Each day, Complex will be releasing new content from the 2010 Style & Design Issue, our annual roundup of the people, products, and ideas pushing our culture. Visit the Style & Design Homepage for more.
Part of Complex's Style and Design package looks at the new style frontiers—the emerging areas that are helping to push global trends. Taipei, Taiwan has joined Asian trend powerhouses like Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Shanghai as an epicenter of new and cool stuff, and we've been checking it to see what's on the come-up. Brandon Chang is the co-founder of Greedy Genius and Greyone Arsenal, and has a regular blog over on Hypebeast. We recently caught up with the Taiwan native for the coolest places and people to see on the island. Hit the jump for Brandon's list of 10 things you should be up on coming out of Taipei...
1. MACHI-MACHI
Brandon Chang says: "This Taiwanese hip-hop group is a big influence in the music scene, and they work with artists and rappers all around the world and shape hip-hop in Taiwan. Jeff Huang is the general of Machi, and is an influential trendsetter with a record label, fashion brands,retail stores, night clubs, restaurants and more."
2. JUICE
Brandon Chang says: "Juice opened a flagship in Taipei recently. Fans of CLOT have been waiting for this a long time. Undoubtedly one of the hottest stores in Taiwan, CLOT continues to influence the masses in the Asian streetwear market."
3. DSSENT
Brandon Chang says: "Dssent's 2GB USB necklace flash drive looks great and is convenient to have around your neck. Dssent's company ethos revolves around continuously pushing individuals to find deeper meanings within their culture."
4. HTC
Brandon Chang says: "HTC's home base is in Taiwan and their phones have changed and inspired the world. They take Android mobile devices to another level in both substance and style."
5. REACH
Brandon Chang says: "Reach is one of the pioneers in Taiwanese graffiti. He has made graffiti relevant in Taiwan by participating in international festivals and by working in cooperation with museums across the country. In 2008 he released his book, 'TOOYA!' about graffiti in Taiwan." "
6. NABIIS
Brandon Chang says: "Nabiis is Taiwan's one and only fixed gear bike team. They have been promoting fixed gear culture for many years, and they gather fixed gear riders from all over to ride, discuss, and share the culture."
7. OVERKILL
Brendon Chang says: "Overkill brand has been around since 2003, and is one of Taiwan's pioneer streetwear brands. Their designs use a skull and crossbones motif and it offers a wide range of quality detailed and textured clothing."
8. MICHAEL LIN
Brandon Chang says: " Michael Lin is internationally known for his painted walls and floors that reproduce on a large scale in traditional floral motifs inspired by Taiwanese textiles. Exaggeration and visual exuberance characterize his practice."
9. LEICA
Brandon Chang says: "Lately I see more and more people turning towards Leica cameras. I personally love my Leica D-Lux 4, the quality of the photos are great especially when using 16:9 widescreen shot!"
10. PAO & PAWS
Brandon Chang says: "Pao and Paws is a creative agency that handles everything from design to creative projects in TVC to print ads, posters, packaging, and exhibition design. They also have a bi-weekly magazine Ppaper, which shares many interesting stories and interviews with companies that give insight to their design concept development process."
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