Fashion designer hits upon unique way to showcase Vietnam culture

By Duc Trung February 12, 2022 | 06:30 am PT

Designer Phuong Ho seeks to draw global attention to Vietnam's culture and landscapes by having international magazines publish photographs of the national costume, ao dai.

After greatly admiring the ‘Tropical’ series of photos young model Tin Tam took with pythons, parrots and other animals, she connected with publications such as Prestige Models Magazine (the U.S.), FABUK Magazine (the U.K.) and I Do Magazine (Thailand) to promote the ao dai.

'Ca Chep Hoa Rong' (Carp Turns Into A Dragon) costume. Photo courtesy of Phuong Ho

She has collaborated with MMMagazine since 2020. The U.S. publication has so far carried images of Phuong Ho's design 20 times on its front page, according to local newspaper Tuoi Tre.

The latest cover photo is one named 'Ca Chep Hoa Rong' (Carp Turns Into A Dragon) featuring Bella Vu Huyen Dieu, Miss Eco Teen International 2021, taken at Da Lake in Binh Duong.

The ao dai Bella wears is 3.5m long and has intricate handmade details. The front features dragons amid clouds while a stunning winding fishtail pattern is at the back. The outfit weighs nearly 30kg.

Phuong has also designed ao dai with various other grand themes.