Open Association of Young Designers
Quach Dac Thang, Quy Cao, Nguyen Minh Duc, Elena Nguyen and Huyen Bui - the 5 founding members of the Vietnam Fashion Association (DEPA) - are all typical representatives of the young generation of designers. They are all skilled, enthusiastic, bold and are contributing to shaping the future of Vietnamese fashion with their own unique identity. The name DEPA has a great stature, expressing a dream that is bigger than each designer. The 9X generation mentioned Vietnam Designers House (once a common house supporting the first generation of Vietnamese designers) with respect and considered it a successful model in creating a space to connect and inspire the design community. However, they affirmed that DEPA was born in a fierce, urgent and volatile context, stemming from the current needs of independent designers. Therefore, in addition to runway shows, the association aims to connect a network of mentors, professional consultants, industry experts and international organizers.
DEPA designers at the first runway event
Photo: NVCC
5 founding designers of DEPA
Photo: NVCC
"Inspiration is not enough, there must be action, system and strategy for young brands to truly survive, grow and go far," said a DEPA representative designer, adding: "The association aims to build a serious, sustainable professional community with a common voice for the new generation of Vietnamese fashion, a common home so that the generation of Vietnamese designers can work long-term without being lonely or dependent."
Currently, the association accompanies young people who are passionate about fashion and share the same voice with the following criteria: having a decent fashion brand, having an independent design mindset, and committing to long-term development. In addition to the benefits of being supported by the collective behind the communication, organizing shows, selling, and having organized dialogues, members must commit to not doing the job easily, doing fashion with ideals, being responsible to individuals and the community, saying no to plagiarism, being passive, etc.
Montsand Brand Announces Pop-up in London, UK
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After the runway show, a series of "domestic stimulus" activities are about to be promoted through Pop-up programs in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi . This activity helps young brands connect with consumers, create cash flow, increase purchasing power and nurture Vietnamese fashion consumption culture. Further, there will be in-depth talk shows revolving around topics such as sustainable brand building, capital raising, creativity in the post-digital era... with the participation of consultants, investors, stylists, buyers (wholesalers/agents)...
International Fashionistas Attend Astoud Pop-up Held at New York Fashion Week
Photo: NVCC
International Fashionistas Attend Astoud Pop-up Held at New York Fashion Week
Photo: NVCC
International Fashionistas Attend Astoud Pop-up Held at New York Fashion Week
Photo: NVCC
International Fashionistas Attend Astoud Pop-up Held at New York Fashion Week
Photo: NVCC
Launch pad for Vietnamese dream to fly far
The current Vietnamese fashion landscape has bright spots from prominent brands that are aggressively expanding internationally. After its success in the Thai market, Lsoul has continued to approach the Chinese market with a runway show and has just announced the opening of an Lsoul store in Shanghai at the end of June. The Fancì Club brand is preparing to open a representative office at the Beverley shopping mall in Hong Kong... However, younger brands need a "launch pad" from multi-brand retail platforms.
Aiden Truong, co-founder of Rue Miche
Photo: NVCC
Established in 2020, Astoud is currently an online retail platform trusted by many domestic Vietnamese brands because of its superior solutions for international logistics problems. The Los Angeles (USA)-based seller currently represents more than 40 Vietnamese designers and brands globally. In September 2024, during the New York Fashion Week, Vietnamese fashion made its mark through the 5-day Astoud Pop-up event series in Brooklyn's famous Bushwick art district. Street fashion trends and creative designs "made in Vietnam" by Arya, Soulvenir, Snamo, Wiimwork, Profilemomo, Latui Atelier, Caostu, The Idiot, Lider appeared prominently in the US, blending with music and cuisine, creating a youthful perspective on Vietnamese culture in the heart of vibrant New York. "We are proud to accompany and connect with outstanding Vietnamese talents around the world...", Manh Nguyen, CEO of Astoud, shared. Meanwhile, the head of marketing of this retailer, Kaylee Nguyen, said that as a Vietnamese, she feels proud to be able to contribute to bringing Vietnamese creativity, culture and fashion to the international market.
Rue Miche is also a place that connects young people in the intersection of fashion, art and culture.
Photo: NVCC
Street wear fashion with sophisticated handcrafted imprint from T-REDX brand by designer Huyen Bui at DEPA fashion show
Photo: NVCC
Located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, on Phung Khac Khoan Street, many people have known the common home of 24 local brands called Rue Miche. Co-founder of Rue Miche, Aiden Truong, said he was born in Ho Chi Minh City. After a long time studying abroad, he realized that the Vietnamese fashion market was lacking a "stopping point" - a common space for many independent brands that are carefully monitored and selected, giving visitors a shopping experience combined with learning about culture and enjoying art. He commented that Vietnamese fashion is very unique and Vietnamese people all over the world support Vietnamese products. In addition, international tourists from Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, China, Korea, etc. also prefer to shop for domestic Vietnamese fashion. However, the challenge when cooperating with domestic brands lies in the spontaneous operating model. To be able to develop sustainably and go the long way, designers and brands must get used to a professional operating model, starting with establishing a company/business household... from there gradually becoming a prestigious destination for domestic fashionistas and international tourists.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lan-song-moi-cua-thoi-trang-viet-khi-cac-nha-thiet-ke-tre-len-tieng-185250710203625656.htm
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