The event, held at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum on the evening of 4/8, attracted 500 attendees. Organized by designers Ngo Diem Huong, Pham Tran Thu Hang, Giang Kyo, and Thoa Tran, the "Shape of Willpower" themed show celebrated the resilience of people with disabilities in cultural, artistic, and social life.
Five collections were presented over approximately three hours. A highlight was "Blooming," created by two young deaf designers, To Uyen and Nguyen Phuc. Mentored by Pham Tran Thu Hang, they completed the collection in three weeks. The brightly colored garments, primarily in white and pink, featured ruffles and layered designs for a charming aesthetic.
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Models showcase "ao dai" and peplum tops with skirts, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience. Photo: Organizing committee |
Models showcase "ao dai" and peplum tops with skirts, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience. Photo: Organizing committee
The show also featured elegant and practical "ao dai" and office attire for men and women, suitable for various occasions. Many outfits incorporated stretchy fabrics and loose fits for comfort and ease of movement.
The event also launched the "Kindness Wardrobe" project, an initiative to establish clothing closets at vocational centers, clubs, and schools. The project will also collect recycled fabrics and solicit designs for adaptive clothing.
The Hanoi Association of People with Disabilities and the Vietnam Vocational Education and Disability Capacity Development Center collaborated on the event.
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The collection by deaf designers To Uyen and Nguyen Phuc. Photo: Organizing committee |
The collection by deaf designers To Uyen and Nguyen Phuc. Photo: Organizing committee
Over the past six years, there has been increased global attention on people with disabilities in fashion. In 2022, Gucci was among the first brands to adopt the Disability Equality Index (DEI), a comprehensive benchmarking tool that measures and promotes inclusivity and equality. The same year saw the launch of Adaptista, an online adaptive clothing retailer, marking a significant milestone for the community.
Brands like Nike, Skims, and Tommy Hilfiger have furthered the development of adaptive fashion. The participation of people with disabilities in shows by Collina Strada, Sinead O'Dwyer, and Gabriela Hearst at London and New York Fashion Weeks has generated positive feedback and served as an inspiration.
Y Ly
