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Thao My Vu

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My name is Thao My, and I graduated in Fashion Design from Dong Nai College of Decorative Arts. During my studies, I was introduced to fundamental knowledge in fashion design, including material exploration, concept development, and creative design processes. Although I have not yet gained professional work experience, I have always been eager to learn and continuously develop my skills to strengthen my design thinking. In terms of my career aspirations, I hope to keep learning and gaining practical knowledge within the fashion industry, from researching materials and developing concepts to creating finished designs. I aim to gradually establish my personal creative identity through designs that reflect my individuality while expanding my understanding of contemporary fashion and design perspectives. My vision for the future is to pursue a direction in fashion that emphasizes sustainability and lasting value. I believe that fashion is not only about aesthetics but also a medium for telling stories about materials, culture, and the designer’s identity. Therefore, I aspire to create designs that carry both aesthetic quality and conceptual depth, contributing to a more responsible and thoughtful future for the fashion industry.

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Hơi thở của thông (Breath of the Pine)

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Vietnam

We are living in an era where climate change is no longer a forecast; it has become a harsh reality. Intense storms, faster-melting ice, and extreme temperature fluctuations force humans to ask the question: "How to adapt?" Growing up in Northern Vietnam, I have become all too familiar with the sharp contrast between the scorching heat of summer and the bone-chilling cold of winter. This harshness creates a wasteful paradox in consumption: wardrobes are always divided into isolated compartments, and outfits are only used for a few months and then forgotten, contributing to the enormous amount of waste in the garment industry. I wondered: Could a garment "evolve" itself to accompany humans through all seasons of the year? The answer came when I observed pinecones in the natural environment: they close their scales tightly to retain moisture and protect seeds when encountering cold air, but open wide under the sunlight to disperse the seeds of life. This Biomimicry mechanism is the inspiration for my design. By using cowhide as the primary material, I want to create a product that not only has aesthetic beauty but also possesses the "intelligence" of nature – a modular system that can self-adjust its morphology to protect the wearer's body. The design features a 3-tier length system: Corresponding to the need for temperature change. The body can transform from a dynamic short jacket (waist-length) for summer, into a mid-length Manteau (thigh-length), and finally a long Manteau (calf-length) for the freezing winter. Using a system of eyelets and leather straps with snap button stages at the armholes and waist allows the wearer to adjust the opening between the 1st and 2nd body panels according to personal aesthetics and can be detached. Zippers are used to connect the 2nd and 3rd body parts, ensuring closure and heat retention for winter. The original short mandarin collar structure combined with a zipper can be fitted with an additional hood or high collar according to preference. Utilizing leftover leather scraps, I cut them into small scales, layering them like the scales of a real pinecone to create highlights for the shoulders, hips, and the hem of the garment. By attaching one end of the scales to the body, these small scales move as the wearer moves, creating a highly eye-catching visual effect. "Breath of the Pine" is not just a design; it is a manifesto for a sustainable lifestyle. Instead of owning many items, the wearer only needs a smart modular system made of cowhide to customize according to aesthetics and weather. By integrating the functionality of many coats into one, I hope to minimize the amount of textile waste and provide a true fashion solution for the future.

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.