Among the myriad of media outlets and magazines, what distinguishes PPAPER is not limited solely to its sharing of information regarding art, fashion and lifestyles. It consistently offers original and creative perspectives and opinions in these domains, making film, art, and fashion its core strengths. PPAPER stands out as one of the few media platforms dedicated to conducting in-depth interviews with artists from around the world, regardless of their fan base or popularity.
PPAPER seamlessly integrates ‘Luxury’ designs, trends, and information into everyday life through simple and practical ideas and inspirations.Through our cross-talk with the editor-in-chief, Clyder Liu, let’s find out what makes the magazine continuing to product the good contents.
What inspired you decide to join PPAPER initially?
Clyder Liu: I originally had no experience in the media industry. However, I had an opportunity to get involved with procurement in a select shop, collaborating with the editorial department. The members of the editorial department recognized my potential and decided to include me as part of the team, I was appointed as the editor in chief of PPAPER after several years.
Through PPAPER, what kind of reading space do you hope to create for readers?
Clyder Liu: There are various forms and types of media presentations. We hope that this platform conveys information about luxury in a relaxed and friendly manner, from a common perspective. Additionally, we will uphold traditional values and focus on the areas of charity and film culture.
What kind of content is quality content for PPAPER? Can you share with us about how you curate the content every time?
Clyder Liu: The standards for high-quality content encompass three elements. The first one is Visual Appeal. Secondly, the creative concept of the content should be unique and engaging. Most importantly, content should express a unique viewpoint because this is irreplaceable. When there are no clear-cut answers, an independent perspective becomes especially crucial.
We are committed to reflecting current events. During the most severe phases of the pandemic, we created a thematic series centered around love, spanning from the early 20th century to the modern era. During times when going out was chalylenging due to the pandemic, we encouraged people to transform their homes to suit their preferences, covering various topics related to home life. Additionally, during the Ukraine and Russia conflict, we also produced content related to peace and more.
What role do you see your magazine playing in the larger media landscape, and how do you differentiate yourself from other magazines in Taiwan?
Clyder Liu: We are among the rare media platforms that continue to conduct in-depth interviews with artists from around the globe. The number of followers they have on their Instagram account is not a factor for us. We value and seek to showcase any artist with depth and substance, regardless of their social media popularity.
As a lifestyle leader, do you have any recommendations on particular artist, movie, place, book that have impressed you and you would recommend our readers to check for inspiration?
Clyder Liu: For artist l recommend Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Anna Udenburg.
And for book I recommend Charles Bukowski’s LOVE IS A DOG FROM HELL. He depicted some things in human nature that are often left unspoken in public.
The MADE IN TAIWAN section provides readers with a lot of information about Taiwan’s fashion and trend culture. From a professional perspective, are there any Taiwanese trends that have caught your attention recently?
Clyder Liu: Taiwan is a very open place that values various niche cultures and is willing to embrace diversity. Of particular note, LGBTQ individuals are treated with friendliness here, and the cultural atmosphere is highly vibrant.
Furthermore, there has been a surge of young creators around fashion brands, such as some with a distinct techwear style, which have gained popularity not only domestically but have also set up pop-up shops in international markets.
Are there any challenges and difficulties that you would like to share with us during the process of running your magazine?
Clyder Liu: In recent years, the impact of COVID-19 has affected our advertising business. As a response to these challenges, we are transitioning from a monthly publication to a bimonthly one. Furthermore, our publication will now include a more extensive range of content, spanning areas such as art and fashion, technology, automobiles, watches, travel, and more.
Do you have any advice for our readers who are seeking to find a way to start their own brand or career in the fashion industry?
Clyder Liu: Exploring a wide range of subjects and delving into areas of personal interest is essential. When you’re just starting out, it’s crucial to learn how to condense your writing, focusing on brevity. Once you’ve mastered concise writing, you can then challenge yourself with longer texts.
Additionally, it’s important to express your viewpoints accurately. Personal opinions are often the most captivating part.
Personal opinions are often the most captivating part.
Text by Yiyao Zhang
