THUY NGUYEN: CREATIVE AND POSITIVE ENERGY

There are two types of designers: Ones who follow the trend and ones creating it. Thuy belongs to the third type – she walks away from trends and techniques.

It really is a challenge to “kidnap” Thuy Nguyen for a 30-minute interview, because she always busy with a bunch of projects in and out of the country, and whenever she is free… she takes time for herself.

Every piece of fashion is an inspiration.

The workload that Thuy Nguyen carrying with her can be describe by one word: humongous. Besides the two annual shows, the brand commercial works, the costume design for five-star hotels staff in Saigon, Thuy’s also responsible for costumes in the live shows of Tung Duong, Pho Duc Phuong… and other movies. Beyond that, this year she has launched The Contemporary Factory of Arts Center in District 2 – a space dedicated for contemporary art.

 

Started as a painter, turned to fashion, saw a world full of colors, creativity and excitement, Thuy has decided to stay. Though wasn’t professionally trained in fashion, her ego has helped her dare to dream big and conquer challenges. Every day there is a new design at Thuy Design House, each of them captures a moment of creative sublimation.

 

When it comes to fashion, what’s really important to Thuy Nguyen is the emotions when a woman put on a design, whether it helps her feel more comfortable and confidence. There is no exaggeration to say Thuy Nguyen’s works are as unique as ancient books and paintings. The pure and innocent emotions help Thuy explore the folk themes such as Hầu Đồng (going into trance), Dong Ho paintings… or more spontaneous inspirations like “Gió mùa về” (Monsoon), Lúng Liếng (The Northern Charm), Nàng mây (The Lady on Clouds) in an effortless and natural, but still stylish and trendy way.

 

The achievements Thuy Nguyen has today result from her constant effort, fueled by her dreams, love and passion. Thuy Nguyen is always an energetic woman with ruffled hair, a bright smile and a wild face, she doesn’t care what trend the world is following, she just keeps walking ahead at her own pace, in her own lane, to create things that when people look at, they just melt.

Workaholic but never overloaded

 

How do you keep your energy always radiant like “the sun”?

Practice, practice, and practice. You have to learn how to prioritize – what to put your energy on, what’s really needed, and what’s not. Humans love controlling everything, especially in teamwork and when you are the leader. I think you should share the load and trust your people instead of controlling them. Listen to your customers, put yourself in their shoes instead of screaming at them that your products are good, or telling them their bodies aren’t proper for your designs.

 

Is there any difference between designing fashion collection and designing movie costumes?

Those are two complete different areas. The designs on catwalk stage are presented in different background music and different lighting, and the designer only has 10 to 12 minutes to tell their story. There are different model expressions, makeups, accessories, contexts… Whereas in films, you have to take into account the frames and the characters. Every colors and details have to work together to express the characters’ mood. Movie costumes also have to work perfectly well with contexts, lighting and story lines.

 

Why did you decide to take on movie costumes, aren’t you busy enough?

Ngo Thanh Van and I have thought about the movie “Cô Ba Sài Gòn” (The tailor) for a long time. We wanted to honor Áo Dài and let it inspire the young generation because it is too beautiful, too poetic, and too elegant. All the movies or projects I take on, the most important thing I look for is whether I’m allowed to be creative, to work with great people who I can learn from and who can challenge me.

 

“Mẹ Chồng” (The Mistress) is that kind of project. I rarely think about promoting my brand when doing these things. I do it simply because I love to do it and I want to challenge my passion. Once I know what I really love, I fight for it, I rarely try to get people to know what I’m doing. I work hard, but I don’t stress myself out. I always take a chance to have a break.

 

By Hoang Linh Lan