Interview with Hsu Chiu I | A Creative Fashion Designer with Innovative Fashions

NAIF by Hsu Chiu I is a green fashion brand that I, Hsu Chiu I, conceived. As a designer from Taiwan, I am a creator who blends art with fashion. I graduated with a degree in Western painting from the Fine Arts Department in Taiwan and furthered my studies in Paris, where I earned a diploma in garment construction from the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne and a Master's degree in Fashion Design from the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD).

My designs are renowned for their use of draping and bias-cut techniques, which, combined with sculptural garment lines, bring a new visual and artistic dimension to green fashion.

My journey into design began in 2008 when I was invited to mentor traditional indigo dye artisans to create fashionable garments. This teaching experience not only revealed the beautiful heritage of indigo dyeing but also its limitations. Motivated by this, I started incorporating Taiwanese-produced plant-based indigo dyes in 2009, blending modern design techniques with traditional crafts to breathe new life into the green fashion industry.

At the core of the NAIF brand is the fusion of Taiwan’s rich botanical dye culture with contemporary fashion. Indigo dyeing is central to our brand’s identity. We strive to modernise this traditional craft and infuse it with contemporary aesthetics. NAIF is committed to integrating local resources, innovative crafts, and art to establish a globally recognised Taiwanese brand. Our goal is to promote eco-fashion on the international stage and gradually develop NAIF’s global brand presence through participation in international fashion events.

To me, design is an exploratory and dialectic process of living. Rooted in a commitment to health and happiness, NAIF’s design philosophy aims to cultivate a ‘green fashion’ lifestyle through our textiles and apparel. This approach is not just about aesthetics but a profound respect and consideration for nature, the environment, and the humanities.

I favour designs that are spontaneous and embody natural simplicity. NAIF’s ethos is to offer an experience of art, craft, and fashion that enriches life. This kind of design demands a seamless integration of art, technology, and commerce, making it impactful and meaningful.

A “good” design harmoniously blends natural materials, technological innovation, aesthetic principles, and market demands. It respects nature while satisfying modern consumer needs, allowing our products to stand out in the market and continually attract consumer admiration.

Our design was inspired by a deep respect for nature and a passion for craftsmanship. By integrating natural fibres with 100% natural dyes, each piece is meticulously handcrafted, filled with uniqueness and personal touch. This process transcends mere garment making, evolving into an artistic creation where each piece demands at least a month to perfect.

I drew inspiration from nature, particularly from landscapes and the whispers of trees. When contemplating these elements, I envision myself as part of them—through light, shadow, and natural symbols, we aim to express green fashion’s philosophy and lifestyle through our clothing.

Absolutely, my designs are profoundly influenced by Taiwan’s cultural heritage, especially our rich tradition of craftsmanship. Indigo dyeing, a craft with deep historical roots in Taiwan, reflects our intrinsic understanding of nature and life.

The landscapes and natural resources of Taiwan provide a rich palette of inspiration, which I strive to preserve and elevate through modern design, maintaining the soul and essence of our cultural heritage while translating it into contemporary works.

This award is immensely meaningful to us. It not only validates our past efforts but also motivates our future innovative endeavours. For my team and me, it marks a significant milestone in showcasing Taiwanese design prowess on an international platform.

This accolade boosts our confidence to continue promoting the concept of green fashion and to bring Taiwan’s cultural assets to a broader global market. We are grateful for this opportunity, which we will use as a catalyst to further deepen our design philosophy and brand image.

Our award-winning design aimed to rediscover the simplest and most natural beauty through indigo dyeing, reconnecting traditional culture with modern life and crafting contemporary green fashion that meets today’s demands.

The greatest challenge was balancing the essence of traditional craftsmanship with the demands for modern and marketable products. We achieved this balance through continuous experimentation and research, allowing the ancient craft of indigo dyeing to manifest in new ways.

Another challenge was choosing sustainable materials. We are committed to using natural fibres and dyes, investing substantial time and resources to ensure the ecological integrity and quality of each piece. Through these efforts, we successfully overcame these challenges, creating designs that respect tradition and resonate with contemporary needs.

