When models leave catwalk for the silver screen

Model Thanh Hang (R) in "Gia tai bac si" (Fortune of Doctor)

Movie and TV series featuring models and beauty pageant winners are becoming standard fare to Vietnamese viewers. With their exceptional acting skills, some fashion models like Anh Thu, Thanh Hang, Vu Thu Phuong and Trang Nhung are now highly sought-after by movie-makers.

“When I sign a contract for a movie project, I often negotiate to still have time for night fashion shows,” said Vu Thu Phuong, who played an extra in the film Shanghai released last year starring John Cusack and Gong Li.

“But now I am too busy with my shooting schedule to join fashion shows organized outside the city. It is quite a pity.”

Similarly, Thanh Hang, a top model in high-profile fashion shows, has recently put her modeling career on hold to focus on her role in the movie Model, a Vietnamese version of the popular Korean series.

“It’s such a pity that I couldn’t participate in many recent fashion shows, as I have quite a busy film schedule to keep,” said the long-legged model.

Quynh Thu, who was voted the favorite contestant at Vietnam Model Awards 2008, has left the catwalk for a year as she was too busy with her acting career in six movies. Thu said she had to keep pace with one movie after another and has no time for fashion shows. Afraid that she cannot manage the double role of model and actress at once, Thu chooses to put fashion aside to make room for her new passion for movies.

With more and more models leaving the catwalk to appear in movies, fashion shows in 2011 will be noted for the conspicuous absences of the big names. The top-notch models, however, have reasons to prefer playing a role in front of the movie-camera to posing in a photo shoot.

“Acting is a lot harder than modeling but the reward is also higher, that is, a more stable source of income,” said 23-year old model Nhu Thao, who was in top 10 Miss Vietnam World 2007.

“Thanks to acting in movies, I could earn enough money to support my parents and sister at home. If I “toil” hard in the film industry for 2 years, I can buy an apartment, a car,” added the beauty who came from the southern province of Ca Mau.

“If I accept a role in 2 movies, working with them over a period of 2-3 months, I can buy an apartment and a decent bike. That’s why this year I’m giving priority to movies,” said My Linh, who was crowned Miss Vietnam Photogenic 2006 and is also actively participating in many movies.

 

Model Anh Thu (L) in the film "Tuyet nhiet doi" (Tropical Snow)

 

 

 

Model Nhu Thao

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When fashion and culture mix

Photo: Tuoi Tre

Ho Tran Da Thao is a fan of her own collections. She wears her own models at international exhibitions she is invited to, to her fashion shows or simply for a night out with friends.

Thao is now used to being stopped on the streets by fashion lovers, especially foreign ones who would ask her many prying questions about her clothes.

She would return a smile, a proud one, pointing at the distinctive image printed on her clothes and starts her mini presentation to the curious stranger.

“You know, this is an image of traditional Vietnamese folk woodcut painting called Dong Ho..,”

Born in 1979, Da Thao did not start off as a fashion designer. An English graduate from Ho Chi Minh Social Studies and Humanities University, she was then later trained as a designer at Australian TAFE Institution and went through several foreign- sponsored fashion design competitions in Vietnam to build up experience.

At the 2008 International Young Fashion Entrepreneur conference organized by the British Council, she was crowned winner in Vietnam, an event which won her a chance to identify the path she would later follow with much enthusiasm.

Representing the country in the final round of the competition held in the United Kingdom, Thao seized the opportunity to visit all European fashion capitals in a three month backpacker trip afterwards. She lost at the competition, but went home with a new found inspiration.

“Ethnic fashion is on the rise at fashion capitals like Paris or Madrid. Stores presenting Indian or Nepalese tradition inspired clothes to flourish there,” Thao said.

“They can do that, why can’t I with our rich cultural heritage? I then decided it was time to go back, and do something about this”.

And the Northern Vietnam’s folk art painting, Dong Ho was what she chose to start with.
In the past, Dong Ho painting was an essential element of the Tết holiday in Vietnam; this tradition has gradually declined under the influence of modern types of painting and fake Dong Ho products.

Thao went to Dong Ho village in the northern province of Bac Ninh, where paintings have been manually produced for hundreds of years and studied the folk art with an old master.

With hundreds of old paintings and a profound knowledge of the age-old art accompanying her on her way back, Thao knew then she had just begun a difficult journey.

To recreate Dong Ho paintings on clothes, Thao worked up combining all crafting techniques to preserve the paintings’ original spirit in modern fabrics.

Not all paintings’ details can be used, some paintings can only be kept with a few sketches and strokes. Their colors originate from nature such as leaves or trees, which reflect different lights and shades on different fabrics and materials, posing another challenge to the designer.

For months, digital painting, embroidery, beading, hand drawing or a combination of all had been tried by Thao to best transfer the paintings onto her designed clothes.

Only 20 out of hundreds of Dong Ho paintings were used to make her collections.
In 2009, Thao with her collection were invited to Bangkok to join the Asian Creative Industry’s Conference and Exhibition organized by British Council and won considerable notice and praises.

Thanks to Thao, a near lost cultural tradition is given life in another form which can touch a wider audience. It is not just another fashion story.

