Designer Dang Phuong Minh Captures Hà Noi's Nostalgic Tet Beauty in New Collection
The sacred beauty of Hà Noi during Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations from decades past has inspired designer ?ang Phuong Minh to craft a collection of ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dresses) and elegant puff-sleeved dresses adorned with luxurious colors and intricate embroidery.
“I’m a nostalgic person, always cherishing memories of traditional T?t from my childhood,” Minh shared. “Our family lived in a French-style villa on Nguy?n Du Street. As T?t approached, the backyard would come alive with laughter as we washed dong leaves and prepared mung beans for bánh ch?ng (square glutinous rice cakes).”
Her most vivid memory is of strolling around Thuy?n Quang Lake on the last day before T?t, dressed beautifully, amidst the misty spring atmosphere of Hà N?i. “The sight of warm lights from my home and the joyful laughter in the air was unforgettable. I also remember the brilliance of Hà N?i on the first morning of T?t, with sidewalks lined with remnants of firecrackers. It’s breathtaking because spring is both arriving and fleeting. T?t is so beautiful yet so short-lived.”
Minh’s latest collection for the Lunar Year of the Snake reflects these cherished memories, with designs that celebrate the elegance of Hà N?i during T?t. Using traditional embroidery techniques such as sequin embroidery and raised leaf vein embroidery, she creates intricate patterns on velvet and embroidered brocade fabrics. These materials evoke a luxurious yet vibrant aesthetic, reminiscent of the festive Hanoian atmosphere.
Beyond aesthetics, Minh prioritizes comfort, recognizing that T?t is both a time of beauty and bustling activity for women. “The traditional beauty of Hà N?i women lies in their hands-on preparation of T?t dishes and their role in fostering a warm family spirit,” she explained.
“In today’s modern world, I believe we can blend tradition and modernity by using contemporary conveniences wisely. This helps us preserve the joy and warmth of T?t while lightening the load for ourselves and our families.”
The Spring 2025 collection reflects this philosophy, offering designs that are both flexible and graceful. “These outfits allow women to feel confident and beautiful in any situation. Pairing them with silver accessories adds an extra touch of elegance,” she suggested.
Known for merging international fashion trends with traditional values, Minh’s brand, My Lullaby, continues to delight customers with its innovative use of materials and timeless designs. — VNS
