Ahead of Taipei International Fashion Week 2026, the two co-founders of Runway Productions Taiwan, Jochen 申若辰 and Jayden Yen, are preparing for a runway unlike any other — one where fashion is intertwined with education and confidence. Each outfit, each step on the catwalk carries a story of growth and self-discovery for the young models. The event promises to introduce a new perspective on fashion — one that is human-centered, modern, and deeply emotional.
Jochen 申若辰 : From an international supermodel to the guiding light of the new generation
With over 18 years of experience in the modeling industry, Jochen has graced the runways of major fashion weeks in Vancouver, Milan, Paris, Seoul, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and China. She has collaborated with top luxury brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Dior, Hermès, and Bottega Veneta. Yet, instead of continuing her professional modeling career, Jochen chose to return to Taiwan to embark on a different journey — bringing the spirit of fashion into education.
In 2016, she founded Runway Productions Taiwan, guided by the philosophy that “fashion is not just for show — it’s a way to nurture character.” To Jochen, a perfect runway performance is not defined solely by technique, but by the inner light of the performer. “A real runway begins from within,” she says. “Confidence, kindness, and character — that’s what truly makes someone shine.” Beloved by both students and parents, Jochen is seen as a devoted mentor. She teaches children not only how to stand tall and smile but also how to face themselves on stage. “The most important thing,” she shares, “is that they understand their own value — wherever they are, in any circumstance.”
Jayden Yen: A decade-long conquest of runways and defining professionalism
Accompanying Jochen is Jayden Yen, co-founder of Runway Productions Taiwan. Crowned Supermodel Malaysia 2014, Jayden quickly stepped onto the international stage, collaborating with renowned luxury brands such as Hermès, Dior, Prada, Chanel Jewelry, Patek Philippe, and Agnes B.
With over a decade of experience in fashion performance and photography, Jayden serves as both a runway instructor and stage director at RPTW. He brings to his students a unique spirit that blends discipline, technique, and emotion. “Every step, every frame must tell a story,” he says. “I don’t teach models to pose — I teach them to express their strength through elegance.”
Jayden is known for his calm and patient working style. Before every rehearsal, he is always the last to leave the studio, fine-tuning each step and every glance of his students. “The runway is where confidence begins,” he shares.
“Where Dreams Meet Culture”: The great convergence
Taipei International Fashion Week 2026, taking place on January 31 and February 1, 2026 at Taipei New Horizon, embraces the theme “Where Dreams Meet Culture.” This message serves as a tribute to Taiwan’s spirit of openness, creativity, and emotion, where fashion and culture intertwine to create meaningful human connections.
Inspired by Ningxia Night Market, this year’s stage will merge the runway experience with culinary and cultural elements. Under the warm glow of lights, international guests can admire children’s fashion collections while savoring Taiwan’s signature dishes such as bubble milk tea, sweet potato cakes, egg noodles, and braised pork rice. “When the children step onto the stage, the audience doesn’t just see the clothes — they witness transformation: from shyness to confidence, from hesitation to radiance,” Jochen shares. “Every confident smile tells a story of growth.”
Where fashion nurtures courage
TIFW 2026 will also introduce the “Dream Outfit” project, where the young models themselves take part in designing and telling their own stories through clothing. For Jochen and Jayden, this is a way for children to learn creativity and confidence — two essential elements of growth. “Every child deserves to shine,” Jayden shares. “Not to compete, but to discover themselves.”
With only a few months left before Taipei International Fashion Week 2026 officially begins, a new chapter for international children’s fashion is about to unfold. Behind the quiet backstage, Jochen and Jayden continue to work tirelessly and passionately so that every small step on the upcoming runway will not only shine under the lights but also come from the heart. “Fashion isn’t just about outer beauty,” Jochen says. “It’s a journey to find who we truly are.”
