Duc Phuc triumphed at the Intervision Song Contest on the evening of 20/9 in Moscow, Russia. He performed the song Phu Dong Thien Vuong (composed by Ho Hoai Anh) in a style blending folk and contemporary elements. Beyond the music, the singer's meticulously crafted costumes amplified his performance, captivating both judges and audience.
The singer showcased two outfits during his 3-minute performance. The team responsible for Duc Phuc's wardrobe included designer Hoa Nguyen, Fashion Director, and stylist Kye Nguyen.
Duc Phuc's opening look featured armor and a traditional conical hat. Kye Nguyen explained that the costumes were inspired by the legendary figure Saint Giong and Vietnam's aspiration for growth and innovation. The bamboo motif on the armor symbolized resilience. According to the designer, bamboo has long been a cultural symbol, representing the Vietnamese people's strength and fortitude. To create this detail, the designer employed 3D printing technology combined with hand-embroidery to soften the armor's rigid appearance.
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Design sketch and the finished costume worn by Duc Phuc on stage. |
Beneath the armor, Duc Phuc revealed a stylized ao dai. The garment showcased Dong Ho folk painting motifs on the chest. A woven belt, crafted using traditional techniques, adorned the waist. Sparkling embellishments on the shoulders caught the stage lights.
Duc Phuc's team connected with the designers and stylists nearly a month before departing for Russia. From the outset, he aimed to showcase Vietnam to the world through both music and fashion. This led to extensive discussions, numerous design drafts, and continuous revisions before finalizing the costumes.
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Accessories adorning the neck and shoulders, inspired by bamboo stalks. Photo: Provided by the designer |
Kye Nguyen emphasized the importance of balancing visual artistry with the singer's comfort during the performance. Therefore, the team carefully selected materials and tailoring, dedicating hundreds of hours to leather carving, hand-embroidery, and embellishment.
The team explored various ideas, including a dramatic costume "burn" during the performance's climax. However, after dozens of trials, they opted for a safer approach using LED lights and layering.
"The moment Duc Phuc raised the trophy and proudly proclaimed 'Vietnam' on stage, I was deeply moved. The interplay of stage lights and the costume's shimmer made the singer's victory even more meaningful", said designer Hoa Nguyen.
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Duc Phuc receives enthusiastic applause after winning the competition. Photo: Provided by the artist |
Originally known as the Intervision Song Contest, the competition was initiated by the International Radio and Television Organisation (OIRT). From 1965 to 1968, it took place in Czechoslovakian cities like Prague, Bratislava, and Karlovy Vary. From 1977 to 1980, Intervision was revived in Sopot, Poland, replacing the Sopot International Song Festival. After 1980, the competition was discontinued.
Returning after over 40 years, the contest attracted participants from Cuba, Kyrgyzstan, China, Egypt, the US, Kenya, Kazakhstan, UAE, Russia, Brazil, Tajikistan, Qatar, Madagascar, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Ethiopia, Venezuela, Serbia, South Africa, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. Telegraph and NBC News have dubbed Intervision a new version of Eurovision, one of the world's largest music competitions.
Tan Cao
