Cotton padded jackets created by designer Trinh Bich Thuy. — Photo courtesy A Designers Ha Noi

HA NOI (VNS) — In the previous century, when winter arrived, Hanoians donned their padded jackets. Rich people possessed expensive coats made from velvet, silk and brocade, while the poor often wore worn-out ones from year to year.

Designer Trinh Bich Thuy used these jackets as inspiration to create stylish cotton outerwear on which she paints one-of-a-kind designs. Beginning with a charcoal sketch, she then colours the image using paint.

"I never print paintings on cloth. I prefer painting each one individually because I want to let my hands move naturally in line with my emotions," she said.

"Hand paintings help me create unique designs that are difficult to copy."

For the designer, the jackets are more than fashion statements.

"Padded jackets remind many people of the past," Thuy said. "I still remember my mother and grandmother wearing them."

An exhibition of cotton jackets on which she embroidered painter Le Thiet Cuong's pictures will run until November 15 at Hang Da Galleria, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi. — VNS