Taichung laundry owner who became an online fashion icon dies at 86

Taipei, May 25 (CNA) A Taichung laundry owner who gained online fame as an octogenarian for modeling outfits curated from abandoned clothes has died at the age of 86.

Hsu Sho-er (許秀娥), who ran Want Show Laundry with her husband Chang Wan-ji (張萬吉) in Taichung's Houli District, was known for the Instagram account "wantshowasyoung," which featured photos of the couple in chic ensembles of unwanted garments. (Facebook @wantshowlaundry)

The account drew international media attention from the likes of the New York Times and the BBC not long after its first post in 2020, and has since accumulated over 620,000 followers from around the world.

According to Hsu's grandson Reef Chang (張瑞夫), the account grew out of his efforts to help the couple avoid boredom as the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down business and left them stuck indoors.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Reef Chang said Hsu had died Tuesday, and expressed his gratitude to the couple's fans for their support and company along a "magical journey."

"You gave our family and grandma lots of unforgettable memories that others do not have. [I] believe that those who have gotten along with grandma will keep her bright smile in mind forever," Reef Chang wrote.

Among the over 100 replies offering condolences beneath the post was one from President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), who thanked "Grandma Sho-er for creating memories for the society."

"Grandma Sho-er's bright smile will stay in everyone's heart," Tsai wrote.

A public funeral will be held for Hsu at Dajia Funeral Parlor in Taichung on June 2, Reef Chang said.