New rich drive Vietnam luxury boom

The rapidly rising ranks of Vietnam’s uber-rich are fueling growing demand for luxury goods in the fast-growing economy. The number of ultra high net worth individuals (UHNWI) in Vietnam is predicted to double to 300 by 2024, according to the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2015. The increase of 159 per cent makes Vietnam the country … Read more

Plain and simple

  The áo bà ba’s simplicity and versatility has contributed to its popularity, whether in rural or urban areas it can be worn while labouring or lounging. modern versions incorporate countless different designs, colours and embroidery, which has allowed the costume to transition into high fashion   Producer: Tra My next Top Setup: hoang Dao … Read more

Behind the Forbidden City

This ao dai collection took inspiration from the ancient royal robes that were in vogue during the Nguyen Dynasty. It combines three dimensional hand embroideries of phoenixes and dragons – Asian symbols of royalty – with intricate cast bronze decorations. The collection represents an idealized image of Asian beauty – luxurious and seductive while evoking … Read more

Romantic Notions

Inspired by the French classical period, Huynh Kim Hien Design House has launched a Royal Collection that harmonizes luxury with romance. Producer: Nguyen Tra My Director: Hoang Dao Photographer: Minh Tuan Model: Actress Van Thanh Makeup: Duy Lee Hair: Giau Tang Assistant: Vinh Hung Costume & Stylist: Huynh Kim Hien 

Well Heeled

A second career for the most unlikely of shoe gurus Clinton Kelly, American fashion consultant and media personality, once said: “Sometimes comfort doesn’t matter. When a shoe is freakin’ fabulous, it may be worth a subsequent day of misery. Soak in Epsom salts and take comfort in the fact that you’re better than everyone else.” … Read more

What women want

Despite what he may have you believe, Adrian Tuan’s fashion designs are quintessentially Vietnamese. But they’re just not Vietnamese in the way you’d expect – it’s rare to see anything in his collections that even remotely resembles an ao dai. Famous for its body-hugging sensuality, Adrian’s Valenciani (26 Ly Tu Trong, D1) brand womenswear – … Read more

Royale Chic

Drawing from the ancient traditions of Hue, designer Huynh Hai Long captures the culture of this imperial city with his new collection. Green grass hugs the curving line of the Perfume River where traditional attire merges with modernity to create seamless beauty. Producer: Nguyen Tra My Set up: Hoang Dao (hoangdao@swot.vn) Photographer: Vu Minh Tuan … Read more

In the Boudoir

Opened in 2010, this two-story boutique, with a façade reminiscent of a British pub, aims to making shopping more personal by opening up her ‘closet’ to customers. Owner Rattana Chongcharoenponsuk, a Thai, has been living in Saigon for two years and had problems finding clothes to match her style and frame. “Most dresses designed here are so body-fit and … Read more