THE UNSINKABLE
Category: Apparel
Competitions: Vietnam
Traditional fishing in Vietnam has a rich history spanning thousands of years, closely linked to its geographical features of over 3,260 km of coastline and a complex network of rivers and canals. It is not only an economic livelihood but also a treasure trove of culture, beliefs, and profound indigenous knowledge. Traditional fishing is primarily small-scale, often family-based, and passed down from father to son. Fishing mainly takes place in shallow coastal waters, beaches, and lakes. Fishing skills rely entirely on practical experience accumulated over generations. Traditional fishing vessels are typically small-scale, crafted from locally available natural materials, and require human power or wind to operate. Designing a collection inspired by traditional fishing is a journey to find the intersection between rustic values and the language of fashion. I felt incredibly excited transforming the geometric structure of the traditional basket boats into a form for this outfit, where the roughness of the bamboo slats was softened by leather fabric and processing techniques. Beyond being a competition entry, this outfit is also a profound tribute to the resilience and hard work of the fishermen, and a way for me to preserve the salty essence of the sea in the modern world.
