​New York City, one of the most populous cities in the world, shapes global culture in countless ways, from finance and commerce to entertainment, technology, art, and fashion. Visiting in summer was pure joy: endless places to explore, nonstop festivals and events, and the kind of street energy that makes every day feel overbooked in the best way.

​One of the highlights of our trip was the most anticipated annual fashion exhibition: the Costume Institute exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The year’s theme "Heavenly Bodies": Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, explored fashion’s long conversation with Catholic devotion, symbolism, and visual tradition. Throughout the galleries, we saw papal vestments on loan from the Vatican, religious artworks, and extraordinary couture spanning from the early twentieth century to contemporary haute couture and ready-to-wear. There were iconic pieces by Gianni Versace and Cristóbal Balenciaga featuring Catholic imagery, alongside creations from some of the world’s most influential fashion houses and designers, including Chanel, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Christian Lacroix, and Alexander McQueen.

​New York’s fascination also comes from its cultural and ethnic diversity. Each of the five boroughs carries its own rhythm, shaped by generations of immigrants and a vibrant mix of world influences. For us, one of the most irresistible pleasures was simply eating our way through the city: discovering new flavors, trying “only-in-NYC” snacks, and sampling cuisines that felt like passports on a plate.

​Another unforgettable moment was Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks. We watched from Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, where we had a panoramic view of Manhattan’s skyline. The park was completely packed hours before the show began, but the fireworks were so powerful and spectacular that the wait instantly felt worth it.

​Despite all the fun and pleasure, the main reason to travel to NYC is to visit AIMEEKU stockist in SoHo - Dreams On Air, ​The boutique was beautifully curated, with vibrant staff and an impressive selection of acclaimed designer brands. Even the location felt symbolic, set on a prime block surrounded by luxury fashion neighbors like Chanel and Balmain.

​Our final day in New York happened to coincide with Manhattanhenge, the rare moment that occurs twice a year when the rising or setting sun aligns perfectly with the city’s street grid, creating a glowing corridor of light through Manhattan’s “brick-and-steel canyons.” It was a cloudy evening, so we didn’t catch the dramatic golden beam we hoped for, but it was still a beautiful, memorable way to close the trip.

​With the multiple winners of world-class tailor competitions such as World Federation of Master Tailors, Gold Needle and Thread International Competition, Taiwanese tailors are well-known for their superb workmanship and detail-oriented skills.

​Early time in Taiwan, education was not affordable for everyone, so many parents instead sent their children to learn occupational skills, therefore, many teenagers travelled to the capital city to learn the profession. Tailoring was one of the most popular in the industry at the time.

Master Chang started his tailoring apprenticeship in Taipei when he was 17 and it has been over than 5 decades to serve as a master tailor. He recalled that when he was a kid, since an iron was not affordable in his family, he always used hot lunch boxes to iron the uniform. When the time he came to Taipei, he knew that tailoring would be a right choice for him to start the career. 

​Unlike most experienced tailors who are not really concerned about updating their designs and sometimes give the impression of old-fashioned, we were lucky to meet Master Chang who is willing to cooperate with us young designers that enables our innovative designs to preserve this precious craftsmanship which is gradually fading in Taiwan due to the shortage of young bloods. The precise attitude and diligent spirit of Taiwanese master tailors are the role models and ideas of AIMEEKU clothing.