Vietnamese gown graces Venice Film Festival

"Saidi contacted me through a worldwide famous stylist who assisted many stars find their styles," the Vietnamese designer said. "We sent her a gown for her appearance at the Venice Film Festival after that."

Moroccan model Sofia Saidi on the Venice Film Festival red carpet in a dress created by Vietnamese designer Pham Dang Anh Thu. Photo from Saidi’s Instagram

Part of Thu’s collection "Song of Mermaid," Saidi’s dress is the combination of an upper part that takes the shape of a queen’s cape and a mermaid tail, with pearls attached as the highlight. Saidi completed the outfit with ton-sur-ton bracelets and earrings for her appearance at the festival on Saturday.

"With its classic romantic vibe, the dress can be a perfect outfit for a movie, and fits the film festival which Sofia attended," Thu said.

Thu added that she felt glad having various international stars showing off her designs at this year’s Venice Film Festival, which took place from August 30 to September 9.

The names included: English model Victoria Hervey, Swiss singer Ginta Biku, and Russian dancer-actress Stefaniya Makarova.

Other stars such as Fan Bingbing and Dilraba Dilmurat were also seen in Thu’s designs earlier this year.

"I’m happy seeing many Vietnamese and global stars wearing my designs in different parts of the world," Thu said.

Saidi, 27, was crowned Miss Arab World Next Top Model 2019 and 2020. She is the only person to win the title in two consecutive years to date.

Thu, 35, started her career in the fashion industry as a model. She established her own brand in 2008, which has developed into a fashion house favored by many international and domestic stars.