Vietnamese fashion designer Nguyen Cong Tri has gained worldwide acclaim for his elegant eveningwear, which has been worn by celebrities such as Rihanna, Beyonce, and Naomi Campbell. For over two decades, Tri has been creating exquisite garments using Vietnamese-spun silk, organza, and taffeta. While he had achieved some success in Vietnam, it was Rihanna’s endorsement of his Em Hoa collection, inspired by flower sellers in Vietnam, that catapulted him into the international spotlight. As these celebrities began choosing to wear his designs to high-profile events, Vietnamese fashion started to gain attention on a global scale.
Tri takes great pride in having his designs chosen and worn by Hollywood stars. He firmly believes that Vietnam, with its rich culture and immense talent, has much more to offer the fashion world beyond merely being a factory workhorse. With three stores in Ho Chi Minh City, a role as a judge on the local version of Project Runway, and growing international interest, Tri is hopeful that Vietnam will soon leave its mark on the world fashion map.
Hailing from Danang, Tri was deeply inspired by the strength and resilience of Vietnam’s women soldiers, stories of whom he had heard during his school years. This fascination led him to explore the world of fashion, and his debut collection, “Green Leaves,” was directly influenced by the winter uniforms and iconic hard green hats worn by these fighters. In all of his collections, Tri incorporates the characteristics of strong Vietnamese women, including the choice of materials. He is renowned for his use of Lanh My A silk, a highly durable fabric made in the Mekong Delta, as well as his unwavering determination to integrate his homeland into his designs. During Tokyo Fashion Week, his flower girl collection caught the attention of Rihanna’s stylist, resulting in a collaboration and the opportunity to showcase his creations at New York Fashion Week.
Tri’s journey to success was not without its challenges. Like many designers of color, he faced barriers in the industry, as highlighted by a recent report published by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, which emphasized the unequal access to fashion careers. Despite the struggles experienced by Vietnam’s textile factories during the Covid-19 pandemic, Tri, along with other talented Vietnamese designers like Tran Hung and Tran Phuong My, is determined to reclaim the “Made in Vietnam” label. Rather than waiting for society to take notice of them, Tri believes that Asian designers must continue to fight for recognition and opportunities within the fashion industry.
The pandemic has presented new opportunities for the fashion industry, with virtual catwalks allowing designers from all corners of the globe to showcase their work. However, Tri emphasizes the need for Asian designers to persevere and forge their own path to success. Hard work and dedication are essential in navigating the competitive fashion world, and Tri’s ascent to fame serves as a testament to his talent and commitment.
In conclusion, Nguyen Cong Tri’s remarkable journey from an unknown Vietnamese designer to a globally recognized couturier showcases his talent, persistence, and dedication to highlighting the beauty and strength of Vietnam through his designs. With celebrities adorning his creations and increasing international interest in his work, Tri is paving the way for a new generation of Vietnamese fashion talent and firmly placing Vietnam on the world fashion stage.
Useful Links:
Vietnamese Designers website
BBC News: Vietnamese fashion designer takes on global stage
