Budapest-based Vietnamese designer, Luu Anh Tuan, will present his creations at the annual Dep Fashion Show (DFS) on Sunday in Ha Noi. His works combine modern western and traditional oriental features. The 30-year-old designer, who is regarded as a Hungarian fashion phenomenon, talks with Culture Vulture about his creative jobs and the inspiration for his collection.
What led you to work in fashion?
My two older brothers, who studied fine arts, introduced me to the arts when I was very young; that played a significant role in my inclination towards fashion. My interest grew when my family moved to Hungary in 1989. I had more access to European art and culture.
I decided to study fashion in the Textile Design Department at the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design in Budapest, as well as at the London College of Fashion. I specialised in fashion and accessory design.
How do fashionistas greet your creations?
Since launching my own fashion label, Anh Tuan, in 2006, I've been invited to join the Budapest Fashion Week every year. My designs were presented at the New York Fashion Week in September 2009 and at the London Fashion Week in February 2010, and are regularly featured in leading fashion magazines like ELLE, InStyle, Marie Claire, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan.
Why did you decide to join the DFS?
I joined because I knew the show was organised by Dep magazine, a leading Vietnamese fashion magazine equivalent to some famous international publications. I believe in Dep and the show itself as it is a large fashion show for Viet Nam.
After spending years building my reputation in the fashion industry, I realised it was the right time for me to return to Viet Nam. Vietnamese fashionistas can glimpse European fashion through my creations. Also, by presenting my collection, I am proudly presenting the success I've achieved after more than 20 years spent living abroad.
Can you reveal anything about your collection to be presented at the show?
Unlike my previous collections, which relied heavily on the use of geometric constructions, the collection for DFS presents more "Asian elements". It is colourful with traditional Asian patterns and themes, including wind, clouds, dragons, and fire.
The pieces are made mainly from Asian luxury materials such as classical Tibet hand-woven brocade, silk, organza, leather, and furs. By using these "Asian elements", I hope the collection will remind the audience of traditional values.
I spent two and a half months completing the collection, which includes 40 outfits as well as bags and shoes.
Do you have ideas for another collection that incorporates Asian features?
Vietnamese women's traditional black silk trousers have made a special impression on me. I see these trousers as a "fashion specialty" of Viet Nam. Although many generations of Vietnamese women have worn them for hundreds of years, they are not popular anymore. That's why I like the idea of redesigning Vietnamese women's clothes as well as traditional clothes from other Asian cultures.
Can you talk more about your current work in Budapest?
Besides running my own showroom, I also manage four other stores in Budapest and Szentendre.
After the DFS in Ha Noi, I have to prepare for my own show set to take place in Budapest in December. All creations presented at the DFS will be showcased at my solo show as well. — VNS