In Taipei’s Da’an District, a new patisserie called Season offers a unique take on French pastry, blending it with Asian touches. Designed by Ecru Studio for Chef Hung, one of Taiwan’s first traditional French pastry chefs, the colorful space draws inspiration from 18th-century Parisian salons.
The studio’s co-founder, Jin Chen, notes that the design references informed everything from the spatial rhythm to material choices, allowing the team to blend decorative richness with moments of restraint.
They set out to create four distinct zones: a pastry showcase, a giftable sweets area, a salon-style seating lounge, and a nine-seat island bar. Each zone has its own identity yet is seamlessly integrated into a cohesive whole.
A custom wood floor and hand-painted murals referencing Shang Dynasty symbols and unique Asian textile patterns are just a few examples of the attention to detail in the space.
The color palette transitions from refined shades of blue to deeper, theatrical tones, guiding guests through a spatial narrative. Floral fabrics, velvet, and decorative details like fringes meld European elegance with a distinctly local Taiwanese spirit.
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According to Chen, Chef Hung chose blue as the primary color for Season’s new chapter, which the studio used to anchor the fresh pastry and retail zones in varying shades of blue.
Asian elements play a key role in the visual language, anchoring the space in its locale. The fabric used for the twin benches in the gift zone features abstract, symbol-based patterns unique to certain Asian textile traditions.
The designers also worked with local artist Genggeng to create a hand-painted mural inspired by an ancient Shang Dynasty motif. They referenced antique trim catalogues, vintage dessert packaging, and old textile shops to develop the material and color language for the space.
Co-founder Randy Tu notes that these details required a high level of experimentation and precision but ultimately helped craft a space that feels emotionally rich and visually unexpected.
One moment that stayed with the designers was during an early meeting with Chef Hung, who spoke about his years studying pastry in France and the philosophy he brought back to Taiwan, which was about restraint – knowing when to stop.
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This line became a quiet mantra throughout the design process, reminding the team to let certain materials breathe and hold back when the space was already saying enough. The decision to leave one wall partially bare, so the mural could feel like a fragment of memory, is a reflection of the team’s attention to detail and commitment to restraint.
Moments like these reaffirm why the designers love what they do – when design becomes a shared language between people, memory, and place. Season’s unique blend of French and Asian influences has resulted in a space that is both visually stunning and emotionally rich.
With its custom wood floor, hand-painted murals, and carefully curated color palette, the patisserie is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Taiwanese design and cuisine. As patisseries continue to evolve and incorporate new influences, Season’s commitment to traditional techniques and local inspiration is a refreshing change of pace.
The patisserie’s attention to detail and dedication to creating a unique and immersive experience have set a new standard for the industry.
