Galerie Mode creative director discuses French - Vietnamese fashion and conscious shopping
On September 28, 2023, Galerie Mode creative director Mimi Minh Nguyen spoke at the Vietnam Fashion conference. The event was organized by the Consulate General of France in Ho Chi Minh City, within the framework of a series of cultural events celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and 10 years of strategic partnership between France and Vietnam.
With the theme "French imprints in Vietnamese fashion", the speakers discussed the harmony and multiculturalism of modern Vietnamese fashion, from their multidimensional perspectives and backgrounds, and the mutual adoration for beauty.
Vietnam Fashion conference
The discussion was coordinated by Tran Nguyen Thien Huong - Editor-in-Chief of Harper's Bazaar Vietnam.
The speakers were: Bui Tran Phuong - Ph.D, Contemporary history; Thuy Nguyen - Vietnamese fashion designer, founder of Thuy Design House; Audrey Charles - Creative director of French brand Metiseko; and Mimi Minh Nguyen - Former international fashion student at Mod'art International Paris, designer, creative director of Galerie Mode and Leinné brand.
Left to right: Ms. Emmanuelle Charrier - Director of the French Institute in HCM City; designer Audrey Charles, creative director Mimi Minh Nguyen, Dr. Bui Tran Phuong, Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser - the French Consul General, designer Thuy Nguyen and Editor-in-chief Tran Nguyen Thien Huong
Tran Nguyen Thien Huong - Editor-in-Chief of Harper's Bazaar Vietnam
Dr. Bui Tran Phuong took the audience back to the development journey of Vietnamese women's clothing, from the traditional “yem”, the tứ thân, to the Cham ao dai and the modern ao dai that we still wear today. She concluded that since the founding of the country, Vietnamese women's clothing has celebrated women's freedom- in dressing, gestures, actions and thoughts.
Dr. Bui Tran Phuong (speaking) talked about the development of Vietnamese women dressing
Holding Vietnamese culture dear to her heart, designer Thuy Nguyen from Thuy Design House brought inspiration about the continuity of traditional values in contemporary art practice. Dubbed the "ao dai magician", Thuy Nguyen is very dedicated to bringing ao dai into the flow of contemporary development. She shared: "I want to give ao dai another life instead of being bound by what is deemed tradition."
Designer Thuy Nguyen opened up about her influence of traditional values on her creative journey
As a French designer, Audrey Charles has a special affinity with Vietnam. She was amazed by the diversity and infinite potential of Vietnamese craftsmanship and joined Metiseko. She and the creative team have blended the essence of Vietnamese materials and the sophistication of French tailoring, in homage to the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Designer Audrey Charles on the harmony of French and Vietnamese fashion
Continuing the story of the ao dai, designer Mimi Minh Nguyen shared about the sought-after dress inspired by the ao dai from the Leinné brand she founded. In pursuit of the classics in designing, she preserves the traditional features of ao dai such as the collar and split bodice to create Leinné's black ao dai and Pearly dress. These designs can be worn as a set or worn separately.
Mimi Minh Nguyen shared about her fashion journey
Mimi Minh Nguyen also brought inspiration about building a sustainable brand, drawn from her time studying and working in France and returning to Vietnam to found Leinné and Galerie Mode. For her, sustainability in fashion is not about refraining from shopping, but more about meaningful shopping.
Mimi Minh Nguyen told the story of Galerie Mode and conscious shopping
Such an idea motivates Mimi to found Galerie Mode. With the aim of creating inspiration for beautiful clothes and positive changes in shopping, Galerie Mode introduces meaningful designs that you can wear on many occasions, easy to mix and match, and provides personal experience.
“Find your own art”, the quote printed on the door of Galerie Mode, is a tribute to everyone’s unique characteristics. Style themes are created to spark creativity and help the wearers experience memorable moments in style, from everyday moments to special occasions.
With a belief that everyone can find what they love, we develop different product lines, aiming for creative designs based on classic codes, as well as recommending creative ways to style them. This actually saves customers a lot of money, time and effort in finding beautiful, quality items that can be worn on many occasions.
“The most important thing is to build a community and identify your best customers. People who love, support and want the best for you, and they are a part of the brand, because their lifestyle matches the brand,” shared Mimi.