Earlier this year in Paris, I met Jimmy Wu, founder of INVINCIBLE, along with his team. We had a deep conversation about footwear, street culture, and the evolution of his brand. I was struck by the diversity of perspectives, his profound appreciation for American streetwear, and his insights into the globalization of style. Founded in 2007, INVINCIBLE has grown from a single store in Taipei into one of Asia’s most respected voices in global streetwear culture.
At the heart of that evolution is Jimmy himself, a founder whose vision was shaped by years of immersing himself in international street culture and reimagining it through a distinctly Taiwanese lens. In this interview, he reflects on the early inspirations that sparked INVINCIBLE, the brand’s global rise, and the philosophy that continues to guide its collaborations, creativity, and cultural impact. Enjoy.
What inspired you to start INVINCIBLE back in 2007, and how did your experiences shopping at other stores shape the vision?
Honestly, I started INVINCIBLE because I wanted to create a place I’d personally want to visit and shop at. After living in the states for many years and visiting many stores in the U.S., I felt that there wasn’t anything quite like that in Taiwan at the time. That experience inspired me to bring international street culture back home and reinterpret it through a local perspective. I wanted INVINCIBLE to be more than just a store — it had to be a space where people could truly experience the culture behind the products.
Over the years, how has INVINCIBLE evolved from a store in Taipei into an internationally recognised streetwear brand?
It really started from a simple idea — to share the streetwear brands and culture I loved with local friends. Over time, people began to connect with our taste and vision. We kept building that connection through events, collaborations, and a strong brand identity. With consistent storytelling, growing international partnerships, and a focus on expanding global awareness, INVINCIBLE naturally evolved from a small local store into a brand recognized by the global streetwear community.
Collaborations have been a big part of INVINCIBLE’s story. How do you approach choosing partners, and what makes a collaboration successful in your eyes?
For us, the key is always a shared vision. It’s not just about big names — it’s about creative chemistry and cultural alignment. A great collaboration isn’t just about making something rare or visually appealing; it’s about telling a story that connects emotionally and culturally with people. When both brands share that authenticity, the collaboration naturally succeeds
Streetwear culture has changed significantly since 2007. How have you seen consumer tastes evolve, and how has INVINCIBLE adapted to these shifts?
Back then, people were chasing bold, statement pieces. Now, consumers care more about comfort, lifestyle, and individuality — they want to express themselves naturally. We’ve adapted by expanding into lifestyle-oriented products and exploring collaborations beyond fashion, like art and cultural events. While we evolve with the times, our core spirit of street culture always stays the same.
What do you think sets INVINCIBLE apart from other streetwear
brands coming out of Asia, and how do you balance local identity with
global appeal?
I think what makes INVINCIBLE unique is its authenticity. We never try to chase trends, we reinterpret street culture in our own way. Our local roots keep us grounded, while international collaborations broaden our perspective. These two elements don’t conflict; together, they make the brand more multidimensional and real.
Your recent collaboration with Vans has generated a lot of excitement. Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project and what fans can expect from it?
This is our second collaboration with Vans (INVINCIBLE® × Vans SK8-Mid “Off The Rhyme). Our first project in 2023 was a huge success — people really loved the double-layer upper design. So this time, we built on that idea and explored new directions. The creative process went very naturally. We used denim for the upper, which adds a unique texture and premium feel — it’s something you really need to experience in person.
Whats next?
Jimmy Wu’s journey with INVINCIBLE is a testament to the power of vision and cultural exchange. From a single store in Taipei to a global platform shaping streetwear culture, the brand continues to push boundaries while staying true to its roots. His reflections remind us that at the heart of every great brand lies a passion for storytelling, creativity, and the communities it engages. If your heading over to Taiwan Invincible is a must visit!
