Đỗ Trịnh Hoài Nam
Fashion designer Đỗ Trịnh Hoài Nam - the founder of the DO TRINH HOAI NAM Ao Dai brand, is recognized as one of the most famous Ao Dai designers in Vietnam, with significant contributions to the development and promotion of Vietnamese áo dài internationally. Entering the fashion industry at the age of 14, and having experienced over 30 years of ups and downs in the profession, Đỗ Trịnh Hoài Nam has naturally and passionately embraced the áo dài with a pure and sincere love. His mission is to honor the beauty of women and promote the image of Vietnamese áo dài. He has truly made remarkable milestones in the world of áo dài. Đỗ Trịnh Hoài Nam had the honor of being the first Vietnamese fashion designer to showcase áo dài twice at the New York Couture Fashion Week (2017, 2019) - a prestigious international fashion event that brings together leading designers from around the world and renowned international models and celebrities. He has also successfully carried out numerous international fashion shows and tours to promote the image of áo dài, such as showcasing áo dài at Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture 2018, Cannes Film Festival 2018, touring with heads of state in South Korea in 2018, and presenting áo dài in Italy and France. In Vietnam, he is a familiar face in many renowned fashion weeks, such as Vietnam Fashion Week Spring Summer, Hanoi Ao Dai Festival, Hue Ao Dai Festival, and Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival. His designs cater to a wide range of women, particularly middle-aged women, showcasing their beauty, sensuality, and depth that can only be found in those who have experienced life. This has been the inspiration behind creating thousands of special áo dài designs for heads of state, politicians, artists, businesspeople, and mothers on wedding days. With his significant contributions, Đỗ Trịnh Hoài Nam has been honored with several awards throughout his career, including the Third Prize in the Vietnam Fashion Model Competition, the Material Prize in the Grand Prix 2004 competition, and participation in the finals of the Mercedes Benz Asia Fashion Award. In particular, he was voted and honored as the Ao Dai Designer of the Year at the Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival in 2018. Do Trinh Hoai Nam is also a familiar guest in the media, participating in sharing sessions, interviews, and talk shows about áo dài, his profession, and his contributions to society.
Tommy Tường Lê
A visionary fashion designer originating from Saigon, Vietnam, discovered his passion for garment design early in life. Inspired by his neighbors' expertise in Vietnamese Áo Dài and Chinese Cheongsam Qipao, Tommy embarked on a lifelong journey in the fashion realm, fueled by a childhood immersed in the art of sewing and design. Upon relocating to the United States at 14, Tommy pursued his creative calling while studying engineering, eventually realizing his true vocation lay in fashion design. Embracing formal education in the field, he graduated with double majors and ventured into the fashion industry. Tommy's designs, characterized by meticulous craftsmanship and inspired by diverse influences ranging from nature's beauty to architectural wonders, have earned global acclaim. Tommy is the founder of Teejay Couture USA and 3T Fabulous Bridal. Continuously pushing boundaries, Tommy's latest endeavor involves collaborating with Áo Dài Festival, where he infuses each creation with a narrative that celebrates Vietnamese culture and heritage, reaffirming his commitment to excellence and storytelling in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
Trần Thiện Khánh
An esteemed designer from Hue, Vietnam, epitomizes the fusion of tradition and contemporary flair in the world of fashion. With a reputation for creativity and sophistication, Khanh has become synonymous with Áo Dài, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the industry. His legacy is marked by a series of grand Fashion Shows and cultural events that have captivated audiences worldwide. From the dazzling Khanh Shyna Fashion Show to international showcases like Áo Dài Vietnam Discovery in London, Áo Dài Festival in the US, and the Taste of Vietnam Canada, Khanh's designs transcend borders, embodying a deep connection to Vietnamese heritage. Throughout his illustrious career spanning over two decades, Tran Thien Khanh's influence has extended beyond the runway. His commitment to preserving tradition while embracing innovation has earned him recognition on global platforms and garnered celebrity endorsement. With each collection, Khanh's designs encapsulate the essence of Vietnamese culture, leaving an enduring impact on the fashion landscape.
Laura Fontan
Designer and Visionary Bridging Cultures Through Fashion Laura Chula, the heart and soul behind the vibrant fashion line Chula, presents a rich tapestry of cultural narratives through her unique and compelling designs. With unforgettable achievements in the fusion of traditional motifs and contemporary aesthetics, Laura's work with Chula stands as an ode to love, inclusivity, and a celebration of diverse cultures. A Journey Fueled by Love and Tradition Laura's tale is one interlaced with romance—a partnership formed on a shared deep passion and united values. Her adventure with Diego, her partner of nearly 27 years, began at their young ages of 19 and 21. It was a serendipitous meeting of soulmates, distinct in character but harmonious in spirit. Their combined energies were destined to channel into something spectacular. Chula: Born from a Double Love Story Chula was conceived, not just from the affection shared between Laura and her partner but also from their love affair with Vietnam. An explosion of inspiration, Vietnam for Laura and Diego was more than a setting; it became the canvas on which they would paint their creative visions. Laura recounts the transition from Spain to Vietnam initially as a youthful escapade, the “last adventure” before settling down. Little did they know, this "last adventure" would spark a lifelong commitment to Vietnamese culture and its sartorial excellence. Advocacy Through Design But Chula's story is about more than fabulous dresses—it's about advocacy through fashion. Laura's choice to engage artisans with disabilities, a pioneering movement towards inclusivity, made the brand stand ahead of its time. By adopting sign language as the company's corporate language, Chula welcomed diversity and communication in a heartwarming universal manner. Their eye for the beautiful intricacies of ethnic minority groups' craftsmanship further adds to the brand's depth. The use of Gam and embroidery isn't simply a design choice; it is a stand for sustaining and proudly showcasing traditional arts. The Future of Chula With an eye always on the horizon, Laura's vision for Chula is one that carries forward Diego's design legacy, ensuring their collective dreams and visions continue to bloom within the community that they've nurtured around their brand. An Icon of Inter-cultural Dialogue Laura's work exemplifies the role of fashion as a cross-cultural language, transcending borders, and creating dialogues that link Vietnam to Spain and beyond. Her narrative is a testament not only to personal love but to the love of a land, its people, and its heritage. The Chula brand is a palette where each design piece tells a story, each fold resonates with tradition, and every color harmony celebrates the beauty of cultural diversity—a love story woven into the fabric of every creation. --- Wearing a Chula design by Laura Chula isn't just making a fashion statement—it's participating in a global dialogue where tradition embraces modernity, where design meets purpose, and where every stitch is a symbol of unbound creativity. Discover Chula's stunning collections and be part of this exquisite narrative of love and tradition.