A group of more than a dozen students and teachers from TNUA's International Master of the Arts Program in Cultural and Creative Industries (IMCCI) took part in a fashion show that highlighted the indigenous Atayal people's culture at the Shei-Pa National Park up in the mountains on October 22.

It was a spectacular outdoor showcase – in a forest some 2,000 meters above sea level – of New York designer Chi's collection inspired by Atayal elements.

The IMCCI group, consisting of students from Taiwan and other countries, modeled on the catwalk, and also helped out with other work for the show, such as moving the props, setting the stage, serving as receptionists and taking photographs.

The participation in the activity was part of two courses that the students were taking – one researching on the history of traditional arts and crafts, and the other focusing on traditional art from the perspective of creative industries. 

Prof. Min-Chin Chiang, who arranged for the students to take part in the fashion show, said it was hoped that such a field inspection could give the students a better understanding of Taiwan's traditional arts and crafts, as well as traditional art in general.

It was also in line with attempts to look for a feasible strategy for the future development of traditional art, he added.

The fashion show was organized by Yuma Trau's Melihang Workshop with sponsorships from the Construction and Planning Agency under the Ministry of the Interior, the Council of Indigenous Peoples, and the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters.