STAR DESIGNER - Vietnamese fashion designer Võ Công Khanh opened the 10th anniversary of the Aquafina Việt Nam International Fashion Week in HCM City with his latest collection named “Kiệt Tác Của Nước” (Masterpiece of Water). Photo courtesy of Multimedia JSC

HCM CITY – Vietnamese fashion designer Võ Công Khanh opened the 10th anniversary of the Aquafina Việt Nam International Fashion Week in HCM City last night with his latest collection inspired by water flow.

The collection named “Kiệt Tác Của Nước” (Masterpiece of Water) consists of dresses in blue and white with 3D visual effects to simulate water movement.

The designer utilizes small and fragmented materials and leftover fabric pieces to form and recreate beautiful designs.

Khanh said his collection represents revival and recycling, aiming to minimise industry waste and send a message of joining hands to protect the environment.

TOP MODEL - Vietnamese model Thanh Hằng in a look from Khanh’s “Kiệt Tác Của Nước”. Photo courtesy of Multimedia JSC

Khanh’s journey to fashion prominence began after winning the top prize at the Vietnam Collection Grand Prix 2002, which gave him the chance to work with French fashion designer Stéphane Rolland in 2003.

He has since released several collections including “Trúc Mai” (Bamboo and Ochna Flower), “Con Cò” (Stork) and “Butterfly” at events like Việt Nam Fashion Week, Elle Fashion Show and Festival Huế.

He is also known for the use of “green materials” made of oyster shells, coffee grounds, lotus fibre and recycled plastic for his designs, stressing the need for and desirability of sustainability in the fashion industry.

INSPIRATION - Designer Maria Giovanna Costa from Italy (wearing hat) brings her designs inspired by Asian and Vietnamese culture to the event.

Designer Maria Giovanna Costa from Italy brought her designs inspired by Asian and Vietnamese culture to the opening night.

Her collection entitled “Dragon” features ready-to-wear designs for women made of floaty fabrics in vivid colours combined with Swarovski crystal rhinestones to honour the beauty of dynamic women in modern society.

The designer also uses motifs imbued with Vietnamese culture such as Sword Lake, Turtle Tower, lotus flowers, conical hats, and traditional patterns of the Tây Nguyên (Central Highlands) to share her love for Việt Nam.

Vietnamese designer Adrian Anh Tuấn closed the opening night with his collection “Ngân Nga” (Humming) consisting of fancy and charming ready-to-wear designs for both and women in red and black chiffon and velvet fabrics made of oyster shells and coffee grounds.

POPULAR DESIGNS - VIFW President Lê Thị Quỳnh Trang shares her happiness with Việt Nam’s leading designer Công Trí, whose designs have been worn by several global stars. Photo courtesy of Multimedia JSC

Addressing the opening night of the AVIFW 2024, Lê Thị Quỳnh Trang, VIFW President, said, “This 17th edition of the AVIFW in HCM City is a very special celebration of a decade of Vietnamese fashion.”

She added, “A decade ago, Vietnamese fashion was quite new and had no name on the world fashion map. After a decade-long journey, Vietnamese models have opportunities to perform at top fashion weeks, while designs from Vietnamese designers have been chosen by global stars and fashionistas at prestige events worldwide.”

She said, “The VIFW has become a bridge connecting various cultural backgrounds, welcoming designers from more than 30 countries and territories. There is a saying that 'Where there is fashion week, there is civilization and integration'. We are proud of having done things for Vietnamese fashion, connecting the industry with the world.”

The AVIFW 2024 will also feature collections from 15 international and Vietnamese designers and fashion brands, including designers Fredrick Lee from Singapore, Chung Chung Lee from South Korea, and Hà Nội-based Vũ Việt Hà.

The event will continue at the Military Zone 7 Stadium in Tân Bình District until June 16. — VNS

COOL STYLE - A look from Maria Giovanna Costa’s collection named “Dragon”. Photo courtesy of Multimedia JSC

HIGH FASHION - Vietnamese designer Adrian Anh Tuấn closed the opening night with his collection “Ngân Nga” (Humming). Photo courtesy of Multimedia JSC

CELEBRATING FASHION - VIFW President Trang and Italian Consul General to HCM City Enrico Padula (second from right) at the opening night of the AVIFW 2024. Photo courtesy of Multimedia JSC