A Look Around the Neighborhood

During my extended stay in Taiwan, I've found many engaging destinations that have both entertained and inspired me. At the same time, I've met many interesting people with great stories and experiences to share. It's amazing how much you can learn by just having a good conversation with a stranger. Here's a couple fashion boutiques I checked out. Some sit proudly on the front row of the city's busy shopping districts, while others are hidden in dark alleys, almost impossible to find if you're not looking for it. All of them are worth a glimpse. Definitely hit up google if any of these brands intrigue you.


Here we have AMPM, one of my favorite discoveries, I came upon it while stumbling down a tiny crevice in the city. Truthfully, I was slightly scared with some of the shady characters chillin' in this alley and the lack of escapes routes. AMPM was an oasis of neon lights and glamorized graffiti. Their products from what I saw can best be described through the items in their window display and are primarily geared towards females, with a very dedicated fanbase. These are all designed by store owner Joe, who can be seen manning the front desk here. Though there's also a solid selection of mens materials ranging from graffiti inspired black garments to more flamboyant neon print tees. These are designed by the masked gunman below, who hails from Canada. He came to Taiwan to tag up the walls but decided to stay a little longer.


Their front window display: Mushrooms, rifles and old-school nintendo. Very cool.


Storeowners/artists/designers DBSK1 and Joe (L to R) pose for the camera with their weapons of choice.


Personally, I would have went with the plaid uzi...but that's just me.


Next stop: CO-OP. This boutique sits nicely on the corner, with full glass windows that act as a catalog of their entire shop.


CO-OP features a more classical selection of streetwear, with products primarily from Hong Kong and a few designers from Taiwan.


Crouching tiger or constipation. A simple and mysterious display. I dig it. CO-OP sells a nice variety of clothing, with some kicks and quality watches, which aren't pictured here. Staff member Ronny suggests we check out Hong Kong based brand: Start From Zero.


Brand store for the Hong Kong-based Eclosion. I REALLY like their chandelier.


What you see here is the entire men's store of Purr. The women's store is next store. Small and cozy but filled with nice stuffs. Their products are imported from Korea, with unique brands that are described as simple and more fit/slender. Thanks for the tour, Seven!


OK, that's it, more venues next time. But remember: YOU'RE SPECIAL (Even if you're not a teenager)!

-Jordan