Vietnamese fashion house Thuy Design House debuted its latest collection, Ru ho xu xang xe cong, in a glamorous showcase at the GEM Center in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday.

The grand event, attended by 350 guests including government officials, artists, celebrities, and industry experts, was a vibrant celebration of fashion, culture, and heritage.

The collection, featuring over 60 meticulously crafted designs, transformed the runway into a sophisticated soirée.

With inspirations drawn from Vietnam’s iconic Le Mur ao dai (long gown), traditional don ca tai tu music, and the cinematic allure of ‘The Bac Lieu Playboy,’ the show paid homage to Vietnam’s artistic legacy while seamlessly blending it with modern esthetics.

The fashion house’s founder and creative director, artist Thuy Nguyen, described the collection as a heartfelt gift to her audience, evoking the charm and vibrancy of 1920s and 1930s Vietnam.

Ru ho xu xang xe cong unfolds in three acts, each telling a unique story.

Act I: A spirited opening

Set against an enchanting backdrop of crimson velvet curtains and sparkling chandeliers, the show began with an ode to Le Mur ao dai, popularized by artist Nguyen Cat Tuong.

Models, joined by movie star Kaity Nguyen, beaty pageant runner-up Le Hang, and singer Song Luan, graced the runway in contemporary takes on the classic ao dai, featuring bold geometric patterns, ruffled details, and dynamic color palettes.

This segment captured the vibrant cultural intersections of Vietnam’s past and present.

Act II: Elegance in Le Mur revival

The second act delved deeper into the elegance of Le Mur ao dai.

Highlighted by ethereal designs with ombré hues, floral prints, and flattering silhouettes, this part celebrated both tradition and innovation.

Miss Grand Vietnam 2022 Doan Thien An and Lam Bich Tuyen, 3rd runner-up at Miss Grand Vietnam 2024, added star power to the sophisticated showcase, embodying timeless grace in updated interpretations of the ao dai.

Act III: A love letter to cai luong

The final act celebrated the operatic art of cai luong (southern Vietnamese folk opera) through dazzling designs adorned with intricate beading, luxurious fabrics, and luminous embellishments.

Models, including Miss International 2024 Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy, evoked the grandeur of this traditional performance art while striding down a stage reminiscent of a bygone theatrical era.

Closing the evening, lanterns descended onto the stage, illuminating the essence of Vietnam’s heritage.

Music director Addy Tran masterfully combined modern soundscapes with traditional melodies, creating an emotional crescendo that lingered long after the show ended.

Thuy Nguyen, resplendent in her own design, took the stage with her muses to thank the audience.

Known for her ability to fuse tradition with contemporary flair, she has become a defining voice in Vietnamese fashion, having showcased collections such as Lung Lieng and Co Ba Sai Gon on prestigious runways.

With Ru ho xu xang xe cong, Thuy Design House continues its legacy of celebrating Vietnam’s cultural richness, leaving an indelible mark on the global fashion scene.

Thuy Nguyen, born and raised in Hanoi’s iconic Old Quarter, is a multidisciplinary artist and fashion designer with a passion for creativity and innovation.

After graduating from the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, she pursued a master’s in fine arts in Ukraine.

At 18, she held her first solo art exhibition, marking the start of a prolific career filled with many showcases and artistic achievements.

In 2011, she ventured into fashion, founding Thuy Design House, a high-end brand blending traditional Vietnamese aesthetics with modern sensibilities.

Her collections have graced both domestic and international runways, including Vietnam International Fashion Week and ELLE Fashion Journey.

Her relentless pursuit of new ideas extends beyond fashion.

She has worked as a creative director, curator, and producer for blockbuster films and various art projects.

Recognizing the challenges faced by contemporary artists, she established The Factory Contemporary Arts Center in 2016, providing a vibrant space to promote and connect modern art with the public.

With nearly two decades of dedication, Thuy has left a lasting impact on the art and fashion worlds.

Notable collections such as Lung Lieng, Vien Man, Co Ba Sai Gon, and En Nhan Hiep Doi continue to inspire audiences with their seamless fusion of heritage and innovation.

Some of the designs that amazed the audience last night:

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