Inspired by a project commissioned to the Taiwan Textile Federation the Fashion Institute of Taipei was co-founded by Taipei City rsquo;s Department of Cultural Affairs and the Industrial Development Bureau MOEA in an attempt to create a platform of information exchanges concerning fashion design. The institute plans to give designers access to a database of designers/apparel manufacturers and incubator-oriented training programs among other resources and assistance in order to encourage collaboration between fashion designers and companies. It also serves as a liaison between fast pattern-making centers and designers so the latter may focus on cultivating their expertise as creative designers and front-end workers in the fashion industry. A tree-inspired interior design A cradle of competent Taiwanese fashion designers The Fashion Institute of Taipei located in the culturally significant Bangka area (a.k.a. ldquo;Monga rdquo;) and previously known as the Taipei Costume Cultural Center is a 3-story emerging fashion landmark with the Bangka (or Dali) Fashion District being its hinterland. Driven by the vision of ldquo;a tree of creativity rdquo; the institute matches its brick-red exterior with an interior designed to resemble a tree nourished by Wanhua rsquo;s historical and cultural influences which would hopefully foster local designers who give back to Bangka rsquo;s clothing business in the manner of decomposed foliage sustaining the soil. The institute vows to help its resident designers secure demonstration contracts with apparel firms from across the Bangka Shopping District and eventually build worldwide reputation for the country rsquo;s original fashion brands and design prowess. Collaborating with academic institutes to nurture emerging designers is also a priority for the Fashion Institute of Taipei. In addition to guided tours for faculty members and students in areas pertaining to fashion or apparel the institute launches summer internshi