Dong Ho folk woodcut painting is a genre of Vietnamese woodcut paintings originated from Dong Ho village in Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam. Using the traditional điệp paper and colors derived from nature, craftsmen print Dong Ho pictures of different themes from good luck wishes, historical figures to everyday activities and folk allegories. In the past, Dong Ho painting was an essential element of the Tết holiday in Vietnam; this tradition has gradually declined under the influence of modern types of painting and fake Dong Ho products. However, the art of making Dong Ho pictures is always considered a symbol of traditional culture and aesthetic value of Vietnam.

 

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Fashion week gets French accent

Three leading designers of Vietnam's premier fashion companies and 20 freelance designers took part in Vietnam Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2011 at the French Consulate in HCMC over the weekend.

The catwalk event will feature nearly 1,000 designs made with high-quality materials, including fabrics in bright colours as well as checked and striped patterns.

This year, designers will use Vietnamese materials like silk, crocodile and python leather and gems for their apparel and accessories.

The event is organised by the consulate, the Vietnam National Textile and Garment group (Vinatex), the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (Vitas), and the Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association (Lefaso).

The two-day fair is an opportunity to mark Viet Nam's entry into the global fashion industry, and change the way of doing business from cut-and-make to original designs by manufacturers.

"The event will prove that the Vietnam industry in recent years has developed despite the economic crisis," said Vinatex vice chairman Le Trung Hai. "The industry is seeing more and more young designers with creative designs."

The Viet Thang Textile Company has used 3D technology in creating their new collection designed by Van Khoa, Bich Ha and Hong Vuong, who entered the industry after participating in the fashion contest Vietnam Collection Grand Prix.

The two-day event will also feature designs by popular, more established designers, Minh Hanh and Dang Khoa, and young designers like Van Vo, Tuan Huy, Hien Le and Hai Long.

Hanh, director of fashion house Fadin, said Viet Thang and designers have worked with local accessory makers like VITCO Shoes, Ton Phat Crocodile Leather and Phuc Khanh Jewelry to use luxurious materials like crocodile and python leather and precious gems to create new styles for the spring-summer collection.

More than 40 models from leading fashion agencies, including New Talent in Ha Noi and HCMC, will participate in the event, as will make-up artist Dung Phan and his staff.
 

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Cross-cultural show presents French fashion

HA NOI — Hanoians will witness the beauty of French fashion when four Parisian brands present their creations in the capital tonight.

As a cultural exchange between the Ile-de-France region and Ha Noi, the fashion show will allow Hanoians a glimpse of this integral part of French culture and provide the French designers a view into Vietnamese fashion.

The French brands set to introduce their creations are Ambrym, Christophe Josse, Dormeuil, and the children's label, Charabia.

"I have a special interest in ethnic handmade fabric so I have visited some traditional villages in the North to learn about the materials that can be used for my artistic limited edition creations," said 25-year-old designer Gabrielle Gerard from Ambrym.

Five Vietnamese designers, Kelly Bui, Do Manh Cuong, Hoang Hai, Le Ha and Sy Hoang, will join the French designers to showcase their latest collections.

Veteran designer Sy Hoang will present his ao dai (Vietnamese traditional robe) collections. He will show his collections for both women and children, who he says are the "generation preserving our traditions."

Environmentally friendly materials are the highlight of Kelly Bui's collection, while crystal, feather and lace adorn Hoang Hai's stunning gowns. Young designer Do Manh Cuong will present his feminine and sophisticated creations. And finally, Le Ha will showcase her designs emphasising the activeness of modern women.

There will also be a performance combining contemporary dance and shadow puppetry during the fashion show.

The event, directed by French choreographer Fanny de Chaille and musical director Christophe Chassol, will start at 6pm at the Ha Noi Opera House. — VNS

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Culture Vulture

Budapest-based Vietnamese designer, Luu Anh Tuan, will present his creations at the annual Dep Fashion Show (DFS) on Sunday in Ha Noi. His works combine modern western and traditional oriental features. The 30-year-old designer, who is regarded as a Hungarian fashion phenomenon, talks with Culture Vulture about his creative jobs and the inspiration for his collection.

What led you to work in fashion?

My two older brothers, who studied fine arts, introduced me to the arts when I was very young; that played a significant role in my inclination towards fashion. My interest grew when my family moved to Hungary in 1989. I had more access to European art and culture.

I decided to study fashion in the Textile Design Department at the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design in Budapest, as well as at the London College of Fashion. I specialised in fashion and accessory design.

How do fashionistas greet your creations?

Since launching my own fashion label, Anh Tuan, in 2006, I've been invited to join the Budapest Fashion Week every year. My designs were presented at the New York Fashion Week in September 2009 and at the London Fashion Week in February 2010, and are regularly featured in leading fashion magazines like ELLE, InStyle, Marie Claire, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan.

Why did you decide to join the DFS?

I joined because I knew the show was organised by Dep magazine, a leading Vietnamese fashion magazine equivalent to some famous international publications. I believe in Dep and the show itself as it is a large fashion show for Viet Nam.

