Exploring the relationship between fashion and architecture always offers intriguing insights. At times these explorations take unexpected turns and you stumble upon historical buildings that now have a connection with fashion.
For example, Yuanshan Villa, also known as the Taipei Story House, is a historical gem located in Taipei's Zhongshan District, adjacent to Taipei Fine Arts Museum.
Built in 1913-14 during Japanese rule by Tan Tiau-chun, a Daitōtei tea merchant, the villa originally served as a guest house for local dignitaries, government officials, and foreign visitors.
The architecture of the building is striking and unconventional: Yuanshan Villa boasts a steeply sloping roof, tall vertical windows, and a unique exterior adorned with straight and curved plaques.
The structure is characterized by a half-timbered design, there are indeed bricks on the first floor and wood on the second, complete with English Tudor-style beams.
One of the villa's distinctive features is the entrance porch, enclosed by four columns crafted from cement powder and mud, evoking the classical Greek Ionic column style.
The villa's staircase is designed to resemble a pagoda, with a gable adorned with beautiful stained glass in green, yellow, and red hues.
Art Nouveau influences are evident throughout the villa, from exterior decorations to interior details like fireplaces, staircase embellishments, bathroom tiles, and ceiling lamps featuring floral patterns.
The Story House served as a museum presenting history exhibits about tea and local history until 2021 when Taiwanese café, lifestyle and denim brand Acme took over the space, establishing a new connection between fashion and architecture and transforming it into Maison Acme, an exhibition and fashion showroom-cum-pop up shop.
The modernist furniture within the historical building may seem anachronistic, creating a contrast with the villa's architecture, nonetheless, this reinvention as an exhibition space and fashion showroom breathes new life into the historic structure.
Currently, the villa hosts an exhibition celebrating the 10th issue of the fashion magazine Fassion (until 15th October), featuring works by contemporary South-Korean fashion photographers, including Jo Sunghyun, Jung Jieun, and Sang-Hun Lee.
Based in Seoul, South Korea, Fassion is published biannually (March and October) and mainly focuses on photography and fashion.
At Yuanshan Villa visitors can have a look at the fashion photoshoots and explore the latest collection by Acme Denim (and buy their favourite designs from the pop up store), that includes unisex pieces, such as tops, shorts, vests, jackets, and pants, made from lightweight denim.
These garments offer a blend of casual and minimal chic aesthetics, making them a perfect fit for the fast-paced demands of daily life. The perforated designs serve as an ideal choice for the Taiwanese climate, ensuring comfort and breathability outdoors, while also providing protection against the chill of indoor air conditioning.
Besides, the garments in this collection align with the prevailing trends from the Spring/Summer 2024 European fashion shows, which placed a strong emphasis on versatile genderless denim pieces.
Another brand featured in the showroom is Snappy Cuddle, offering a collection of loungewear characterized by bold stripes, vibrant patterns, and contrasting colors.
Notably, actors Sun Yizhen, Lee Jong-suk, Yoo In-na, Lee Jun-ho, and idol groups like BTS, Ive, Twice, (G)I-dle, and Seventeen are enthusiastic supporters of the brand, so K-pop fans may want to learn more about this brand.
There is also a faint connection with architecture and Snappy Cuddle as the photoshoot for their latest collection was done at Yuanshan Villa, with some of the images juxtaposing the garment patterns with the villa's exquisite tilework and red brick surroundings.
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