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Who would have thought that dressing well for a public appearance would garner backlash? Taipei 101’s Chairwoman, Janet Chia certainly didn’t. On Wednesday,
Chia paid a visit to the Legislative Yuan, but her attire is what stole the spotlight. She wore a black dress with a cream-colored Dior jacket draped over her shoulders, which prompted a legislator to ask her to dress more “simple” like everyone else. The tense exchange even resulted in President Lai Ching-te posting on Facebook in support of Chia, underscoring that professionalism isn’t judged by clothing.

Lai: Chairwoman Janet, Taipei 101 represents trends and fashion.
Chia: Yes.
Lai: I’d also like to advise you to next time, next time, please dress the same as us, simple.
Chia: I’m wearing the same as you all, same full-sleeves.

On Wednesday morning, a small standoff broke out at the Legislative Yuan as Taipei 101’s Chairwoman Janet Chia arrived for questioning. She was singled out by DPP Legislator Lai who felt her attire was not “simple” enough.

Lai: I think within the Legislative Yuan, there should be a standard
Chia: But, I really think that I am wearing the same as you all.
Lai: Are we continuing the discussion?
Chia: I am not discussing, I just think, that I am being very respectful of the Legislative Yuan.

Chia showed up in a black dress with a cream Dior jacket, and Chanel earrings and attempted to justify her attire but was interrupted again.

Chia: But I am definitely...
Lai: Alright, let’s have Yang Chiung-ying’s question.

Chia had barely finished a sentence when she was interrupted about her jacket, which she later wore to another event that afternoon.

Janet Chia
Chairwoman of Taipei 101
I don’t think I’ve been wronged, honestly speaking; I was just stunned because I really don’t know there was a dress code for going to the Legislative Yuan. I also asked a few other chairwomen if there was a dress code or I needed to buy clothes and they said there really wasn’t.

Chia displayed a calm demeanor but admitted that the exchange affected her mood. Ever active on social media, she personally broke down her outfit that evening. Besides her Dior jacket, she also wore a Cartier bracelet, Ferragamo shoes, and a Dior watch she’s had for 30 years. Her lighthearted and charming response catalyzed even more discussion online, with many flocking to Lai’s social media demanding an apology. Faced with public pressure, she posted a video that evening.

Lai Hui-yuan
Legislator (DPP)
I noticed when I reviewed the video later, that there were inappropriate aspects of it. The whole incident made her and the public uncomfortable. I feel deeply apologetic about this and will reflect on it.

Not only did this spark discussion online, President Lai Ching-te also took to social media to publicly support Janet Chia, posting a photo of him wearing a floral shirt to a meeting, emphasizing that professionalism and dedication in all walks of life should not solely be judged by clothing. The controversy continued the following day, with the topic of her attire still part of public discourse.

Lee Yang
Minister of Sports
I had bought a nice suit then, and I hoped that such a nice suit would be respectful to wear to the Legislative Yuan, I thought it looked good on me.

Huang Chieh
Legislator (DPP)
Actually, I think, Janet Chia represents fashion. She has her own way of expressing respect to the Legislative Yuan. I believe that everyone would appreciate that.

Chen Pei-yu
Legislator (DPP)
Lai Hui-yuan already publicly apologized, also posted and recorded a video, so I think this resolves it and concludes the matter here.

Chia clearly eased matters over by posting an AI-generated photo of herself and Legislator Lai dressed up and shopping, with the caption, “Dior should pay us an endorsement fee. Shopping sprees are justified and life is beautiful.” As the chairperson of Taipei 101, Chia also represents high-fashion and never misses an opportunity to show up and show out.

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