In Perfect Harmony

Taiwanese Peng Tai draws from his Chinese heritage to create an ethereal womenswear collection designed to feel like a second skin.

- Debby Kwong

Metal, wood, water, fire, and earth – these five phases represent the fundamental elements of the universe, according to ancient Chinese philosophy, and striking a balance between them is key. Taiwanese designer Peng Tai is a firm believer, and he has structured his eponymous label based on this. “Once the elements run evenly, the world will operate in the right direction,” he says.

The core of Peng Tai lies in the balance between nature and humans. “In ancient China, our ancestors had this idea too – it is all about balance. We put the idea into the process of making garments,” says Peng, who graduated from the London College of Fashion with a master’s degree in menswear in 2017. “Metal is for sewing, water is for washing, and fire is for dyeing. If we balance each stage during the process, we can make a garment better.”