From childhood passion to a new generation fashion designer

From a young age, Bui Hoai Duy displayed a special passion for fashion. He actively participated in artistic activities at school and continuously explored and learned about design. After completing high school, he pursued a professional path by studying Fashion Design at Ton Duc Thang University, one of Vietnam’s prestigious institutions for arts and design.

Throughout his studies, Hoai Duy not only gained professional knowledge but also actively engaged in extracurricular activities and design competitions to refine his skills and expand his creative vision. He constantly sought opportunities to challenge himself, from participating in small projects to competing in major contests, gaining valuable experience along the way.

 

Alongside his studies, Hoai Duy took on the role of Boss at CAT Festival and worked as a designer at Ptytb Art Atelier, showcasing his versatility in the arts. The combination of academic learning and practical experience allowed him to develop comprehensively, shaping designs that strongly reflect his personal identity.

 

Bui Hoai Duy’s design style and creative philosophy: When fashion is a language

Bui Hoai Duy’s design style stands out for its delicate balance between cultural tradition and contemporary influence. To him, each outfit is more than just a fashion piece; it is a vivid canvas reflecting national culture, historical narratives, and Vietnamese folklore. What makes Hoai Duy’s creations special is his ability to convey cultural depth through visual language, materials, and garment structures. He not only focuses on external beauty but also explores and expresses the profound values embedded in every design detail.

Bui Hoai Duy carefully selects traditional materials such as brocade, silk, and gấm to craft emotionally rich garments with deep cultural significance. At the same time, he boldly applies modern tailoring techniques, integrating unconventional and avant-garde silhouettes to highlight the fusion of past and present. Through this approach, his designs embody a fresh contemporary spirit while preserving and promoting the enduring beauty of traditional culture.

Hoai Duy’s creative philosophy is deeply rooted in national values. To him, preserving cultural heritage is not merely about replicating old images but about revitalizing these values through innovative and unconventional approaches. As a result, each of his creations serves as a bold statement of national identity while acting as a bridge that helps younger generations gain a deeper appreciation for and respect the cultural heritage passed down by their ancestors.

 

One of Bui Hoai Duy’s greatest strengths is his ability to tell stories through his designs. For each collection, he dedicates significant time to researching Vietnamese legends, traditions, and customs. His creations are not merely fashion pieces but also carry profound messages, rich in humanity and inspiration for the wearer. Through intricate patterns, color palettes, and garment structures, Hoai Duy continuously evokes national pride, fostering a deep connection between the wearer and the cultural heritage of Vietnam.

 

Bright impression with the national costume “Son Than”: When legends come to life

In 2024, as part of the Mister Vietnam National Costume Design Competition, Bui Hoai Duy marked a significant milestone in his career by winning first place with his masterpiece, "Son Than" (Mountain God). The standout feature of "Son Than" lies not only in its grand and powerful appearance but also in the meticulous attention to detail that Duy poured into every element. He skillfully blended mythical imagery with traditional Vietnamese customs such as tattooing, hunting, and daily life, all expressed through intricate patterns inspired by the Dong Son drum—an iconic symbol of Vietnamese culture. This depth of storytelling made the design truly special, allowing the audience to feel both the majestic essence and the familiar warmth of their cultural heritage.

 

Hoai Duy's "Son Than" costume not only made a strong impression in the competition but also received high praise from industry experts and fashion enthusiasts. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the young designer's career, helping to further spread Vietnamese cultural values on both domestic and international fashion stages.

With this success, Hoai Duy not only proved his outstanding creativity but also demonstrated the immense potential of incorporating cultural and historical elements into contemporary fashion. Through "Son Than," he pioneered a new direction, inspiring the next generation of designers to embrace and elevate national identity through the language of fashion.

Beyond his domestic achievements, Bui Hoai Duy is determined to introduce Vietnamese culture and identity to the global stage. For him, fashion is not just about aesthetics—it is a powerful bridge for conveying messages, national heritage, and pride in his homeland to an international audience.

 

Bui Hoai Duy’s steps forward on the journey of promoting Vietnamese culture to the world

In recent years, Hoai Duy has actively participated in cultural exchange programs, international fashion exhibitions, and collaborations with major names in the fashion industry. He sees these as golden opportunities to further promote the image of Vietnam and its people through his meticulously crafted designs. Hoai Duy’s creations consistently leave a lasting impression with their unique concepts, intricate handmade craftsmanship, and the deep historical and cultural values he skillfully integrates into each piece.

 

One of Hoai Duy’s most notable activities is his involvement in designing fashion collections that highlight Vietnamese heritage for international beauty pageants. He has successfully introduced iconic designs at major competitions, earning significant attention and admiration from the global audience. Creations such as “Det Mong” (Sewing Dreams), “Son Than”, and “Thieu Hoa Co Nhac” (Flowers in the Ancient Melody) serve as vivid testaments to his creativity and his ability to seamlessly connect fashion with traditional culture.

 

Additionally, Hoai Duy actively promotes Vietnamese fashion through international social media platforms. By sharing his creative process and the cultural significance behind each design, he not only enhances the awareness and pride of the Vietnamese people but also effectively introduces Vietnamese culture to the global community. His efforts not only solidify his personal standing in the fashion industry but also contribute to shaping a more vibrant, modern, and compelling image of Vietnam on the international stage.

 

Minh Hang | Cameron Truong