Fashion In Taiwan

If I were to describe the fashion in Taiwan in one word, I think the word I would choose is "varied". When I walk around the night markets I generally wish I made a lot more money, because I could have a field day at some of the stores around here- and the prices are a lot lower than at home. At the same time, there is some really godawful fashion being sold and mostly in the ladies department- I know because Mel always points it out and the clothes have become a running joke with us here. I would say that 80% of the clothes on display at any ladies wear store would be unwearable in the mind of any mildly fashionable western girl. Don't believe me? Here's a sampling of the fashion trends on sale in Taiwan:

Sew as much crap onto the clothes as possible! Bunnies and carrots appliqued to a pink vest, spotted on the bus.

Tastefully colored patchwork poncho that cost over $200/CAN at a high-end mall in Taipei.

You see a lot of fake eyelashes on young girls- these eyelash kits can be bought everywhere... even 7-Eleven. Actually, the Taiwanese mess with their eyes a lot. Colored contacts are really, really popular right now and let me tell you, there's nothing stranger looking than an Asian with bright blue or red eyes.

It doesn't matter whether you're at bargain basement department store or an expensive boutique, you will find a rip-off Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck or Goofy shirt to suit you, usually featuring some kind of obscene rhinestones.

Every guy here has a "man bag". Yeah, it's basically a purse, and yeah I have three of them. I've read that more men than women in Asia buy luxury handbags. Spotted on the subway: An "Abcids" brand bag.

Gold trenchcoat with fur collar and tasteful fur hat.

Black framed glasses! You rarely see any other kind of glasses, and yes I also have three pairs of these and NO I don't need to wear glasses.

Lace, lace and more lace sewn onto everything. My beautiful matron poses with a hot pink sweater.

I mean, c'mon.

Pink business suit comes with its own beard and baby-bump sized belt.

Playboy is actually a luxury brand here... they sell expensive clothes, bags and shoes with the trademark bunny all over them. Short on cash? Go to the night market and pick up a Pmay boy hoodie. Rhinestones!!

Embroidery is all the rage.

Bows are very popular too. You can find them everywhere ruining sweaters, shoes and bags that would normally be nice.

Puff ball vest fashion!

Form fitting clothes are all the rage!

David Archuleta T-shirts! I bet David Cook is so pissed.