Fashion pundits: Still some way to go for Taiwan's first lady
Staff Reporter 2012-10-11 15:15
Chow Mei-ching at the National Day celebrations. (Photo/Huang Shih-ci)
Taiwan's president, Ma Ying-jeou, and first lady Chow Mei-ching. (Photo/Wang Yuan-mao)
Taiwan's first lady, Christine Chow Mei-ching, donned two black dresses embroidered with tasteful finishing touches at the ROC National Day celebrations and reception on Wednesday, described as an improvement by fashion commentators who have been unimpressed by Chow's dress sense on previous outings, though they still agree that the first lady should have chosen a more formal style for the occasion.
The first lady wore a black cocktail dress with a white floral print at the National Day celebrations and another black dress with a sequin-embellished jacket at a later reception. Chow, who is known for her low-profile style, won plaudits for improving her wardrobe after she was criticized for wearing the same dress given to her by Taiwanese-Canadian fashion designer Jason Wu on two separate occasions.
Zoe Chen, a professional image consultant, said Chow has made a style breakthrough this year, but still needs to embrace accessories such as earrings and necklaces. The first lady should learn from her US counterpart Michelle Obama, Chen said.
Fashion designer Goji Lin said however that the dress with white floral prints made Chow looked like a "mother next door." The dress's round neck and short sleeves were too casual for the occasion. Chow should opt for embroideries or Jacquard if she wants to try something other than a plain dress, said Lin.
Sun Hua Chen, a senior designer who has dressed over hundred entertainers in Taiwan, also said the dress was not appropriate for the National Day celebration but more for afternoon tea or other activities.
Eddy Lee, a fashion designer and editor of a fashion magazine, said the first lady's black dress and light makeup failed to match the merry atmosphere of the occasion. Chow could try dresses in colors such as crimson, dark blue or white to keep in line with her low-key style, Lee said.
