Something in the Air: Handcrafted Garments from Antique and Vintage Textiles

Something in the Air is a creative project and slow-making studio founded by designer Shichu Chi, also known as Lea. Based in a mountain studio in Taipei, the practice is dedicated to the transformation of antique and vintage textiles into unique, handcrafted garments and objects. The studio’s philosophy centers on giving renewed life to materials that are already full of stories, using minimal cuts and traditional hand-stitch techniques to honor the history of the fabrics. The creative process at Something in the Air is deeply personal and hands-on. Shichu Chi manages almost every aspect of production, from sourcing, cleaning, and repairing antique materials to the final construction of pieces. Her work often incorporates natural dyeing and the creation of handmade ceramic buttons and charms, adding layers of texture and meaning to each item. This meticulous approach results in one-of-a-kind pieces that are literally shaped by care, fragments, and time. The brand, which officially registered in 2018 after evolving from Shichu’s earlier work, emphasizes a quiet collaboration between the designer and the original makers of the textiles. By blending historical materials with contemporary design sensibilities, Something in the Air creates wearable art that balances the past with a modern aesthetic. The studio remains a testament to the value of craftsmanship and the beauty of restored memory through textile art.