Two designs that won special prizes at the "Future Designer 2025" contest. Photos courtesy of organisers.

HÀ NỘI — The "Future Designer 2025" contest, implemented by fashion brand beAnn, Thiếu Niên Tiền Phong and Nhi Đồng Newspaper, fostered and celebrated the creative ideas of young designers from six to 15 years old.

With the topic, “Imagine yourself as a delegate attending the 10th National Uncle Hồ's Good Children Congress and express your love for your country by wearing it to attend the event”, the contestants showed their love for Việt Nam through their own unique drawings. 

The organising committee picked the 24 best among thousands of designs for the final ceremony, where the drawings were converted into unique costumes performed on stage.

Each costume was a separate story, bearing the personal mark of its child designer. Notably, among them were stylized evening gowns and áo dài (Vietnamese traditional long dress) designs which were inspired by lotus flowers, traditional musical instruments and traditional Vietnamese costumes.

In particular, all 24 costumes will be auctioned and all proceeds will be donated to the newspaper's project "Library of Dreams" that supports disadvantaged children.

The two prestigious Special Prizes of the competition went to Nguyễn Thị Thanh Thảo from Archimedes Academy Primary School in Hà Nội and Nguyễn Lê Thùy Linh from Mạo Khê II Secondary School in Quảng Ninh Province.

“When I walked the catwalk with the dress that I designed myself, it was a really special feeling," said Thảo. "Seeing my idea become a real-life outfit, worn by a model and shining, I am really proud and moved."

Meanwhile, Linh said her dress was not just clothes but also a way to tell the designer's story. Each drawing and each outfit was a way to express emotions through colours and design.

Organisers present awards to high-ranking designs.

 Designer Yến Ngô said: “We want to create a playground where all children across the country, including those in remote areas or those with difficult circumstances, have opportunities to realise their design ideas on a professional stage.

"This is the final night where the children really shine. The children today have shown me a generation of talented and passionate future designers.”

The Gala also gathered more than 200 models, singers, dancers and famous designers. 

Among the shining faces on the catwalk was a girl who stood out with her professional demeanor, walking confidently in an outfit inspired by Đông Hồ folk paintings, attracting all eyes.

She was Jeong Hyeyoung - a South Korean-Vietnamese child model performing in home land for the first time.

Hyeyoung, whose Vietnamese name was Hoàng Yến, was born in South Korea to parents of Vietnamese origin.

Hyeyoung took part in many international fashion shows such as Shanghai Fashion Week AW2025 and Prankers Global K - POP Fashion Show 2025, but she always hoped to have chance to perform in Việt Nam.

South Korean-Vietnamese child model Jeong Hyeyoung catwalks in her first fashion show in her home land.

Knowing about the "Future Designer 2025" contest, Hyeyoung and her mother flew more than 3,000km back home to make her dream come true.

She played a key role to help designer Nguyễn Trần Mộc Thanh show off the best side of an outfit that received appreciation from both the audience and judges.   

“Hyeyoung impressed me with her professionalism and cuteness. Although she returned to Việt Nam a few days before the show, she was able to catch up, understand and perform very well. She helped highlight the ideas of the designer,” said designer Yến Ngô.

Meanwhile, journalist Bùi Việt Cường, head of the organising committee, said: "Hyeyoung brought something very interesting to the show. In a space filled with love and pride for Việt Nam, a girl from a faraway land fully expressed that spirit through costumes designed by Vietnamese children.

"It is a wonderful example of Vietnamese culture. That means our culture always receives recognition from the international community. We should be proud of our unique cultural values and inspire our friends around the world, making them want to become a part of it." — VNS