The French Institute in Ho Chi Minh City has announced an exciting lineup of events under the theme 'Fashion and Design,' which will run from now until the end of 2023, as part of the commemoration of 50 years of diplomatic relations and 10 years of strategic partnership between France and Vietnam.

The series of events was unveiled during a press conference held at the French Consulate General Palace on Wednesday, including special talks, exhibitions, film festivals, competitions, and performances featuring renowned figures from both the French and Vietnamese fashion worlds.

Fashion and Design season kicks off

French Consul General Emmanuelle Pavillon Grosser said that the previous season, titled 'Cuisine,' which ran from January to June, was a resounding success, as it offered a range of captivating events covering various aspects of French and Vietnamese culinary arts.

The public had the unique opportunity to explore topics such as the history of bread, culinary cross-pollination, wine, diplomatic cuisine, coffee, and cocoa while interacting with distinguished culinary experts from both countries.

Building on the success of the previous season, the Fashion and Design season promises to captivate audiences with its diverse program.

It will feature an array of fashion and design talks, high-fashion evenings, fashion film festivals, and the highly anticipated 'Fashion in Paris' competition.

Emmanuelle Charrier, director of the French Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, revealed that they have invited prominent figures from the French fashion and perfume industries, including the French Fashion Institute and the French Federation for Fashion and Haute Couture.

These experts will lead discussions on high-end fashion, sustainable fashion, environmentally-friendly design, and perfume.

Fashion enthusiasts will have the chance to delve into the world of French haute couture and learn about the evolution of the Vietnamese market alongside the French luxury goods industry.

The talks will also explore digital transformation in the fashion sector in both France and Vietnam.

A highlight of the Fashion and Design season is the 'Fashion in Paris' contest, running from June to October.

This competition provides a platform for young talents in the Vietnamese fashion design industry to shine.

A jury comprising renowned figures from the French and Vietnamese fashion worlds will select the seven best contestants to present their ideas.

The ultimate prize awaits the winner: a full sponsorship for a two-week training trip to the prestigious French Fashion Institute in Paris in 2024.

This invaluable opportunity promises to nurture emerging talent and further strengthen the bonds between the fashion industries of France and Vietnam.

Promoting cultural exchange among young people

One notable aspect of this event series is its emphasis on supporting young Vietnamese designers and fostering creativity in Vietnam.

Charrier said that the primary goal of the season is to engage the younger generation, and as such, the fashion nights will showcase Vietnamese models and designs rather than relying solely on French models and brands.

This event also serves as an occasion for Charrier to debut as the new director of the French Institute in Ho Chi Minh City.

In an interview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Charrier stated that her primary objective is to promote French culture in Vietnam. Culture, she emphasized, is a broad concept encompassing language, arts, and more.

Specifically, the French Institute places a special emphasis on promoting and fostering cultural exchange among young people.

According to Charrier, France holds a keen interest in the youth of Vietnam, given its youthful population. Therefore, the cultural activities organized by the French Institute, both in the past and in the future, are closely connected to the youth.

As the Fashion and Design season unfolds, it offers a dynamic platform for the convergence of French and Vietnamese fashion cultures, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration in the world of style and design.

This extraordinary celebration of fashion marks a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between France and Vietnam, promising a year of creativity, inspiration, and innovation, she said.

Like us on Facebook or  follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!