“The actual wearing experience has always been one of the most important design goals of WISDOM®.” Interview with HANS CHYI, the founder of WISDOM®

In recent years, outdoor design brands have risen prominently in Taiwan’s fashion industry, and WISDOM, positioned as one of its representatives, skillfully combines functionality with a refined sense of fashion. WISDOM’s foundational philosophy revolves around effortlessly integrating outdoor and travel elements into urban clothing. Every season, the brand draws inspiration from its journeys, incorporating what is observed and experienced into their designs.

What inspired you to create your brand initially?

HANS: While exploring the rise of the Japanese “Ura-Harajuku” culture, I enrolled in the Fashion Design program to put theory into practice. Influenced by the interplay of trends, fashion, and subcultures, I gradually developed my own worldview. This journey sparked the idea of creating my own brand.

Can you explain to us the brand’s name, and what is the the aesthetic philosophy and life attitude behind the word “TRIP EASY, FUNCTION BEAUTY”?

HANS: The initial concept behind WISDOM® was to integrate outdoor sports elements into urban clothing. Given my strong inclination towards travel, we invested significant time in deconstructing and reconstructing the concept of “Outdoor” with a rational and practical design approach. We focused on developing features such as the skin-friendly nature of functional fabrics, tailored cuts for sports flexibility, lightweight storage solutions for pockets or accessories, and the integration of modern technology. The result is a versatile and modern urban leisurewear that embodies the principles of “Move / Adapt / Light / Travel”: convenient mobility, geographic adaptability, lightweight portability, intimate travel companionship, and an enhanced user experience, expanding the concept of travel to include a journey through the imagination of the future.

How do brands manage to be both design and convenient at the same time?

HANS: The actual wearing experience has always been one of the most important design goals of WISDOM®, we will think about the use situation at the same time when conceiving the design.
We think about the usage situation when we conceive the design, and after making the samples, we conduct on-site wearing reports for a period of time to record the areas that can be improved and optimized before making corrections and adjustments.

Could share with us what kind of image you have in mind of people wearing WISDOM?

HANS: In my impression, young individuals who enjoy wearing WISDOM® often exhibit a refined taste in lifestyle cultivation and style creation. They are highly attuned to trends, engaging in outdoor activities while also quietly absorbing new information through reading. These individuals have a keen interest in exploring and immersing themselves in fresh and intriguing experiences, approaching the world and its challenges with an open mind.

How did you come up with the collection every time?

HANS: We continue to observe the trends and current issues, and try to think of the future possibilities from WISDOM® that we can take one step more or one step less, and get the corresponding inspiration from the travel experience, which may be the feeling of the journey, or the emotion of meeting different people.

What are more noteworthy city culture and youth culture in Taiwan?

HANS: Design culture is germinating in different cities, and various types of themed museums or design exhibitions are held alternately, including small independent bookstores, coffee shops, music festivals, nightclub scenes, monument reconstruction, etc. Local creativity is becoming a new force.
Local creativity is becoming a brand new trend, including small independent bookstores, coffee shops, music festivals, nightclub scenes, and monument reconstruction….

In addition, young people’s exploration of antiquity and classics is also gradually finding out a set of logic for the new generation.

What are some of the challenges you encountered while building your brand?

HANS: One of the most challenging parts of creating a brand is that we are constantly facing new challenges. As the brand expands and grows growth, we are faced with new problems to solve every day, like playing a game of electricity, with all the hurdles to overcome.

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?

HANS: Please maintain a heart that is forever curious about people and things. While pursuing professionalism, don’t lose the passion that drives your endeavors.