Ethnic brocade takes center highlands stage

Designer Ly Qui Khanh spent a month in northern Sa Pa Town sourcing ethnic minority brocade fabrics and patterns for his "Hat Nang" (Sunshine) collection.

Khanh’s efforts culminated in a total 45 evening gowns mixing genuine silk with brocade textures, greatly complimenting Valentine Van Nguyen’s typical Nguyen Dynasty feudal style to boost the allure of traditional brocade mixed with modern design sensibility.

Brocade design by Valentine Van Nguyen. Photo by T Cam.

The designers have concluded that as uniquely beautiful as it may be, brocade texture and drape quality make design a challenge.

"One slip of the hand could result in a disastrous jagged edge. I have to first sketch layouts onto the fabric, sew the edge, then cut," Van Nguyen explained.

Show organizer My Dung said designers had visited the homes of many craftspeople in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong and the central province of Quang Tri to source enough fabric for the event.

"Huong Rung Sac Nui" (Forest Scent, Mountain Beauty), being participated by three designers Valentine Van Nguyen, Ly Qui Khanh, Diego Chula, is a part of the 2nd Vietnam Brocade Culture Festival.