The Vietnam Records Organization (VietKings) awarded a certificate recognizing the first fashion exhibition in Vietnam to blend art performance with Southern culinary and folk culture spaces to Nguyen Minh Cong on 29/12.

The designer considers this a significant milestone in his one-decade career. "The record certificate is not an end goal, but a reminder for me to continue creating, preserving, and promoting traditional values", he stated.

Designer Nguyen Minh Cong with his parents upon receiving the record certificate.

On stage, Nguyen Minh Cong thanked his family and collaborators who helped introduce the project to the public. The exhibition ran from 15/10 to 15/11 at the Southern Women's Museum.

The team created three distinct spaces: "Vung Ky Uc" (Area of Memories), "Bep Xua" (Old Kitchen), and a cultural interaction area. "Vung Ky Uc" showcased 20 designs inspired by folk cakes such as banh khot, banh da lon, and banh beo. Modern silhouettes and materials mimicking glutinous rice flour and cake wrappers impressed viewers. "Bep Xua" was where the public could enjoy traditional sweets, lotus tea, and herbal tea. The cultural interaction area featured activities including: cake wrapping workshops, card making, and artistic dough modeling.

The exhibition space showcasing Nguyen Minh Cong's fashion designs in November.

Director Phan Thao Phuong stated that the exhibition was designed with winding pathways, evoking the imagery of the Mekong Delta's waterways. Lotus and coconut leaf motifs were rendered on a white background, creating a modern style without losing traditional beauty.

Nguyen Thi Quynh Ngoc, General Secretary of the Vietnam Records Council and Deputy Director of the Vietnam Records Institute, praised the exhibition for offering a fresh perspective on the interplay between contemporary fashion and traditional cuisine. "The project demonstrates a designer's effort to take fashion beyond the conventional runway", she commented. Tran Hoang, Chairman of the Vietnam Marketing Association, noted that the exhibition highlights the creative potential of the younger generation, contributing to the global reach of Vietnamese traditional values in the future.

Several celebrities attended the event to congratulate the designer, including: singers Hoa Minzy and Phuong My Chi, Miss Yen Nhi, Kieu Duy, Thanh Ngan, and Runners-up Phuong Anh, Quynh Anh, Quynh Chau.

Runner-up Quynh Chau (left) and singer Hoa Minzy (right) congratulate Nguyen Minh Cong.

Nguyen Minh Cong, 30, graduated as valedictorian in fashion design from Hong Bang International University. He was a top 5 finalist in Project Runway 2014. He has introduced numerous collections such as Dreamland, Muse's Garden, and ThePrincess, and participated in many seasons of Vietnam International Fashion Week.

In 2022, Nguyen Minh Cong received a Vietnam record for being the first person to create fashion inspired by Mekong Delta cuisine.

By Vi Doan

Photos and video: Organizers, provided by interviewee