lot of room for me to read books and turn that into my own imaginational thoughts of the characters onto drawing illustrations on paper. When we go out as a family, I always have a drawing notepad with me, and at school, I would always draw on the textbooks, back side of the test paper sheet. I would make up what they wear, what their hair looks like, and I guess that’s how I started to realize I liked to put people into clothes.
TPM: What was your initial vision for “fleu, FORMOSA,” and how did that evolve throughout the design process?
The initial vision for “fleu, FORMOSA” was to introduce both my brand, FORMOSA, and my cultural roots in Taiwan to a broader audience. The name “Formosa” dates back to the 16th century, when Portuguese sailors first encountered the island and called it Ilha Formosa, meaning “beautiful island”—a name that has remained in Western references and continues to reflect the essence of Taiwan’s natural beauty.
This collection became a personal expression of that heritage. I wanted to translate the landscapes I grew up with – its mountains surrounded Taipei City, rivers, cliffs, and flora—into fluid, feminine forms that move with the body. As the design process evolved, it became less about literal representation and more about capturing a feeling: a sense of softness balanced with strength, and a quiet resilience that mirrors both the land and the identity behind it.
Ultimately, “fleu, FORMOSA” developed into an introduction not just to a brand, but to a perspective—one that blends cultural memory with contemporary design, and expresses it through pieces that feel both organic and intentional.
TPM: Can you elaborate on how elements of Taiwanese nature—such as flora, fauna, or landscapes—are specifically represented in the silhouettes, fabrics, or colors of your collection?
The elements of Taiwanese nature are translated into the collection in a more interpretive rather than literal way, shaping the silhouettes, fabric choices, and color palette throughout. Growing up in Taiwan, I was constantly surrounded by a landscape that feels both soft and powerful at the same time—lush flora, steep mountains, and coastal cliffs—and I wanted that duality to come through in the garments.
In terms of silhouette, I explored fluid, elongated lines that mimic the movement of rivers and the natural drape of falling leaves, contrasted with more structured elements that reference the strength and verticality of mountainous terrains. This balance between softness and structure became a key design language across the collection. Fabric selection also plays an important role. I gravitated toward materials that hold movement—lightweight, flowing textiles that respond to the body—paired with more substantial fabrics that provide form and grounding, echoing the contrast between airiness and solidity found in nature. For color, the palette draws from Taiwan’s environment: muted greens, earth tones, and soft neutrals inspired by forests and stone, alongside deeper, more atmospheric shades that reflect the ocean and changing light. Rather than recreating nature directly, the intention was to capture its essence—translating familiar landscapes into pieces that feel organic, feminine, and quietly strong.
TPM: In your professional career, having worked for prominent designers, what key skills or lessons have you brought to your own design practice that influence your current work?
Working alongside designers such as Narciso Rodriguez, Prabal Gurung, Sally LaPointe, and Grace Ling gave me a comprehensive understanding of the full product lifecycle and the broader supply chain behind the fashion industry. Each of these environments approached the balance between creativity and functionality differently, which shaped how I now think about design in a much more holistic way.
I no longer see a garment as just a visual outcome, but as the result of many layered decisions – from construction details and closures to color development, fabric selection, and the cumulative impact of trims and yardage on overall cost. I also learned the importance of acting as a bridge between design and production – being able to communicate effectively with vendors, understand cost structures, and make informed decisions that ultimately shape what reaches the runway or the market. These experiences have deeply influenced my own mentality when it comes to executing my own collection. I approach design with both creative intention and operational awareness, recognizing that every decision carries both aesthetic and financial implications. And that brough me to the attention of focusing on producing fewer pieces, but with a higher level of precision, quality, and purpose—creating garments that are not only visually compelling, but also thoughtfully constructed, clearly identifiable, and designed to have longevity beyond the immediacy of a single season.
TPM: With several prestigious awards already under your belt for this collection, including the Bronze Award at the International Design Awards, how do you think these honors shape the perception of your work within the fashion industry?
I think recognition today carries a very different weight, especially in an industry that’s become so saturated and fast-moving through digital platforms. Visibility is more accessible than ever, but meaningful acknowledgment—especially from established institutions—still holds a distinct value. Being recognized by organizations such as the International Design Awards feels significant because it reflects a level of discernment beyond the immediacy of online exposure. It reassures that the work is being evaluated with intention, and that the ideas, process, and execution behind it are being taken seriously. For me, those moments of recognition are less about validation and more about reinforcing the commitment to the work itself—the time, discipline, and clarity it takes to develop something thoughtful and original in an increasingly fast-paced industry.
TPM: When reflecting on the complexities of womanhood, how do you go about incorporating these nuances into your designs? What aspects do you find most compelling to explore?
When I think about the complexities of womanhood, I’m drawn to the idea of duality – the coexistence of softness and strength, vulnerability and control. I translate this into my designs through a balance of fluid, feminine lines and more structured elements, allowing each piece to move between ease and definition. It’s less about literal storytelling and more about how a garment feels on the body—quietly expressive, yet grounded.
What I find most compelling is the idea that identity isn’t fixed. Womanhood is layered, evolving, and often contradictory, and I’m interested in creating pieces that reflect that fluidity. My goal is to design garments that hold that complexity with intention—pieces that feel both personal and enduring, rather than tied to a single moment.
TPM: What challenges did you face while creating “fleu, FORMOSA,” and how did you overcome them to ensure your vision was realized?
With my background as a fashion design of product development and production, I’m always navigating the balance between creativity, budget, and real-world execution. I understand that not every design is meant to go into production—some pieces exist as more conceptual, editorial expressions and may not move forward due to cost or market considerations. That said, I believe a collection should still present the full creative vision. It’s about having the clarity to distinguish what remains as a statement piece and what can be developed into commercially viable products, ensuring both creative integrity and a sustainable approach to final production.
TPM: How do you see your aesthetic and design philosophy evolving in future collections? Are there new directions or innovations you are excited to pursue?
I know for a fact that FORMOSA will always be evolving, but in it smost authentic way – we don’t follow ‘trend’, actually that word scares me really. But we will be continuously growing, and be sure to withhold our true authentic self to our core brand DNA – and that is to design for a manifesto of women who are seen as “Soft and delicate on the outside. Internally, she empowers independence in strength and is strong and untouchable. She is a sophisticated warrior.”
TPM: A note to your future self.
You are on the right track.. Believe in your instincts and what your guts tell you. Also, always remember that it is never too late to start new ideas.
Follow FORMOSA HERE
