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XIN-MEI QUAN

Tainan University of Technology

I am a university student from Taiwan with a rather reserved personality, yet I carry a strong sense of curiosity about the world. I enjoy paying attention to the small details in daily life, especially when it comes to accessories and unique items. From design and materials to functionality, I find joy in exploring every aspect. I am also open to trying new and unconventional things, as I believe that “Curiosity is the spark of creativity.” With patience and focus, I am able to stay committed to long and meticulous creative processes, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully completed. I believe that “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together,” and this mindset drives me to keep improving step by step. Participating in a leathercraft competition is not only a challenge but also an exciting opportunity for me to combine my interests with my abilities. I look forward to growing through this experience, pushing my limits, and creating something truly my own, because “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

Symbiotic Flow

Category: Footwear

Competitions: Taiwan Region

This design is centered on the concept of “human mobility 100 years in the future,” creating a pair of futuristic shoes that integrate technology, biology, and environmental symbiosis. The form features a streamlined and asymmetrical structure, symbolizing the evolution of individuality and freedom in a future world. The shoe incorporates biomimetic elements, with a sole that extends like organic growth and is equipped with adaptive cushioning to respond to different terrains, allowing movement beyond the limitations of flat surfaces. In terms of color, the use of blue, green, and orange represents the interplay of energy flow, natural cycles, and technological heat. The fluid, tube-like structure in the midsection suggests energy transmission and intelligent connectivity, implying that the shoe is not merely a wearable item but an extension of the human body as a smart device. Additionally, the integration of gear-like elements with organic forms blurs the boundary between machinery and life, reflecting a future where humans and technology coexist symbiotically. Overall, the design emphasizes not only functionality but also envisions a future lifestyle—one where movement becomes light, intelligent, and harmoniously connected with the environment, positioning the shoe as a vital medium linking humans, technology, and the world.

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.