Winning this award will significantly propel my future as a designer. It not only acknowledges my current work but also encourages my creative pursuits. I believe this recognition will enhance my reputation in the international design community, attracting more attention to Taiwan’s green fashion. I plan to further deepen my design philosophy in the future, promoting projects that focus on sustainability and cultural heritage and hope to inspire a greater appreciation for nature and environmental conservation through my work.

What I love most about our industry can be summed up in three things:

1. The boundless potential for creativity: Design is a field where the possibilities are endless. Whether it’s the choice of materials, the application of technology, or the expression of ideas, designers have an infinite playground to explore and innovate.

2.The fusion of cultures and innovation: Design transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, merging elements of tradition and modernity, East and West, to create works with a truly global perspective.

3. The positive impact on the environment and society: As a designer, I am acutely aware of the influence our work has on the environment and society. I particularly appreciate how design can drive green initiatives and sustainable development, and it’s inspiring to see these values gaining more recognition within the industry.

My designs stand out because they blend the traditional art of indigo dyeing with contemporary fashion. The indigo technique gives our pieces unique natural textures and colour variations, while the calligraphy-inspired patterns bring an irreplaceable visual effect.

Our garments are designed with joy in mind, emphasising harmony between nature and the wearer. Each piece is handcrafted, combining natural fibres with 100% natural dyes. This meticulous attention to detail and respect for natural materials make our designs truly distinctive in the marketplace.

In the next 5 to 10 years, I foresee the design industry evolving towards greater intelligence and sustainability. As technology advances, we will see artificial intelligence and big data playing increasingly important roles in the design process, helping designers create products that meet market demands more efficiently.

At the same time, with growing environmental awareness, green design will become mainstream, and more designers will focus on the sustainability of materials and the environmental impact of production processes. I believe the industry will continue to move towards being more responsible and innovative.

For aspiring designers aiming to create award-winning designs, my advice is: first, stay true to your design philosophy and find your unique perspective and voice. Second, constantly learn and experiment—dare to challenge conventions and seek out inspiration in the process.

Lastly, and most importantly, be patient and persistent. Great design often requires time to refine, and only through continuous effort and improvement can you create truly impactful works.

I would recommend the following resources to help designers enhance their skills:

1. Participate in workshops and design competitions: These activities provide hands-on opportunities to improve technical skills and broaden design perspectives.

2. Read design books and journals: Keeping up with the latest design trends and theories can spark new ideas and inform your creative process.

3. Engage with other designers: Joining design communities and forums allows you to share experiences and exchange ideas with peers, which not only improves your skills but also opens up new creative avenues.

The philosophy behind “Authentic Clothing” stems from a desire to preserve the original flavour of life. Through the use of eco-friendly materials and plant-based dyes, we aim to help people rediscover the sensory experiences that have been lost for so long, and reflect on our relationship with nature and the urban environment. This approach imbues every piece with respect for the environment and life, and we hope each creation conveys this pure and genuine sentiment.

My inspiration comes from the power of nature and the wisdom of cultural traditions. Taiwan’s landscapes and the art of indigo dyeing have provided me with endless creative inspiration. I believe that nature itself is the greatest artist, with every detail holding profound aesthetic value. Traditional crafts have taught me how to translate this beauty into tangible design works and breathe new life into them in modern society.

I believe the key to success lies in staying true to your convictions and continuously seeking innovation. As a designer, I have always believed that design is not just about creating beautiful objects but also about conveying ideas and emotions. I hope that every designer finds their mission and incorporates it into their work. Lastly, never stop learning and exploring, because only by constantly challenging yourself can you progress further along the path of design.

I would like to emphasise once again that design, for me, is more than just creating beautiful objects—it is an expression of a lifestyle and value system. NAIF is committed to integrating nature and humanity into modern fashion. Through the traditional craft of indigo dyeing, we aim to rekindle a sense of reverence for the environment and life itself.

Our designs are not only about visual appeal but also about the stories and ideas they convey. We believe that each piece serves as a medium for communicating culture, emotions, and thoughts, embodying our understanding of the world and our hopes for the future. Through this interview, I hope to share our design philosophy with more people and inspire a deeper appreciation for nature, culture, and life.