In the field of fashion design, combining traditional values with modern creativity is always a challenging equation. Nguyen Nhut Duy, a third-year student majoring in Graphic Design at Van Lang University, has proven his talent through collections deeply infused with Vietnamese cultural essence. With a burning passion for folk culture, Duy constantly seeks national materials to incorporate into his designs, transforming them into artistic creations rich in Vietnamese spirit.
Nguyen Nhut Duy: Young designer with big aspirations
Nguyen Nhut Duy is currently a third-year student at Van Lang University, majoring in Graphic Design. Despite his young age, Duy has already made a mark in the fashion industry thanks to his limitless creativity. The combination of a strong academic foundation and a deep passion for folk culture has helped him quickly establish his name. His designs are not only highly aesthetic but also tell stories about the life, customs, and beliefs of the Vietnamese people.
Beyond his studies, Duy actively participates in fashion competitions, where he has the opportunity to showcase his unique identity. In 2024, he made it to the Top 11 National Costumes at Mister Vietnam, a prestigious male beauty pageant. Not stopping there, he continued to compete on the international stage and won the Best National Costume award at Mister Tourism World 2025. This achievement not only proves his talent but also affirms the seamless blend of tradition and modernity in each of his designs.
Trau Vang Dat Viet: Recreating the sportsmanship and diligence of the buffalo in Vietnamese culture
The Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival is one of the unique cultural symbols of the coastal people of Hai Phong, carrying deep spiritual significance and reflecting the resilient martial spirit of the Vietnamese people. Inspired by this festival, designer Nguyen Nhut Duy created the “Trau Vang Dat Viet” (Golden Vietnamese Buffalo) design, a unique fashion piece that not only recreates the vibrant and dramatic atmosphere of the buffalo fighting festival but also portrays the image of the buffalo – an emblem of diligence and perseverance closely associated with Vietnam’s wet-rice civilization.
“Trau Vang Dat Viet” features bold colors such as red, yellow, and black to create a striking and captivating look, combined with intricate patterns that mimic the powerful buffaloes in battle. At the same time, the collection honors reverence for this significant agricultural symbol with luxurious golden accents. Additionally, Duy skillfully incorporates traditional materials, ensuring that each design becomes an artistic masterpiece that not only embodies traditional beauty but also showcases sophistication and modernity.
The “Trau Vang Dat Viet” collection quickly received praise from experts when showcased at the Mister Tourism World 2025 competition, marking an important milestone in Nguyen Nhut Duy’s creative journey. Each design in this collection is not just clothing but a declaration of the indomitable spirit and national pride of the Vietnamese people.
Aspiration of spreading Vietnamese culture via fashion
For Nguyen Nhut Duy, fashion is not only a means of self-expression but also a bridge to introduce Vietnamese culture to the world. He consistently incorporates traditional materials and folk motifs into his designs, creating outfits that are not only visually striking but also deeply meaningful.
Duy believes that in the era of globalization, preserving and promoting national identity through fashion is essential. He continuously researches traditional craft villages and regional patterns to infuse his collections with authentic cultural elements. Beyond competing in domestic and international fashion contests, he aspires to establish his own brand, where he can further spread his passion for Vietnamese culture through each design.
Nguyen Nhut Duy exemplifies a new generation of talented, creative Vietnamese designers with a deep appreciation for their heritage. Through collections like “Nguu Son Dau” and “Trau Vang Dat Viet”, he has artistically and elegantly reimagined Vietnam’s rural landscape. With steady progress, Duy is not only making his mark in the fashion industry but also playing a key role in promoting Vietnamese culture on the global stage. In the future, he is expected to continue delivering groundbreaking designs that bridge tradition and modernity through the language of fashion.
Cameron Truong
