WELCOME BACK: Chung Chung Lee from South Korea, the co-founder and designer behind the fashion brand LIE, introduces his latest collection “Time between Dogs and Wolves” for his return to the Aquafina International Fashion Week in 2024. Photo courtesy of Multimedia JSC

HCM CITY – After a long absence, international fashion designers returned to Việt Nam International Fashion Week to celebrate a decade of one of the country’s largest fashion events.

Chung Chung Lee from South Korea, the co-founder and designer behind the fashion brand LIE, received a welcome for his Spring/Summer 2024 collection.

The collection has the theme of “Time between Dogs and Wolves,” coming from the French common expression “L’heure entre chien et loup” referring to the mysterious moment when the sun sets.

It features shirts, trousers, dresses, and coats in a rich palette of colours reminiscent of a beautiful sunset.

By mixing materials such as wool, cotton, and nylon and experimenting with different silhouettes, the collection achieves a balance between wearability and artistic expression.

LIE has collaborated with Ms. GREEN, a jewellery brand from New York, and Chaussure Lapin, a modern footwear label based in South Korea, to add a fresh perspective and a touch of refinement to the collection.

Designer Lee and his sister launched LIE, which stands for Life is Expression, in 2011.

Their designs use sculptural shapes, proportion, and texture accompanied by intricate details and tailoring.

Lee first participated in the Aquafina Việt Nam International Fashion Week Spring/Summer in 2019, introducing his collection inspired by Amelia Mary Earhart, an American aviation pioneer who was the first woman to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic.

COOL LOOK: A look from the collection named “White Night” by Singaporean designer Frederick Lee. Photo courtesy of Multimedia JSC

Frederick Lee, one of Singapore’s most sought-after designers, came back to the AIVFW with his collection named “White Night”, featuring white and black gowns combined with huge 3D flowers and crystal beadings to highlight a reflection of darkness and light.

Lee was named “The Best of Singapore” for three consecutive years from 2006 by Singapore Tatler magazine.

He is a familiar face to the VIFW, participating in the 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2022 events.

Lee said, “We all know Việt Nam’s diverse cultural heritage always has been a treasure of inspiration for fashion designers like me. And this has given me an abundance of creativity.”

He looked forward to a promising future for the VIFW that would continue to boost the boundary of Vietnamese fashion. “A decade of fashion and many, many more to come.”

VIFW President Lê Thị Quỳnh Trang said, “We are proud of having done things for Vietnamese fashion, connecting the industry with the world.”

She emphasised the role of the VIFW as a bridge to connect fashion designers from various backgrounds.

FASHION MAVEN: VIFW President Lê Thị Quỳnh Trang (in pink dress) celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Việt Nam International Fashion Week. Photo courtesy of Multimedia JSC

Since its first event in 2014, the VIWF has welcomed designers from more than 30 countries and territories.

It has also become a leading fashion event in ASEAN, ranking fourth in Asia after the Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai fashion weeks.

The AVIFW 2024 took place from June 13-16 in HCM City.

It attracted 16 international and Vietnamese designers and fashion brands such as Maria Giovanna Costa from Italy with a collection named “Dragon”, and Vietnamese designers Hoàng Minh Hà with a collection called “Khói” (Smoke) highlighting Vietnamese women’s inner beauty, and Thuỷ Nguyễn with a collection of áo bà ba (traditional southern Vietnamese blouse) and áo dài (Vietnamese traditional dress).

The event closed with a collection named “Cô Ấy Là Ai” (Who She Is) by Hà Nội-based Vũ Việt Hà.

The collection features áo dài designs and evening gowns made of Vietnamese natural materials such as lotus silk, banana silk, pandan fibre, and ramie (a vegetable fibre noted for its length and toughness). — VNS

VIETNAMESE FASHION: Hà Nội-based Vũ Việt Hà introduces evening gowns in natural Vietnamese materials. Photo courtesy of Multimedia JSC

LOCAL BEAUTY: Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 Ngọc Châu and model Hương Ly (R to L) in a 3D gown by Hoàng Minh Hà. Photo courtesy of Multimedia JSC

TRADITIONAL DRESS : An áo dài design by Thuỷ Nguyễn. Photo courtesy of Multimedia JSC