Profile: Minh Phuoc Le – Real Leather Design Competitions

Minh Phuoc Le

University of Art and Design

I am a fashion design student from Vietnam with a strong passion for fashion, using design as a way to express Vietnamese culture in a modern context through my personal style. Growing up surrounded by rich traditions, textiles, and cultural values, I have always been inspired by the beauty and depth of Vietnamese heritage. In my designs, I use Vietnamese images, symbols, and cultural elements so that Vietnamese people can easily recognize them and feel proud of their culture. I want my work to connect directly with people and reflect a sense of identity in a modern way. I am particularly interested in exploring the balance between tradition and modernity, where heritage can be preserved while still evolving with current trends. My personal style leans toward a modern and distinctive aesthetic, often combining minimal forms with meaningful cultural details. I enjoy experimenting with new ideas, materials, and concepts to continuously develop my design voice. As a young designer, I am eager to learn, grow, and challenge myself in creative environments. My goal is to build a strong portfolio and gain practical experience in the fashion industry, where I can further express my identity and contribute to bringing Vietnamese culture to a wider, global audience.

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THẤP THOÁNG

Category: Accessories

Competitions: Vietnam

“Thấp Thoáng” (Glimmering) is a handbag inspired by Vietnamese women in feudal society, through the poetic voice of Ho Xuan Huong. It reflects a state where beauty and individuality existed in a subtle, hidden but not silent, gently expressing a desire to transcend rigid social norms. During the late 18th- 19th centuries, women lived within strict frameworks. This mood is translated into the design through a crisscross wooden frame, functioning as both structure and metaphor. The frame partially conceals the interior, creating a “glimpse” effect that represents constraint while suggesting gradual openness. At the core lies a molded leather body, featuring a sculpted female face combined with traditional motifs such as water ripples, lotus flowers, and the stork. These elements convey a balance between softness and resilience, reflecting an inner strength that is quiet yet powerful. The contrast between the rigid wooden frame and soft, gradient cotton tassels introduces a sense of movement and fluidity, enhancing the overall visual harmony. More than a functional accessory, “Thấp Thoáng” is an artistic expression that bridges cultural heritage and contemporary design, celebrating the elegance, depth, and enduring strength of Vietnamese women.