Story NAM THI, LIEU CHUONG
Photos INTERVIEWEES

In our first issue of 2024, Heritage Fashion meets with some of Vietnam’s most talented young models and designers as they reflect on the past and look to build on their successes in the coming year.

Miss Grand International 2021 Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien

Hello, Thuy Tien. How do you feel about being on the cover of the first issue of Heritage Fashion for 2024?

Hello, readers of Heritage Fashion. I was overjoyed and extremely proud when I learned I would be the cover model, as this is a magazine I’ve followed and loved for a long time. Moreover, this isn’t just my first time on the cover, but also the first issue of 2024. I hope this will herald a brilliant year for me, for the magazine, and for all its beloved readers.

Since being crowned Miss Grand International 2021, what social activity has been the most memorable and proudest for you?

Since my crowning, my team and I have carried out many meaningful trips and activities. The proudest for me would be the long-term projects I’ve created and developed, like Nhung dieu nho xiu (Little Things Matter) or Vui len nha (Cheer Up). Among them, “Những điều nhỏ xíu” operates simply but the significant impact it makes is extremely satisfying. For instance, following our focus on organ donation, a temple received 1,000 registration forms. Or the “Green Saigon” theme, which raised greater societal awareness about environmental activities by various organizations. I feel fortunate to have utilized my influence to spread positive vibes in the community.

You reached a milestone for Vietnamese beauty as the first to achieve the highest title at an international beauty pageant. How has this created opportunities and challenges for you?

With such a special milestone, it has opened up many great opportunities for me to develop myself, learn new things, and earn financially to help my family. However, as a young person, significant success can lead to temptations and resting on one’s laurels. I constantly remind myself that I am still nobody, that I need to strive for the future, and work harder to accomplish even more. Of course, I can be proud, but I shouldn’t think of everything as too grandiose.

Even after achieving such a great feat, you still maintain a relatable image in the public eye. Is this your way of affirming that you can be true to your personality, or is it a strategy to build a distinctive image?

It’s not a way of affirming myself; it’s simply me trying to be true to who I am. I don’t think about creating a perfect image in the public eye at all costs. Fortunately, this approach has helped me to easily gain the affection of many people. In reality, I am not the type of person who lives too rigidly, so if I attempted to construct that misrepresented image, it would definitely be noticed, and the public would feel even more distanced. Instead, I just strive to be myself, in the most natural and sincere way possible.

Many girls aim to imitate the look and style of their favorite beauty queens. If you could advice to these girls, what would you share?

If you continuously strive to chase someone else in life, even if it’s someone you admire, and become a replica of them, you will never truly discover your own identity. It’s perfectly fine to take inspiration from good role models, but don’t be blind, because each person is born with their strengths, advantages, and imperfections. I hope we can learn to embrace and love our unique selves, write our own stories, and become the main characters in our beautiful lives.

Thank you and we wish you even more shining success.

Model Dahan Phuong Oanh

Hello Dahan Phuong Oanh. Reflecting on the past year, what makes you most proud?

I’m proud that I’ve grown more mature in my thoughts, actions, and how I perceive life and people. I’ve become freer. I think more for myself than before. I no longer overemphasize or prioritize how others view me. I see everything as a lesson and a part of fate. I prefer hearing criticism over praise, because anyone can give compliments, but criticism helps us improve every day.

As the first Vietnamese model to walk the catwalk in the four biggest international fashion weeks in the world, how do you feel about your pioneering status?

I’m happy and very proud of both the determination and strength as well as the soft, gentle emotions. I usually look back only to see how hard I’ve tried to get here, and to continue the journey without giving up halfway. For me, everything happens for a reason, so there’s no need to explain. These are the rewards I deserve after many valuable lessons.

When modeling in Vietnam is still struggling to assert its professional status, you give audiences faith that a model can be purely professional and still succeed. In your opinion, how can Vietnamese models develop sustainably in this industry?

