Designer Kidu: Teller of Vietnamese cultural stories through fashion

Designer Kidu, whose real name is Le Thi Kim Dung, is one of the talented and outstanding designers in Vietnam’s fashion industry today. Since beginning her career, Kidu has quickly affirmed her talent and attracted public attention with unique collections that showcase her personal signature.

Kidu is not only known for her creative design style but also for her focus on incorporating cultural elements into each of her creations. With the desire to blend traditional values with modern fashion trends, Kidu constantly seeks to convey profound messages about culture and history through her designs.


 

Since her days as a fashion design student, Kidu has demonstrated seriousness and determination in pursuing her passion. She has participated in many major competitions and international fashion events, establishing her position and reputation in the industry. Each of Kidu’s collections tells a unique story, highlighting the beauty of Vietnamese culture.

 

“Voi Chien”: Perfect combination of the arts and culture

One of designer Kidu’s most impressive creations is the “Voi Chien” (War Elephant) outfit. This design is inspired by the image of the elephant – a symbol of strength, resilience, and its deep connection to Vietnam’s military history. Throughout history, elephants were not just animals but brave warriors and loyal companions of dynasties in significant battles. From the uprising of the Trung Sisters against the Han army to Emperor Quang Trung’s victories over the Qing and Siamese forces, elephants have always represented power, courage, and played an essential role in the nation’s greatest triumphs. The image of the mighty and steadfast war elephant symbolizes indomitable warriors, embodying national pride and the enduring tradition of defending the homeland.


 

With the “Voi Chien” outfit, designer Kidu masterfully recreates the majestic and imposing image of the war elephant, not only through intricate details but also with bold yet captivating colors. The dominant color of the outfit is pink, creating a harmonious blend of strength and sweetness, vibrancy, and a sense of fresh vitality. Brocade patterns, a distinctive feature of Vietnamese ethnic culture, are incorporated to enhance the outfit’s regal presence and highlight the nation’s rich traditions. This design not only embodies power but also evokes a sense of familiarity with Vietnam’s history, inspiring pride in the nation’s indomitable warriors and deep patriotism.


 

Designer Kidu has successfully blended traditional and modern elements, creating a masterpiece that is not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful, reflecting the rich cultural identity of Vietnam.

 

Kidu’s “Voi Chien” outfit shining, conquering fashionistas at the GSFW 2025 Announcement Ceremony

The announcement ceremony of Global Student Fashion Week (GSFW) 2025, held on March 16, marked a significant milestone in designer Kidu's creative journey, as the “Voi Chien” outfit once again shone on the fashion runway. This major event brought together many talented young designers, along with numerous experts, journalists, and creative art enthusiasts.


 

In the luxurious and professional atmosphere of GSFW 2025, the appearance of the “Voi Chien” design made a powerful impression from the very first moments. The outfit was presented with pride and confidence by the model, shining on the runway. Intricate details, sharp patterns, and the unique combination of various materials created a distinctive allure, allowing “Voi Chien” to stand out among other designs and leave a lasting impression on the audience. More than just a fashion piece, "War Elephant" conveys a profound message about Vietnamese culture and traditions. This perfect fusion of heritage and modernity was highly praised by experts and international critics. Many global guests expressed admiration for Kidu’s ability to merge cultural identity with creativity, showcasing her unique artistic signature.

The success of “Voi Chien” at GSFW 2025 not only marked a significant step in Kidu’s creative journey but also played a crucial role in elevating Vietnamese fashion and culture on the international stage. The outfit is expected to continue making appearances at major global fashion events, further affirming Vietnam’s unique identity in the global fashion industry.


 

The dream of “registering” Vietnam to the world fashion map

Beyond creating unique outfits, Kidu also harbors great ambitions for the future. She aspires to build a world-class Vietnamese fashion brand that will bring the country’s fashion industry to the global stage.

With each collection, Kidu strives to showcase traditional cultural values through modern designs, offering a fresh perspective on Vietnamese fashion. She hopes to create fashion pieces that are not only beautiful but also rich in cultural significance, ultimately elevating Vietnam’s position in the global fashion industry.


 

Additionally, Kidu aims to diversify her product lines with a wide range of materials. With relentless creativity and a strategic vision, she is set to achieve even greater success in the future, taking Vietnamese fashion to new heights. With her passion and ambition, Kidu is undoubtedly a rising star in Vietnam’s fashion industry. In the coming years, she will continue to make a significant impact, helping to solidify the talent and global presence of Vietnamese fashion.

Minh Hang | Cameron Truong