11AM Fashion Show, the annual fashion event organized by the Faculty of Arts & Design at Van Lang University, will officially take place at the Innovation & Impact Center. This marks the first time the more-than-a-decade-old fashion show will stage its runway at the iconic architectural landmark located on the university’s main campus, creating an artistic setting where modern technology intersects with traditional identity.
An ancient icon for a modern spirit
The Innovation & Impact Center officially began operations on November 22, 2025, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Van Lang University. The inauguration ceremony was attended by leaders from the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, and relevant departments and agencies. The building is currently led by Jsern Khor as Center Director, with the goal of developing an innovative university that creates far-reaching impact.
The building’s exterior architecture draws inspiration from the Dong Son bronze drum, representing a continuous connection between the nation’s origins and contemporary development trends. The cylindrical structure is combined with a system of sun-shading fins and a domed roof that allows natural light to enter, creating a layered visual effect. The exterior architectural lighting system operates flexibly, transforming the building into a multi-faceted luminous structure at night.
The interior opens up around a central multi-story skylight, creating an air circulation axis and panoramic views across all operational floors. At the time of its inauguration, the venue hosted the “Tam Voc Giao Thoi” exhibition, commemorating the contributions of more than 156,000 learners and nearly 2,500 staff and lecturers. This open structure offers strong potential for staging a multi-level runway, allowing audiences to view the garments from multiple perspectives.
An ecosystem supporting full creativity
Built as a multifunctional complex, the Center integrates art, technology, and data to support the process of turning ideas into reality. Its spaces directly facilitate experimentation, prototype development, and the refinement of specialized solutions before they are presented to the public.
Its functional zones are specially designated, including the Sandbox Studio for research and rapid prototyping; the AI & Data Lab for algorithmic simulations and complex data analysis; the Creative Media Lab for producing and disseminating media content; the Applied Research & Prototype Lab, equipped with advanced fabrication systems; the Incubation & Partnership Zone, which connects startups with businesses; and the Learning Gallery, which serves as an exhibition space for outstanding projects.
The presence of specialized fabrication workshops and laboratories provides strong support for fashion students experimenting with sewing techniques, 3D printing, and material surface treatments. The interconnection between the different departments creates a closed-loop practical environment, ensuring that every stage of preparation, from pattern drafting to the actual runway, can be carried out seamlessly.
A “High” philosophy to dictate high-quality performances
The organization of the Center’s spaces follows the H³ philosophy, comprising three core pillars: High-Tech, High-Touch, and High-Edge. This philosophy serves as a guiding principle for all learning, creative activities, and artistic programs taking place at the Center.
High-Tech is expressed through the application of advanced technology and digital techniques to the co-creation process; High-Touch emphasizes human values, authentic emotions, and direct connections between people; High-Edge promotes a pioneering spirit and a willingness to challenge the boundaries of design thinking. The interplay of these three elements transforms the performance space into a deeply engaging platform for artistic dialogue.
For the 11AM Fashion Show 2026, this philosophy is transformed into a vibrant visual experience for the fashion community. Fashion designs set against the H³ architectural backdrop create a synergy between garment structures, lighting techniques, and the models’ strides, highlighting the aesthetic message of each collection.
A space for 2030 visions
In its development strategy through 2030, Van Lang University aims to establish an internationally benchmarked research and innovation ecosystem. The university places strong emphasis on expanding global partnerships, implementing practical educational solutions, and creating positive social impact.
The Innovation & Impact Center serves as a core component of this broader strategy, bringing together research projects, graduation projects, and major professional events. Bringing a large-scale fashion show to the building underscores the university’s efforts to connect educational activities with spaces that meet high professional standards.
The 11AM Fashion Show 2026 runway at this architectural landmark marks an important milestone in the transformation of Van Lang’s Fashion Design discipline. The event promises to offer audiences a visual perspective on the creative capabilities of the younger generation while further affirming the identity and potential of a distinctive artistic space.
