On November 15, 2024, in Hanoi, the luxury silk brand DeSilk, in collaboration with the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts, officially launched a special collection titled “Khoi day Tinh hoa, Noi dai Di san” (Awakening Essence, Extending Legacy). Inspired by nine National Treasures, the event marks a new step forward in blending cultural heritage with contemporary art. The collection is not only a display of exquisite silk designs but also a profound tribute to traditional artistic values, while opening up a new creative space that connects the past with the present.
Heritage essence recreated on Vietnamese silk
In the elegant and inspiring space of Hanoi, the luxury silk collection "Awakening Essence, Extending Legacy" captured the attention of numerous art and fashion enthusiasts. Designed with inspiration from nine National Treasures currently displayed at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, the collection offers a unique approach to honoring the nation's cultural heritage. Artworks such as the lacquer painting "Giong" by Nguyen Tu Nghiem, the carved dragon wooden door from Keo Pagoda (Thai Binh), and the oil painting "Hai thieu nu va em be" (Two Girls and a Baby) by To Ngoc Van were subtly transformed by DeSilk into unique silk designs.
Each design is not just a fashion piece but a story, an invitation for viewers to explore and feel the depth of Vietnamese culture through every line and color. The collection is a testament to the creative blend of traditional art and modern design. These are not merely garments but a way for cultural heritage to continue to thrive, integrate into contemporary life, and inspire the younger generation.
Creative idea in connecting the past and the present
DeSilk dedicated many months to meticulously studying each treasure to preserve the artistic spirit of the original works while infusing them with a modern style. Minh Pham, the Artistic Director behind the collection's success, shared: "We did not simply replicate the artworks; we aimed to transform them into a new visual language, where traditional and modern art could naturally blend." The patterns in the collection were processed using advanced digital techniques to capture every vivid detail.
The intricate motifs from the carved dragon wooden door at Keo Pagoda or the image of Saint Giong on a lacquer background are faithfully recreated, yet with a modern touch. This effort by DeSilk aims to connect traditional values with the artistic appreciation of today's society. The collection also conveys a message to the public that cultural heritage does not only exist in museums but can merge into everyday life, becoming an essential part of modern living.
Outstanding designs: Artistic journey through each piece of silk
Each piece in the collection is a symbol of the essence of Vietnamese culture. Among them, the design “Huyen thoai” (Legend) stands out, inspired by Nguyen Tu Nghiem's "Giong". Saint Giong — a symbol of the nation's resilient spirit — is depicted through bold red and orange tones, combined with zigzag patterns and concentric circles from Dong Son culture. This piece not only portrays the image of a hero but also conveys a message of strength and national pride. The “Song long chau nhat” (Two Dragons Facing the Sun) design brings to life the vibrancy of the dragon-carved wooden door at Keo Pagoda. The image of two dragons curling toward the sun — a symbol of life and prosperity — is expressed through sharp lines and a harmonious color scheme of gold, red, and black. This work both honors symbolic spiritual values and offers a modern perspective that feels close to contemporary life.
Lastly, the “Tuoi xuan” (Youth) design draws inspiration from the oil painting "Two Girls and a Baby" by renowned artist To Ngoc Van. Instead of recreating the stillness of the original painting, the design uses a kaleidoscope motif full of color to evoke the natural beauty of plants and flowers. This transformation not only breathes new life into the artwork but also emphasizes the harmonious connection between humans and nature.
The collection is not only a step forward in the fashion industry but also an affirmation of the value of Vietnamese art on its journey to the global stage. DeSilk takes pride in presenting silk designs that are not only visually stunning but also rich with meaningful cultural stories.
Larissa | Cameron Truong
Director DeSilk
