As the government ponders whether to design a new national dress for Taiwan, scholars and fashion experts said yesterday that it is crucial that such an outfit be comfortable and modern -- and have a distinctly Taiwanese identity.
They made the remarks at a seminar hosted by the Ministry of the Interior yesterday for scholars, fashion experts and legislators to exchange opinions on whether there exists a need for designing a new national dress and what would be the appropriate style for such costume.
PHOTO: FANG PIN-CHIAO, TAIPEI TIMES
At the seminar hosted by Minister of the Interior Yu Cheng-hsien (余政憲), those in attendence also said that the Uniform and Dressing Regulation (服制條例), established 73 years ago, should be either amended or abolished, although no suggestions as to the content of an amended law were submitted.
The 1929 law states that government officials must wear national dress on formal occasions and when meeting foreign dignitaries, but this law has not been observed in decades.
In his opening speech to the seminar, Yu said that unlike many other countries such as Japan, Thailand and Korea, Taiwan does not have a national dress that reflects its image and spirit.
According to the Uniform and Dressing Regulation, Taiwan's national dress is the Manchurian-style long gown, and the civil servants' uniforms are "Chung-shan suits" (
"Since these old dress styles no longer suit modern society, the regulation must either be amended or abolished," Yu said.
"The ministry would like to gather expert opinions in the search for a beautiful form of dress for the Taiwanese people," said Yu.
According to the ministry, the new national dress should be formal wear designed for representing Taiwan on international occasions, similar to the kimono of Japan and the Indian sari.
Hu Tze-ming (胡澤民), a professor at Fujen Catholic University said that, although Western-style suits and ties are indispensable in modern society, it is crucial that Taiwan has a national dress that suits its subtropical climate and projects its distinctive image.
To win the acceptance of the general public, Hu suggested that strict rules should not govern the design of Taiwan's national dress but crucial elements that need to be included in the design should be clearly identified.
Lo Mai-ruei (羅麥瑞), another professor, said that since dress is a "power language" and is closely linked to a nation's history and culture, it is important for the Tai-wanese people to find out their cultural identity and blend it into the design of the national dress.
"The idea of multi-ethnic culture and the natural beauty of Formosa are all valuable sources in searching for the basic elements for the national dress," Lo said.
Huang Tsai-lang (黃才郎), director of Taipei Fine Art Museum, suggested that the creation of such a national dress should involve a gradual progress of accumulating thoughts and ideas from as many sources as possible in order to avoid controversy.
"However, the national dress should be comfortable, distinctive and elegant, and respect international social etiquette," said Huang.
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