THE TALE OF THUY DESIGN HOUSE

From The Ukraine To Saigon In Style

Saigon-based designer Thuy is one of the city’s foremost producers of contemporary, ethnically-inspired fashion for women. Her designs reflect her own personal style which is bold, bright and of course, beautiful.

The clothes are distinctive, unsurprising when you consider Thuy is self-taught with no formal fashion training. She’s actually spent more time working in art, even achieving some acclaim as a painter. Like an artist working with raw materials; the textures and fabrics used are paramount. Everything is handpicked, meaning only the most beautiful textiles end up as part of Thuy’s creations.

We had a chat with the young designer to talk about her clothes, her style and what makes her tick.

How would you describe your style/designs?
My designs are based on the combination of classical and modern elements.

You studied art in the Ukraine, are your designs influenced by your time in Europe?
In Europe, everything and everybody is always changing. They dare to try new things and don’t bind themselves to any shape or size. People in every age group are open and liberal. I have a similar mindset, so my clothes express this also.

Compared to Europe, how are the art and fashion scenes different in Vietnam?
Each region has its own culture, interests, weather and materials. The bodies of Asian and European women are not the same, we cannot compare the two. Each place, each region, requires suitable designs to match the culture and location.

What about around the world? Do you pay attention to the global fashion industry?
I try not to follow the world fashion industry too much, as I want to help women tell their stories rather than chase trends, but my team help me stay in touch, so I know a bit about what’s going on.

Femininity seems to be a big part of your style, do you try to make clothes for the modern woman as a way to express 
I always want to help women tell their own story. To me, women in any era play an important role in society. Modern women need to know how to balance every aspect of life.

Tell us about your latest creations? You have a new line coming up right?
The upcoming designs will be unconventional in brocade and denim. The combination of these two materials will portray a story about women of all ages: timid and shy on the outside (like brocade), but passionate and explosive (like denim) inside.

One of the most striking features in your designs are the hand selected fabrics like silk and brocade. Why is this so important in your work?
To convey our thoughts and desires to others is not easy, so I always choose everything personally. If you want to achieve your dreams then you have to try your best.

What inspires you to create?
Painting is one of the things that inspires me in design work. I’m also a pretty open-minded and liberal individual, so simple things like my friends, my family, the joy of my work, colours and different feelings also inspire me.

Do you approach your personal style the same way you approach your creative process/designing?
My perspective is the style of each person is not in the clothes and accessories they put on. Attitude is the important thing that helps define the style of a person.

Do you think about your own style much? How do you try to dress/look?
Telling my own story is important. I currently favor colours and designs that reflect openness like myself.

What is the best piece of advice you've received? What would you tell young designers?
Always change to adapt to the circumstances. Be smart and always keep the flame of enthusiasm for what you do.

Words by Nicolas D. Heath
Illustrations by Ivan Kamensky

(anyarena.com/en/fashion/the-tale-of-thuy-design-house_10576)