The London College for Design and Fashion (LCDF) presented its fashion show, Xpressive, on the runway at Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District. This event marked the grand finale of the Hanoi Festival of Creative Design 2024, captivating the audience with a unique blend of fashion and self-expression.
Each Xpressive collection showcased on the runway told a story of self-discovery and the unapologetic celebration of the designer’s personality. It served as a platform for these talented individuals to express their distinct identities while vividly portraying their stories and emotions through their designs. Their ideas, like fiery flames, ignited a passion, creativity, and dedication that resonated with the audience.
| The fashion show, organized by LCDF-Hanoi, aimed to raise funds for ethnic women. Photo: Xuan Tung |
Some of the collections drew inspiration from childhood memories, family ties, and the enchanting city of Hanoi. These designs emanated warm and genuine emotions, creating a deep sense of connection with the audience. Other pieces boldly addressed social issues, such as the pitfalls of fame, mental health, the yearning for freedom, and the exploration of our deepest inner emotions.
The young designers also showcased their cultural and artistic influences, fusing Indochinese architectural elements, traditional crafts, Eastern philosophies, and the vibrant cultural movements of the West. This fusion of influences reflected their unique perspectives within a shared cultural landscape, adding a layer of depth and personal character to their designs.
| Pham Thao Nhi’s collection, inspired by the culture of Hanoi, presented a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Photo: Xuan Tung |
LCDF-Hanoi’s fashion show celebrated the power of individuality and personal identity. Each design not only showcased the talent of its creator but also bore unique marks and personality traits, contributing to the richness and diversity of the creative design industry. Ha Thi Hang, a representative of LCDF-Hanoi, explained that Xpressive‘s mission goes beyond fashion; it aims to deepen the community’s understanding of creative design and inspire individuals to explore and express their hidden creative potential.
One of the highlights of the fashion show was Pham Thao Nhi’s Do Thanh (Capital) collection, a tribute to the city of Hanoi. Nhi’s collection captured the timeless beauty of Hanoi, from its ancient temples and relics to its iconic modern landmarks. The designs drew inspiration from traditional hats and robes, with a color palette of moss green, deep red, and neutral beige, accented with gold. The use of organza and taffeta, embellished with intricate hand beading, honored traditional craftsmanship while allowing the wearer to embody elegance, confidence, and modernity.
In conjunction with the fashion show, LCDF-Hanoi presented a graphic arts exhibition titled AAaA. Each individual project within the exhibition served as a distinctive mark of creativity, reflecting the personal identity and journey of self-discovery of its young designer. These intriguing projects offered visitors a unique perspective, much like uncovering the surprises within a mysterious “gacha ball.” The audience was invited to embark on a journey of self-exploration through these diverse works, encouraging them to find their unique sense of color and sparking their imagination.
Exploring Creative Art and Design Practice
As a part of the Hanoi Festival of Creative Design, LCDF-Hanoi hosted a seminar, “Interdisciplinary and Cultural Exchange in Creative Art and Design Practice,” on November 17. Douglas Maclennan, Head of External Affairs at LCDF-Hanoi, shared insights into the evolution of the design industry since the 1980s, highlighting its expansion from interior design to various specialties, including fashion design, graphic design, and communication through fashion magazines.
Today, design students are equipped with versatile skills that can be applied across different areas of design. Lecturer and communications expert Daniel Caulfield-Sriklad elaborated on this, discussing how designers are incorporating cross-cultural and interdisciplinary methods into their work. By combining fashion, graphic design, photography, and material handling, Daniel, with his Thai-British cultural background, has created innovative multicultural collections that enrich the creative process.
The seminar also explored the interdisciplinary aspects of modern design fields, demonstrating how they facilitate the exploration of creative ideas and the development of multi-dimensional approaches by drawing on knowledge from diverse disciplines.
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