RỐI NƯỚC
Category: Accessories
Competitions: Vietnam
“Roi Nuoc” is a handbag collection inspired by Vietnamese water puppetry—a unique traditional folk art that originated over 1,000 years ago and is deeply connected to the rural life of Northern Vietnam. Performed on water, puppets are skillfully controlled from behind a “thủy đình” (water pavilion), telling stories of daily life, folk games, and legends through expressive, lively movements. Drawing from this cultural essence, “Roi Nuoc” reimagines the traditional water puppet stage in a contemporary fashion design. I selected natural cowhide leather for its raw texture and durability—reflecting both the rustic beauty and the handmade spirit of Vietnamese craft. The bag’s silhouette is inspired by the thủy đình, with the roof and body stylized after festival flags, evoking the festive atmosphere of village celebrations. The roof section is constructed with layered leather to mimic the depth and curve of traditional temple roofs. The body is shaped cleanly and detailed with hand-stitched leather cords and beads, reminiscent of stage curtains and water reflections. A highlight of each piece is a puppet figure, handcrafted from natural leather and attached via a spring mechanism that allows it to move playfully with the wearer—like a tiny water puppet performance in motion. Beyond its form, “Roi Nuoc” aims to preserve and reintroduce Vietnamese cultural heritage into modern life—offering not just a fashion item, but a moving story, a living piece of tradition.
