Thailand International Fashion Week 2025: Where culture and creativity converge

TIFW 2025 was held at Baiyoke Sky Hotel, the towering symbol in the heart of Bangkok, where the city lights blended with the stage lighting. Under the guidance of Dr. Chirawan Lewis, the event became a convergence of cultures, where fashion was celebrated as a universal language. Here, renowned brands and young creators walked side by side, creating a vibrant rhythm of art and fashion spirit.

 

Amid that flow, “Mong Ho Sac – Dreams of Dong Ho” by Dac Ngoc Designer House in collaboration with Ken Design By Hanh Nguyen brought a distinct difference: not only showcasing fashion, but also portraying a vivid picture of Vietnamese culture. Each outfit resembled a color patch in the Dong Ho folk painting, making the international audience feel as if they were witnessing a heritage speaking out in the heart of Bangkok.

 

A five-colored dream from Dong Ho paintings

Dong Ho painting village, nestled by the Duong River, has long been the cradle of Vietnamese folk art. The hand-printed woodblock paintings, with familiar images such as “Dam cuoi chuot” (Rat’s Wedding), “Vinh hoa – Phu quy” (Prosperity and Honor), and “Em be om ga” (Child Holding a Chicken), both simple and profound, have become cherished memories for generations. Inspired by this heritage, “Mong Ho Sac” not only revives folk colors but also conveys a message of harmony between past and present.

 

 

 

 

The collection does not replicate the paintings in their original form but transforms the spirit of art into the language of fashion. The cuts, silhouettes, and fabric treatments evoke the composition of traditional paintings, yet are placed within a contemporary, liberating structure. As a result, “Mong Ho Sac” becomes a visual journey, where each step on the catwalk carries the audience from the memories of the countryside to the rhythm of international life.

 

 

 

The horse: symbol of aspirations and success

Throughout the entire collection, the image of the horse stands out as its guiding spirit. From the humor of “Dam cuoi chuot” (Rat’s Wedding) to the powerful aura of “Ma dao thanh cong” (Horses Bringing Success), the horse carries multiple layers of meaning: tied to loyalty and endurance, while also symbolizing the spirit of conquest and the aspiration to reach further.

 

 

 

On the designs, the horse motif is subtly stylized: sometimes appearing through elaborate hand embroidery, other times flowing freely in cuts that mimic the gallop of racing hooves. Shades of red, yellow, blue, and black blend together, evoking sunlight over the steppes and the vibrant colors of festivals. As a result, each outfit is not only aesthetically striking but also deeply cultural, like a blessing of good fortune, instilling faith in prosperity and success.

 

 

 

An identity glowing amidst the global current

“Mong Ho Sac – Dreams of Dong Ho” left its mark as a visual performance infused with cultural pride. The hall in Bangkok became the stage where Dong Ho spoke through the galloping of horses, the beat of festival drums, and the vibrant hues of folk art. Layered gowns in green, yellow, and red, exquisite hand-embroidered velvet ao dai, and velvet coats adorned with motifs of rats, chickens, and horses transformed the models into moving paintings, engraving a lasting impression on the audience.

 

 

Closing the showcase, “Mong Ho Sac – Dreams of Dong Ho” unfolded a five-colored dream while spreading Vietnamese pride in the rhythm of international fashion. It was a vivid testament to the power of heritage—when infused with creativity and dedication, it stepped forth confidently, brilliantly, and enduringly on the global stage.