Nguyễn Tiến Truyển

FROM HO CHI MINH CITY TO GLOBAL RECOGNITION

Nguyễn Tiến Truyển, the celebrated Vietnamese fashion designer behind the brand 'Nguyen Tien Truyen,' gained international acclaim after winning *Project Runway Vietnam* in 2015. Born in the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City, his designs capture the city's dynamism and cultural blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer, French, and American influences. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest metropolis, brims with energy and an eclectic mix of traditions, embodied in its welcoming people and their lively way of life.

A CHILDHOOD STEEPED IN FASHION

Nguyễn’s fashion journey began well before his television success. His foundation was laid in childhood, inspired by his mother, a seamstress with her own dreams of sewing. Despite challenges, she sparked a profound passion in him. Nguyễn reflects:

"Having inherited the enthusiasm from when I was still in my mother's womb, I showed my sewing abilities at a very early age. As I grew up, that passion grew stronger and stronger, and this is when I thought that it was my calling to continue writing the dream on behalf of my mother."

His formal education at Hoa Sen University in Ho Chi Minh City, affiliated with the French Modern Art Fashion Academy, honed his skills for the global stage.

AVANT-GARDE VISIONARY

Nguyễn’s style, under the brand 'Nguyen Tien Truyen,' is a captivating blend of contemporary and traditional elements. He describes his approach: "My design style is rooted in the avant-garde, a realm where imagination knows no limits and innovation thrives. My designs are a dance between the past and the future, where traditional Vietnamese elements seamlessly blend with contemporary innovation, creating timeless yet modern pieces." His creations often channel divine inspiration, with garments fit for goddesses. For instance, 'The Black Athena,' an evening gown for CEO Duong Thu Huang at Cannes 2023, draws on the strength and elegance of the Greek goddess Athena, merging the sacred with the sublime.

INSPIRATIONS AND ASPIRATIONS

Nguyễn’s influences are as bold as his designs. He reveals: "Alexander McQueen has always been my greatest source of inspiration. His fearless creativity and groundbreaking designs have fueled my fashion dreams since I was young. I would love to design for Lady Gaga; she embodies the spirit of avant-garde fashion and isn't afraid to push boundaries, much like myself." This inspiration is evident in the evening gown worn by beauty queen Andrea Aguilera (Miss Supranational 2023) at the Miss Supranational pageant 2024 in Poland. The gown, inspired by burning fire, transforms the wearer into a mesmerizing flame, as if channeling the power of a goddess.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION PIONEER

Nguyễn is also a leader in sustainable fashion. In 2022 at the Vietnam International Fashion Week, Nguyễn along with other designers showcased upcycled fabrics made from coffee fiber, oyster shells, and recycled plastic bottles, demonstrating his commitment to eco-friendly practices and environmental responsibility.

CULTURAL STEWARDSHIP THROUGH VIETNAMESE SILK

Nguyễn’s use of Vietnamese silk honors his country’s cultural heritage. This luxurious fabric, once reserved for royalty, symbolizes tradition and craftsmanship. His intricate designs merge this silk heritage with avant-garde fashion, creating pieces that are both culturally significant and modern.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Establishing 'Nguyen Tien Truyen' came with challenges. Nguyễn reflects on his biggest hurdle: "Communicating a deeply personal and unique vision in an industry that was not yet ready to embrace such distinctiveness. It was like introducing a new dialect in a familiar language."

Though avant-garde fashion is gaining traction among younger, urban Vietnamese, more conservative regions still emphasize modesty. Nguyễn continues to broaden his international presence, steadily achieving his goal.

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING DESIGNERS

Nguyễn Tiến Truyển offers this wisdom to aspiring designers: "Be true to yourself and your vision. Understand your unique style and let it shine through your work."

His journey from Ho Chi Minh City to the global fashion stage is a testament to the transformative power of dreams and the significance of cultural heritage. Nguyễn’s avant-garde designs, blending Vietnamese tradition with modern innovation, continually reshape the fashion landscape. By channeling divine inspiration into his creations and honoring his mother’s dreams, Nguyễn crafts garments worthy of goddesses, making each piece a profound statement of identity and purpose.

In a world driven by fleeting trends, Nguyễn Tiến Truyển and his brand ''Nguyen Tien Truyen' stand as beacons of authenticity and vision. His dedication to sustainability and cultural preservation not only elevates his work beyond art but also ensures he will continue to stun the global community with his undeniable divine creations.

As his influence grows, Nguyễn inspires others to turn their dreams into reality, showing that with passion and diligence, one can craft a legacy that is both timeless and profoundly impactful.