"NẾP QUÊ" PROJECT
Category: Apparel
Competitions: Vietnam
This collection presents a refined exploration of the dialogue between heritage and contemporaneity, articulated through the expressive language of leather. Rooted in the evocative imagery of rural gift-giving traditions, it draws inspiration from the humble yet meaningful act of wrapping offerings in coarse banana leaves, objects that embody care, intimacy, and a deep connection to nature. These tactile memories are reimagined through the transformation of cowhide and goatskin, where material becomes both medium and message. The surface of cow leather is meticulously treated to recreate the organic irregularity and pronounced veining of banana leaves, capturing their raw beauty and structural rhythm. In contrast, goatskin is employed for its suppleness and adaptability, enabling intricate lacing, binding, and drawstring techniques that echo the handcrafted gestures of tying dried banana fibers. This interplay between structure and fluidity not only enhances the visual and tactile richness of the garments but also reinforces the conceptual narrative embedded within each piece. Beyond aesthetics, the collection serves as a contemplative bridge between human and nature, rural sensibility and modern lifestyle. It reflects a desire to preserve cultural memory while reinterpreting it within a contemporary framework, where traditional craftsmanship is elevated through innovative design thinking. The garments become vessels of storytelling, embodying the quiet poetry of everyday life and the enduring values of simplicity, sustainability, and authenticity. Ultimately, this collection transcends the conventional boundaries of fashion, positioning leather as a nuanced artistic language. It is through this language that the collection articulates the seamless fusion of life and art where the past is not merely remembered, but thoughtfully transformed into a living, evolving expression of modern identity.
