Edison Chen, the well-known figure in the fashion and entertainment industry, made a splash in Taiwan on March 25, 2025, with the grand opening of his trendy art cafe, CAFEAO, located in the vibrant Minsheng Community. This cafe, co-founded with his long-time friend Sky Gellatly, aims to blend art, fashion, and culinary experiences in a unique setting that encourages creativity and relaxation.
During the opening event, Chen shared his journey of discovering Taiwanese artist Guo Yihua on Instagram, expressing admiration for his artwork. To Chen's surprise, their meeting turned into a delightful encounter, as Guo, who is also known for his acting career, posted a photo with Chen, delighting fans who saw the two icons together.
According to reports from Cool Magazine Taiwan, Chen was excited to meet Guo, whom he found through social media. "I really liked his work and wanted to collaborate with him," Chen explained. The two artists discussed the challenges of their respective careers, with Guo humorously noting that being an artist is indeed tougher than being an actor.
Chen revealed that his journey to opening the cafe was not without its challenges. He spent three months experimenting with different coffee blends and flavors, stating, "The process was quite difficult. It took a lot of time to discuss ideas with my mentor; designing clothes was much simpler in comparison." His commitment to quality was evident as he personally oversaw every detail of the cafe's design and menu.
CAFEAO, which derives its name from a combination of the words 'café' and the Japanese word 'ao' meaning blue, symbolizes balance and harmony. The cafe's interior features a striking blue color scheme, designed to evoke a sense of calm and creativity, aligning with the concept of 'Blue Sky Thinking' that Chen and Gellatly envisioned.
The cafe is not just a place to grab a cup of coffee; it also serves as a cultural hub where art and design intersect. Chen mentioned that the environment was crafted by designers Hins Zuo and Jefri Schmidt of ICNCLST, focusing on creating a space that feels like stepping into a world of art and imagination.
As part of the opening festivities, CAFEAO introduced four limited-time specialty drinks, crafted to highlight the unique flavors of the coffee beans sourced from the renowned Taichung brand, Peacocks Coffee. Chen shared that the signature blend, named AOBlend, features rich notes of berries, cocoa, and cashew, promising a delightful experience for coffee enthusiasts.
In addition to beverages, the cafe offers exclusive merchandise, including collaboration items with well-known brands. For instance, VANDYTHEPINK designed a series of clothing and coffee-themed products specifically for CAFEAO, while Kuumba created a unique fragrance that captures the essence of the cafe.
The opening day was further highlighted by Chen's appearance with his daughter, Alaia, showcasing a heartwarming father-daughter moment that resonated with attendees. Fans and friends took to social media to express their excitement and support for both Chen and Guo, with comments celebrating Guo's artistic achievements and the successful launch of CAFEAO.
Chen, who has been a prominent figure in the fashion world for years, expressed his desire to continue exploring the culinary arts. His previous ventures included a collaboration with a well-known Hong Kong restaurant, which saw him dip his toes into the food and beverage industry. "I want to focus on CAFEAO for now, but I hope to host various art events and collaborations in the future," he mentioned, hinting at potential projects with Guo Yihua.
As for the cafe's location, it is strategically situated at No. 15, Lane 4, Alley 36, Section 5, Minsheng East Road, Songshan District, Taipei City, making it an accessible spot for locals and tourists alike. The business hours are set from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, allowing ample time for visitors to enjoy the atmosphere and offerings.
With its unique concept and artistic flair, CAFEAO is poised to become a landmark in Taipei's cafe scene, attracting a diverse crowd of art lovers, coffee aficionados, and trendsetters. The cafe not only serves as a testament to Chen's entrepreneurial spirit but also as a celebration of creativity and collaboration in the arts.
As Chen embarks on this new venture, he remains committed to fostering a community that values art, design, and meaningful connections. The opening of CAFEAO marks a significant step in his journey, blending his passions into a space that invites others to explore their creativity while enjoying a great cup of coffee.