I think young people just need a companion – someone who genuinely loves the profession and has a bright heart to motivate and awaken their potential. This way, they can confidently express the purity within them. Outside, there is too much haze and too many misleading signs. It is extremely challenging for a young person to navigate this path independently.

Is there a public perception (good or bad) about modeling as a profession that you would like to correct?

I’m not here to correct anything! I am here to do what I am good at and enjoy, for myself, and for those who truly understand and care. Life is such that if you have enough experience, you will know what is right and what is wrong, without the need to bother correcting perceptions.

Recently, there are two things people have talked about concerning Dahan Phuong Oanh. One is a statement from a modeling contest in the past, and the other is a candid discussion about models and designers in a talk show. In both instances, you were perceived as resolute and forthright. Is this a trait that you have always had, or is it something you acquired while living abroad?

These two affirmations occurred at different times. The first was when I was 18, and the second at 24. This definitely originates from my inner personality. But when I want to speak about something beyond myself, I need enough understanding and experience to comment on it. I believe that if I live authentically, the truth will always welcome me. Challenges are just external opportunities for me to experience and grow.

What is the next “mountain peak” you dream of conquering in your career?

Next year, I want to be on the HOT LIST of the world’s leading website, models.com, and gradually become someone who inspires and brings positive energy to all the people I love.

Thank you, Dahan Phuong Oanh. I wish you even more success in 2024.

Designer Phan Dang Hoang

Hello, Phan Dang Hoang! Another year has passed, filled with hopes for a new beginning. How was 2023 for you?

Nothing describes it better than “fulfilling”! This period may very well be the most memorable in my journey with fashion. Not only marking a decade of pursuing art professionally, 2023 also witnessed one of my greatest achievements, which I’ve been nurturing for a long time: Phan Dang Hoang brand became the first Vietnamese label to be featured in the official show lineup of Milan Fashion Week, debuting two collections. Among them, the Spring/Summer 2024 Sculpture collection, inspired by the works and enduring creative journey of female sculptor Diem Phung Thi, is a tremendous source of pride for me. Additionally, receiving the Prospect Designer Award and the favor of numerous international publications are achievements I deeply cherish.

You can certainly be regarded as one of the truly standout names, bringing many firsts to the Vietnamese fashion community. What has been the most impressive first for you?

The milestone that remains most vivid to me is probably the day I set foot in Italy to study abroad. It was an incredibly special time for a boy just turning 18, leaving home for the first time to live and study in a completely different European land. From culture shocks to language barriers, many stories and emotions have left a lasting impression on me to this day, giving me valuable experiences in both life and my profession.

To survive and thrive in the harsh world of fashion, what qualities do you think a creator needs to develop?

In creativity, you might need everything, or perhaps nothing at all. Why is that? We know that each profession has its standards, measures, or formulas for success. However, in creativity, it’s more indefinite and complex, as sometimes these common formulas and standards don’t necessarily guarantee truly good results. You have to find your own rules and your own path for development.

For me, everything must be built on a solid foundation of knowledge, life experience and discipline. Cultivating a deep understanding of fashion is the bare minimum, but to sustain your creative energy in the long run, respecting and applying work principles, and continually enriching your spiritual life with new experiences, is the key to success.

In 2024, what kind of new beginning can everyone expect from Phan Dang Hoang?

2024 continues to be another special year, as it is my zodiac year. People often talk a lot about the taboos associated with one’s zodiac year, but I see this as a deep connection with my true self. I want to dedicate this precious time to contributing to fashion, marking more distinctive achievements for myself and the Phan Dang Hoang brand. Therefore, there will definitely be many new designs launched!

But no matter what, 2024 will still be a challenging year. I only hope that everyone can maintain a positive spirit in the face of the upcoming challenges. All beginnings are difficult, but they are also priceless life lessons. Overcoming them, we grow and shine brighter than ever.

Thank you, Phan Dang Hoang, for sharing such inspiring thoughts for 2024!