The 2025 CREATIVE EXPO TAIWAN is being held from today (5th) through the 11th at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. For the first time, the Taichung City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau is leading certified brands under the “TCOD Taichung Original Design” to participate in the event, presenting a themed pavilion titled “A Rising City.” The pavilion brings together 42 brands spanning crafts, design, and lifestyle aesthetics, showcasing the diverse creative energy and international potential of Taichung’s cultural and creative sector.
Deputy Director Tseng Neng-ting of the Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that the Taichung City Government has long been committed to fostering the development of the cultural industry and promoting design. Now in its fifth year, TCOD Taichung Original Design is participating in the CREATIVE EXPO TAIWAN for the first time with a dedicated pavilion. The participating brands span diverse fields, including craft creations, fashion accessories, and lifestyle products, embodying local characteristics while reflecting corporate ESG responsibility and a commitment to sustainability. Each product possesses the potential and capability to expand into international markets.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that the exhibition space was designed by Chen Po-chung, founder of Dishan Studio, in collaboration with central Taiwan-based curtain manufacturer Ching Feng Home Fashions and emerging home décor brand “umami”—a TCOD-certified company. Together, they created a bright and welcoming space for display and sales. Curator Chen Po-chung remarked that Taichung boasts a strong manufacturing foundation and abundant craftsmanship, nurturing innovative brands with diverse styles. The themed pavilion, “A Rising City,” brings together TCOD-certified brands, transforming the venue into a microcosm of a city built on creativity. Visitors can wander through this cityscape as if strolling along its streets, exploring through design and culture, and experiencing the vibrant symbiosis between the brands and the city.
Other exhibition highlights include 3H Material Lab, a model of transformation from traditional industry, which applies a manual pouring technique to combine cement with metal frames, creating the softly contoured “Cloud Chair” that brings a fresh touch to interior spaces; “Time Machine No. 16,” which upholds artisan spirit by transforming cement through a manual turning technique into visually striking clocks. Coffee Map presents its “Portable Dripper Series –Dripper Set,” promoting the reduction of one filter paper per day to incorporate sustainability into daily coffee rituals. Shiloach introduces coffee-ground scent bricks encasing handmade soap, infusing gift set designs with a lifestyle philosophy that balances a sense of comfort and environmental consciousness. From Taichung’s coastal region, Hi Culture offers its indigo-dyed handkerchief “Whispering Leaves in the Wind,” depicting the vitality of coastal plants. In total, 42 products distinguished by the brands’ design excellence and cultural depth will be featured and available for purchase at the CREATIVE EXPO TAIWAN.
At today’s opening tea reception, Deputy Director Tseng Neng-ting of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Deputy Director Lin Hsin-pao of the Taiwan Design Research Institute, Founder Lee Cheng-han of Spread Design Studio, Manager Su Fang-yi of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Acquisition Manager Huang Kuo-ting of D-ONE Mall, and Division Director Chang Chih-hua of Far Eastern Department Stores were among the distinguished guests who engaged warmly with representatives from the 21 attending brands.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted once again that the 2025 CREATIVE EXPO TAIWAN – TCOD Taichung Original Design Pavilion is taking place from August 5 to 11 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. The bureau extends a sincere invitation to those interested in design, lifestyle, and the cultural and creative industries to step into this hub of creativity, discover the diverse facets of Taichung design, and experience the vitality of the city’s innovation. For more information, please visit the Taichung Original Design’s official website (https://www.tcod.com.tw/).