A fashion story exploring subcultures in Taiwan

“Taike is the term used to describe men with uncouth and uneducated manner,” writes Zhong Lin of the stylish but slightly dubious young men who rose to prominence in 90s Taiwan, inspiring this photo essay for i-D. Meanwhile, “Betel-Nut women sell the nuts from neon lit plexiglass windows, wearing colourful wigs and lingerie”, a vision from another, more fabulous planet. Stylist Mark Jen Hsu clothed their subjects in all manner of designers, both up-and-coming and established, including Yuhan Wang, Shushu/Tong and Jenny Fax. See their story below.

San wears jacket and skirt by Jenny Fax see thru top by Yuhan Wang. Din wears black and white shirt by Motoguo.

L1720996 copy.jpg — Left: Saint Laurent shirt, Balenciaga trousers and shoes, glasses models own. Right: Fila x Wood Wood track jacket, Saint Laurent trousers, Angus Chiang shoes.

Front: dress and heels by Versace. Back: cosplay outfit stylists own.

Granny wears top by Shushu Tong, trousers by Armani Exchange, slippers by Yuhan Wang. Dindin wears top by Isa Boulder, trousers by Motoguo, shoes by Angus Chiang.

Left: Top and trousers by Saint Laurent, shoes Angus Chiang. Right: top by Commission NYC, trousers and shoes by Balenciaga

Jacket and leggings by NO DRESS, shoes by Bottega Veneta.

Granny wears jacket by Angus Chiang on San: jacket by Jenny Fax, lace top by Yuhan Wang.

Credits

Photography Zhong Lin
Styling Mark Jen Hsu

Hair Weic Lin
Makeup Sting Hsieh
Photo assistance Yuanling Wang, Yinghan Wang
Styling assistance Johnny Lin , Li Kuan Zhen
Hair assistance Jeremy Chen
Makeup assistance Ted Kuo

Models:
Lee Po Hsuan
SANXINJU
Din Din
DaJun
Jun
Granny Gin
LuuQoo
Clairo