Thanh Bình Điền Thủy
Category: Apparel
Competitions: Vietnam
As a child of the Mekong Delta, I have always carried a deep desire to convey the beauty of its culture and people as a way of expressing my gratitude and profound love for my homeland—the place where I was born and raised. My childhood is closely tied to the gentle Mekong River, to breezy afternoons, and to the soothing lullabies of my mother that echo through every moment of my life. My mother loves me the way nature blesses this land—with a mild, fertile climate and people who are simple, sincere, and full of warmth. In my memory, the image of my grandfather carefully crafting mother-of-pearl inlay paintings remains vivid—each delicate line and shimmering hue blending harmoniously, telling stories of time and the artisan’s soul. From these cherished memories, I created “Serenity of Riverine Fields” (Thanh Bình Điền Thủy) as a tender reflection of life in the riverlands. The artwork draws inspiration from floating markets—where boats gather and trade upon the water, where lively voices merge with the golden glow of sunrise shimmering across the river. The people of the Mekong Delta are portrayed with authenticity and intimacy: simple yet warm, hardworking yet full of vitality. “Serenity of Riverine Fields” is not merely an artwork, but a journey back to memory—a place where the river flows gently, where human connection runs deep, and where the spirit of the Mekong Delta lives on forever in my heart. Product Description The upper part of the garment is constructed in a corset silhouette, accentuating the natural curves and elegance of the female body. The lower section is shaped using draping techniques, creating layered folds that evoke fluidity and a sense of gentle movement, reminiscent of flowing water. To incorporate mother-of-pearl inlay onto leather, thicker leather materials are selected or reinforced with an additional backing layer to ensure structural stability. The mother-of-pearl is carefully segmented into smaller pieces to minimize the risk of cracking during wear, while still maintaining its signature iridescent effect. The front and back panels are inspired by the flowing hair of a mother and the movement of the Mekong River. Soft, thin leather is chosen to achieve a graceful drape. Decorative motifs such as lotus flowers, buffalo imagery, clouds, and water waves are executed through leather carving techniques, creating recessed surfaces before applying the inlay—mirroring traditional mother-of-pearl inlay methods used in woodcraft. Additionally, the use of traditional “son thếp” lacquer techniques enhances luminosity and depth, adding striking highlights to the overall design. Boat elements are developed in three-dimensional form to increase realism and liveliness. Each leather piece is precisely cut and assembled in a modular, puzzle-like construction, resulting in a meticulously crafted boat structure.
