Designer Andre Kao. Image, TAIWANfest Canada, http://www.taiwanfest.ca
Leaving school at the age of 13 to help earn money for his family, Andre Kao isn’t your average school dropout. Working as a painter, his learning experience extended beyond the classroom, eventually leading him to pursue fashion design. Kao later graduated from Shih Chien University’s Department of Fashion Design in Taiwan in 2009.
Inspired by the indigenous peoples of Taiwan, Kao works with traditional colours and totem images to tell the stories of the country’s aboriginal groups, including his own personal heritage of the Paiwan. Working with this symbolic imagery, Kao creates his own geometric prints and patterns, turning folkloric legends such as Auguring Bird, Legend of White Deer, and Princess Kavalan into works of wearable art.
Inspired by the Taiwanese First Nations, Kao creates his own geometric prints and patterns. Image, Andre Fashion & Art on Facebook
From Left: Kao’s interpretations of Kavalan, Paiwan, and Bunun mythology are seen in his Princess Kavalan, Son of Clay Pots, and Sun Shooting collection pieces. Image, TAIWANfest Canada, http://www.taiwanfest.ca
Kao’s unique pattern design incorporates contrasting panels, a complex task which “takes one person five days to make.” This mixed media approach creates a “powerful visual impact” on viewers, a facet which has made him popular with buyers, celebrities, and fellow designers since the exhibition of his graduation collection.
Kao’s design approach incorporates contrasting panels – meaning each garment takes several days to complete. Image, The Pardi Pardi.
Kao’s involvement with the Taiwan Textile Federation’s (TTF) Design Center has been central to the brand’s international presence. Since 2012, the TTF has made it possible for Kao’s work to be showcased in Hong Kong, New York, and Paris. Last summer, his designs were brought to Canada for a cultural spotlight during TAIWANfest. The “First Impressions” exhibition was on display in both Toronto and Vancouver.
To learn more about Kao’s First Nations-inspired designs, visit the “First Impressions” page on the TAIWANfest website.
Kao’s work on display at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto during TAIWANfest in August 2015. Image, TAIWANfest Canada.
Kao’s work on display at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto during TAIWANfest in August 2015. Image, TAIWANfest Canada.
Kao’s work on display at Robson Square in Vancouver during TAIWANfest in September 2015. Image, TAIWANfest Canada.
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