After spending years building my reputation in the fashion industry, I realised it was the right time for me to return to Viet Nam. Vietnamese fashionistas can glimpse European fashion through my creations. Also, by presenting my collection, I am proudly presenting the success I've achieved after more than 20 years spent living abroad.

Can you reveal anything about your collection to be presented at the show?

Unlike my previous collections, which relied heavily on the use of geometric constructions, the collection for DFS presents more "Asian elements". It is colourful with traditional Asian patterns and themes, including wind, clouds, dragons, and fire.

The pieces are made mainly from Asian luxury materials such as classical Tibet hand-woven brocade, silk, organza, leather, and furs. By using these "Asian elements", I hope the collection will remind the audience of traditional values.

I spent two and a half months completing the collection, which includes 40 outfits as well as bags and shoes.

Do you have ideas for another collection that incorporates Asian features?

Vietnamese women's traditional black silk trousers have made a special impression on me. I see these trousers as a "fashion specialty" of Viet Nam. Although many generations of Vietnamese women have worn them for hundreds of years, they are not popular anymore. That's why I like the idea of redesigning Vietnamese women's clothes as well as traditional clothes from other Asian cultures.

Can you talk more about your current work in Budapest?

Besides running my own showroom, I also manage four other stores in Budapest and Szentendre.

After the DFS in Ha Noi, I have to prepare for my own show set to take place in Budapest in December. All creations presented at the DFS will be showcased at my solo show as well. — VNS

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Hanoi set to host country’s biggest fashion event

Models show off clothes by Luu Anh Tuan of Hungary, who will be one of the featured designers at the Dep Fashion Show in Hanoi this month

Photo: Tuoi Tre

Collections by four local and foreign designers will be on show at the ninth Dep Fashion Show in Hanoi October 31.

The event, titled Dreaming and to be held at the Garden shopping center in My Dinh urban area, will feature Hoang Ngan’s Dream, Kelly Bui’s Supernatural World, German Juliane Kunze’s Nomadic, and Hungarian Luu Anh Tuan’s Story.

The theme refers to designers realizing their dreams through fashion and arts.

The show will also feature an art and fashion exhibition at the venue from October 25 to 29.

This year the event involves some famous names -- choreographers Le Vu Long also the director, Do Hoang Thi Ngoc, Quach Hoang Diep, and Tran Thanh Nam, musician and DJ Tri Minh, supermodel Xuan Lan, and circus artist Ngo Le Thang.

French lighting director Domique Raby and sound and effects advisor Jérôme Bréger will assist them.

The country’s largest annual fashion event is sponsored by Dep magazine and media companies Le Media and LeBros.

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Dep Fashion Show rides the runway in Hanoi this month

Model Ngoc Oanh on the catwalk at Dep Fashion Show 8 in 2009 in HCMC - Photo: Kieu Giang

The ninth annual Dep (Beauty) Fashion Show (DFS9) organized by Dep magazine, Le Media and LeBros will be at the Garden Trade Center, My Dinh, Hanoi on October 31.

The Dreaming show will meld the dreams of individuals and society and represent the desire of each designer to end war, the economic crisis and social problems.

DFS9 will have four collections. Hoang Ngan will present her latest collection called “Dream” and Juliane Kunze from Germany will show her “Wandering” collection. “A story to tell” collection by Luu Anh Tuan from Hungary and “Utopia” by Dep show newcomer, Kelly Bui will also be showcased. A fashion factory will be open for public to see sketches of costumes and accessories prepared by the four designers. Plus a series of documentaries, “Together with DFS on Fansipan”, will show behind the scenes of DFS9 on VCTV1 channel at 9 p.m. every Friday.

DFS which started in 2004 is a fashion playground for professional Vietnamese and international designers and leading directors, choreographers, artists and models in Vietnam.

This year’s Dep Fashion Show will be produced by Le Nhu Thoa with general director Le Vu Long, musician DJ Tri Minh, supermodel Xuan Lan, lighting director Domique Raby and sound and effects advisor Jérôme Bréger. 

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Diamond studded Ao Dai marks 20 years in fashion

Miss Vietnam 2006 Mai Phuong Thuy wears special ao dai by designer Vo Viet Chung - Photo: The organizers

To mark 20 years in fashion and welcome the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, Vietnamese designer Vo Viet Chung will introduce a special ao dai (Vietnamese long dress) at a live show at the White Palace Convention Center in HCMC’s Phu Nhuan District on October 4.

The dress has set a Vietnamese record as it has nine back-flaps that trail for 100 meters each, symbolizing the nine branches of Cuu Long River. The dress features 2,000 diamonds and gold decorative pieces and 1,000 meters of silk fabric from the three regions of Vietnam.

Zeta Company has sponsored a diamond crown worth over VND1 billion to compliment the dress. Miss Vietnam 2006 Mai Phuong Thuy will wear the dress and crown at the show.

At the show called Hoi Trung Duong , Chung will also present his latest collection in a fashion parade featuring Miss Grand Slam Asia 2009 Huong Giang, Chung Thuc Quyen, Vu Hoang Diep and about 30 other models.

Singers Thanh Lam, Ho Quynh Huong, Phuong Thanh and Trang Nhung will perform the music.

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