Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam’s ao dai (Vietnamese national dress) collection, called Sen Vang (Golden Lotus), has been chosen for the first catwalk event at the 26th Couture Fashion Week New York, which starts on September 8.

A model wears a design from the Sen Vang (Golden Lotus) collection by Do Trinh Hoai Nam, who will open the Couture Fashion Week New York 2017 in September 

The collection features dozens of ao dai in Vietnamese silk and satin made by skilled artisans from silk producing regions in Vietnam: Ha Dong district in Hanoi, Thai Binh and Lam Dong provinces.  

The designs use traditional patterns from the 19th century and are embroidered with images of lotuses and water puppets.

A group of Vietnamese and American fashion models will appear on the catwalk.

The seven-day event will feature the latest collections by more than 30 well-known designers from many countries, such as Arie Cedeno of Dominica, Carlos Benguigui of Venezuela and Catalin Botezatu of Romania.

Dozen of couture and luxury fashion shows will be featured.

Nam’s collection will open the event together with two designers from Asian countries.  

Born in Hanoi, Nam began his love for fashion when he was 13 years old.

He started his career as a tailor in his village, Xuan Dinh, which is famous for handicraft products.  

In 2003, he rose to fame after winning the Vietnam Collection Grand Prix 2014 presented by Vietnam Design Institute and became one of the finalists at Mercedes Benz Asia Fashion Week 2014.

Nam has attended leading fashion events at home and abroad. His ao dai collections have impressed Vietnamese and foreigners.

He has worked with movie stars and pop idols and now owns a garment and fashion company as well as a model agency.  

His shops in Hanoi and northern provinces offer around 80 designs and accessories each, with a new collection each year.

His elegant and eye-catching pieces, using high-quality silk, satin, cotton and line, are considered glamorous.

”My dream is to bring our ao dai to the world,” said the 42-year-old.

VNA