UK-based Vietnamese designer Anna Hoàng introduces new áo dài collection at House of iKons Fashion Week London. Photos courtesy of Surjit Pardesi & Tung

HÀ NỘI Vietnamese áo dài (traditional long dress) designs featuring ochna, peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and the zodiac symbol of the Year of the Dragon, along with the tradition of giving lucky money, have been introduced at the House of iKons Fashion Week London.

Taking place on February 17, House of iKons Fashion Week London was a special and impressive fashion show as the organiser, House of iKons, celebrated its 10th anniversary. It presented collections by nearly 30 designers from around the world, including Love Collection by UK-based Vietnamese teenage designer Anna Hoàng. Its exhibition area was dedicated to high-end fashion products representing distinctive traditional cultures of Europe, Asia and Africa.

At this fashion show, 14-year-old designer Anna Hoàng and the team from the Love Collection brand introduced their Vietnamese Lunar New Year áo dài collection. The collection consisted of 28 designs for adults and children, primarily featuring vibrant colours, especially gold, to convey messages of prosperity and good luck.

The designs incorporated patterns and symbols of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, such as ochna, peach blossoms, kumquat trees and the golden dragon symbol. They were presented by both international models and UK-based Vietnamese children. It was particularly surprising for the audience when they experienced the tradition of receiving lucky money right at the event.

UK-based Vietnamese children present áo dài designs of Love Collection at House of iKons Fashion Week London.

Besides the introduction of áo dài designs, the Love Collection team created a miniature Tết landscape in the exhibition area of London Fashion Week, featuring Vietnamese handicrafts and agricultural products. According to Anna Hoàng, it aimed to use fashion as a means to help international audiences gain a better understanding of Vietnamese culture and contribute to promoting Vietnamese people, tourism and cuisine.

After the fashion show at London Fashion Week, the Vietnamese áo dài collection received an invitation to participate in the largest Asian charity fashion show in the UK, the Sitara Charity Fashion Show, held at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, one of the top 10 universities in the UK and the world.

Love Collection brand was launched by Anna Hoàng and her friend, Emily Nguyễn, in 2019, with the aim to bridge the two cultures of Việt Nam and the UK.

“Throughout that journey, I have been able to present numerous designs and share my cultural knowledge with the audiences,” Anna said.

“On the occasion of Love Collection's 5th anniversary, marked at the House of iKons, I feel both honoured and emotional to have my collection introduced. I was extremely happy when my collection and the entire team received much praise.” VNS