Vietnam International Fashion Week 2016 (VIFW 2016) was held recently at the GEM Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, leaving a long-lasting impression on the most fashion conscious and demanding audiences with world class runway shows and impressive collections. The event was also highly appreciated by the world’s fashion critics and followers.
During the four days, VIFW showcased the most impressive collections with 19 inspiring fashion shows by 20 leading Vietnamese and international fashion designers and brands such as Nina Naustdal (the UK);Eymeric François and Dany Atrache (France); Frederick Lee (Singapore); Toshikazu Iwaya (Dresscamp brand, Japan); Nguyen Cong Tri;Thuy Nguyen; Le Thanh Hoa; Hoang Minh Ha; QuangNhat and Ly Giam Tien among others (Vietnam).
Designers attending the Vietnam International Fashion Week 2016.
Designer Cong Tri’s latest collection, “Rice”, which was inspired by the wet rice civilization,
receives praise from fashion enthusiasts. |
On the catwalk designed with the image of a lotus flower, designer Cong Tri was given the honour to open the event with his latest collection, “Rice”,which was inspired by the wet rice civilization. He used Tan Chau silk from An Giang Province to create designs such as Alibaba trousers, culottes and Ba ba (loose-fitting shirt) which are highly applicable. Through this presentation, the designer revealed his inimitable style; Vietnamese dignity, sophistication and beauty.
The event also saw collections of a number of local fashion designers which have been popularised and have gained a regional and international profile, contributing to the development of Vietnam’s fashion industry. One of them is designer Thuy Nguyen. Following her successful collection “Lung lieng” in 2015, this year the designer presented “Vien man” (Contentment) inspired from the happiness of being a mother. The collection impressed viewers with simple designs with images of a mother in Ao yem (brassiere) embracing her child or patterns on the Dong Ho folk paintings. The viewers admired the “Co” collection by designer Hoang Minh, “Duyen” by Hoang Quyen and “Colour your Summer” by Chau Chan Hung.
Participating in the Vietnam International Fashion Week for the first time, overseas Vietnamese designer Cory Tran who is living and working in the US, showcased his “Tokyo Dream” collection. The designs showed the mixture of both an Asian and a romantic European style. He used the materials of brocade, embroidered silk and taffeta with golden thread to feature Japan’s ancient frescos.
VIFW 2016 revealed both Oriental and Western colours. Each designer brought to the event an incentive and their country’s culture. For instance, designer Joe Chia from Malaysia introduced to viewers his “Chapter 08” collection imbued with his religion.
VIFW provides an opportunity to present and promote Vietnamese designers and fashion talents and expand the scope to showcase the most exceptional and impressive collections from renowned international fashion designers and couturiers. It helps narrow the gap between Vietnam’s fashion industry and the rest of the world.
It has also been seen as a key development in Vietnam’s fashion industry, which is regarded as one of the most dynamic emerging fashion markets in the world.
A design from the “Rice” collection by Nguyen Cong Tri. |
A design from the “Rice” collection by Nguyen Cong Tri. |
A design from the “Rice” collection by Nguyen Cong Tri. |
A design from the “Tokyo Dream” collection by Cory Tran. |
A design from the “Tokyo Dream” collection by Cory Tran. |
A design from the “Tokyo Dream” collection by Cory Tran. |
A design from the “Tokyo Dream” collection by Cory Tran. |
A design from the “Tokyo Dream” collection by Cory Tran. |
A design from the “Tokyo Dream” collection by Cory Tran. |
A design from the “Tokyo Dream” collection by Cory Tran. |
A design from the “Tokyo Dream” collection by Cory Tran. |
The “Vien man” collection by Thuy Nguyen. |
The “Vien man” collection by Thuy Nguyen. |
Designs from “Colour Your summer” by Chau Chan Hung. |
A design from “Colour Your summer” by Chau Chan Hung. |
A design from “Colour Your summer” by Chau Chan Hung. |
A design from “Colour Your summer” by Chau Chan Hung. |
A design from “Colour Your summer” by Chau Chan Hung. |
A design from “Colour Your summer” by Chau Chan Hung. |
A design from “Colour Your summer” by Chau Chan Hung. |
Designs from “Colour Your summer” by Chau Chan Hung. |
The “Chapter 08” collection by Malaysian designer Joe Chia. |
Story: Nguyen Oanh
Photos: Thong Hai