When TIFW becomes the rendezvous for fashion dreams

On August 23 and 24, the luxurious space of Baiyoke Sky Hotel, the tallest building in Bangkok, became the gathering place for global fashion enthusiasts as Thailand International Fashion Week 2025 (TIFW) officially took place. More than just an annual event, it served as a convergence of creative ideas, where designers and models from many countries came together to speak the language of fashion.

 

Under the leadership of founder Dr. Chirawan Lewis, TIFW was organized on a grand scale, attracting the attention of leading magazines such as Vogue, Getty Images, FAB UK, Custom Trends, and JAL Magazine. The atmosphere during the two days was vibrant, with new collections continuously introduced, showcasing diversity in style, materials, and creative spirit. Within this flow, the collection “Mong Ho Sac” by Dac Ngoc Designer House in collaboration with Ken Design by Hanh Nguyen carved out a distinctive presence, leaving a strong impression on both the audience and the media.

 

Dong Ho paintings reincarnated in layers of fabric

Inspired by Dong Ho folk paintings, a genre deeply tied to Vietnamese culture, the collection “Mong Ho Sac” unfolds like a dialogue between tradition and modernity. The designers skillfully brought familiar images such as elephants, horses, village festivals, and folk games into the garments through exquisite hand-embroidery on velvet, brocade, and silk.

 

The colors of the collection also evoke rich emotions: red symbolizing luck, black velvet suggesting elegance, neon blue and pink adding a bold, contemporary twist. Combined with layered fabrics, voluminous skirts, and long flowing capes, the collection blends nostalgic charm with the free-spirited essence of modern couture. With “Mong Ho Sac”, the TIFW runway was transformed into a vast painting, where Vietnamese folk art came alive through the language of haute couture.

International audiences not only admired the stunning designs but also felt the cultural depth embedded within. This is why “Mong Ho Sac” stood out as one of the highlights of this year’s TIFW. And within that artistic canvas, the presence of young model Thien Minh added a particularly memorable touch.

 

Sturdy strides amidst an international-caliber space

Among the young faces on the runway, Thien Minh stood out with his captivating presence. Dressed in a red ao dai paired with a black velvet hand-embroidered cape, he stepped onto the stage with a steady stride, focused gaze, and composed expression. His mature performance immediately set him apart from the lineup of models.

 

With every round of the catwalk, Thien Minh demonstrated his refined ability to control the outfit. The long cape with its multi-layered embroidery did not hinder him; instead, it accentuated his calm and sophisticated aura. At slower steps, the audience could clearly admire the intricate details of the embroidery: the elephant procession, folk games, and village festival characters. At faster strides, the entire design created a striking visual effect that held the audience’s attention.

What made Thien Minh most captivating was his naturalness. He did not force exaggerated poses, yet every glance and every step radiated confidence—the confidence of a young model who knows he is carrying a piece of Vietnamese culture to present to the international stage.

 

An emerging face gradually affirming himself

It can be said that the performance at TIFW 2025 marked an important milestone in the journey of Nguyen Ba Thien Minh. From his steady walk to the way his gaze connected with the camera, he demonstrated a rare professionalism for someone so young. Many moments captured by photographers highlighted his distinct high-fashion aura, making his face unforgettable to the audience even after the show ended.

 

Thien Minh’s presence on the international runway carried a deeper meaning. Chosen to represent a collection honoring Vietnamese culture, he became a bridge connecting the imagery of Dong Ho paintings—a treasured folk heritage—with global audiences. This was not only a professional experience but also a source of pride for a young model.

In an era when fashion is increasingly globalized, the emergence of new talents like Thien Minh enriches the narrative of a generation of Vietnamese models confidently stepping onto the world stage. His performance in “Mong Ho Sac” stood as proof that professionalism, charisma, and courage can make even a young model shine on any runway. With his showing in “Mong Ho Sac” at Thailand International Fashion Week 2025, Nguyen Ba Thien Minh left a powerful impression through his mature aura, steady walk, and confidence akin to that of a seasoned model. More than just a performance, it was a declaration: young Vietnamese models are fully capable of conquering international runways and bringing the culture of their homeland closer to the world.