Goodbye Outdated Designs! 21-Year-Old Rising Star Breaks Traditional Qipao Mold to Win Gold at 56th National Skills Competition

The 56th National Skills Competition concluded successfully on August 2, with the Taoyuan-Chuhuo-Miaoli Branch of the Workforce Development Agency securing an outstanding result of 14 gold, 17 silver, and 14 bronze medals. Among them, Lü Yuxin, a competitor jointly trained with Tainan University of Technology, broke free from the conventional framework of traditional qipao production amid this year’s first-ever format overhaul. She triumphed in the 'Chinese Costume' category, earning the national gold medal through precise waist fit and intricate button-knot designs.

This year’s Chinese Costume category saw significant changes in competition format and judging criteria. Trainer Hsu Yen-fen stated, 'For the first time, the Chinese Costume competition moved beyond traditional qipao making. Evaluation now emphasizes not only technical skills but also the competitor’s design thinking, aesthetic expression, and overall completion quality.'

Hsu pointed out that Lü demonstrated exceptional skill in waist fit, button-knot design, proportionality of lines, and overall fabric smoothness in her final piece. Her work honored the craftsmanship of traditional Chinese attire while integrating her own creative flair. Beyond technical mastery, Lü’s greatest growth has been in maturity and confidence—shifting from being easily affected by competition outcomes to focusing on the work itself and technical execution, establishing a stable competition rhythm.

Inspired by her grandmother, who worked in garment alterations, Lü developed a deep interest in clothing production from a young age. She entered the skills competition arena during her time at Guanxi High School and began intensive training at the Taoyuan-Chuhuo-Miaoli Branch during winter and summer breaks starting in 2022.

Facing the challenges of the new competition format, she returned to the branch for concentrated training, overcoming technical hurdles with the support of instructor Hsu Yen-fen and a professional team. Lü expressed heartfelt gratitude for the branch’s five-year commitment, which provided comprehensive support including professional facilities, equipment, expert instruction, and accommodation—enabling her to achieve her brightest performance on the national stage.

Lai Chia-jen, Director of the Taoyuan-Chuhuo-Miaoli Branch, emphasized that skills competitions are a vital pathway for cultivating industry talent and connecting youth with the workforce. He stressed that nurturing skilled professionals requires long-term investment, and the branch will continue to integrate school, industry, and training resources to build a complete ecosystem—from foundational skill development to competition training and career advancement.

The Workforce Development Agency’s Taoyuan-Chuhuo-Miaoli Branch noted that future competition formats will no longer be limited to basic qipao tailoring. Instead, they will test competitors’ ability to integrate modern cutting techniques, precise fit control, and innovative button-knot designs. Youth interested in fashion design or vocational competitions can link with training programs through schools like Guanxi High School or Tainan University of Technology. The government agency offers long-term support, including free professional facilities, top-tier equipment, expert diagnostics, and even accommodation during training, helping young people progress from zero experience to national competitions and future careers.