Le Huynh Pham

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Vietnam

The concept is rooted in the imagery of corrugated metal-roof and thatched-wall houses characteristic of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta - where people live amidst harsh natural conditions, yet endure and adapt over time. The metal roofs, exposed to intense heat, gradually oxidize and evolve in surface texture, while the fragile thatched walls, constantly reshaped by wind, are repeatedly repaired and reconstructed. Despite this, the overall structure remains resilient. This juxtaposition of roughness and fragility, old and new, permanence and transience becomes the core inspiration for the collection. Leather is selected as the primary medium for its durability, transformative surface qualities, and its ability to retain the marks of time. It not only embodies the resilience of metal roofing, but can also be manipulated and handcrafted to echo the woven construction of thatched walls. Techniques such as leather pleating, distressed surface treatments, printing on leather, and laser-cut interlocking are explored to reinterpret the visual language of rust, interwoven structures, and the organic movement of natural materials. Titled “XaoXac,” the collection extends beyond a study of leather garments it is a translation of memory and local culture into a contemporary design language. Ultimately, the project seeks to honor the beauty of endurance, where seemingly modest and imperfect elements become powerful expressions of identity, resilience, and vitality.

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Vietnam

I chose the craft of water hyacinth weaving as the main inspiration for my collection because it is one of the traditional handicrafts that strongly reflects the cultural identity of Vietnam’s Southwest region. This is a place where people live in harmony with rivers and nature. Water hyacinth is often associated with the simple, rustic lifestyle of the riverine communities, but through the skillful hands of artisans, it becomes a material for creating durable, practical, and aesthetically refined products. This imagery evokes in me the essence of Vietnamese women—seemingly delicate and gentle on the outside, yet embodying an enduring vitality and an innate adaptability within. Through molding techniques and cord weaving, I aim to explore leather as a material to emulate the texture of traditional basketry, while simultaneously portraying the female form as a “living craftwork.” This collection is not only a tribute to a fading local craft, but also my way of weaving Vietnam’s cultural narrative into the language of contemporary fashion—where heritage is preserved yet reimagined through a modern perspective and personal expression.