Khuổi Ky

Category: Apparel

As a young designer, I am constantly exploring the intersection of traditional heritage and the philosophy of sustainable fashion development. For this competition, I present a collection inspired by the Khuoi Ky stone village—a 400-year-old settlement of the Tày people in Cao Bang. Beyond translating the raw, rugged textures of indigenous stone architecture onto leather, this collection focuses on decoding the silhouettes of traditional Tày attire. By blending modern leather-crafting techniques with the minimalist, structured lines of the áo năm thân (five-panel gown) and its signature layering, I aim to redefine leather garments: imbuing them with the breath of the mountains while honoring the essence of my cultural identity. To me, this is more than just a competition entry; it is a journey to bring the soul of an ancient stone village into contemporary life through a fashion language that is both self-assured and distinctly unique.