The Mong boy and the journey to bring brocade to the international level

Overcoming the mountains and steep passes from Bac Kan city to Co Linh commune, Pac Nam district, about 130km, we arrived at Mr. Hoang Van The's house as scheduled and at the right time when he and his wife were busy completing the order of dresses and shirts to send to the US. In the house of about ^70m2 , which is also the family's sewing workshop, the sound of sewing machines and pleating machines all made sounds no different from an industrial sewing workshop, creating a very lively working atmosphere.

After graduating from high school, he followed his peers to leave his hometown to work for companies in the lowlands with the hope of "changing his life" soon. However, in the midst of the bustling urban area, he missed his village even more, the embroidered threads, the vibrant colors of the dresses and the soul of the mountains and forests. And he also realized one thing, that the traditional costumes of his people are increasingly used less and less in modern life. Therefore, after a few years of struggling, in 2019, he decided to return to his village, carrying with him the dream of starting a business with traditional tailoring - a choice that surprised many people, because in the minds of the Mong people, sewing is a job reserved for women.

Ignoring the skeptical looks, Mr. The is still determined to start his own business. His mother, Mrs. Duong Thi My, always supports him wholeheartedly, not only encouraging him but also accompanying him to complete each first design. With the thought that tailoring does not discriminate between men and women, "anyone can do this job, as long as they have heart and passion. Because this is not only a job, but also a way for me to preserve the culture of my people and create a legitimate income", Mr. The shared.

Mr. The recalls that when he started his business with an old sewing machine and a small house that was renovated to be a workshop. At first, the work was not very favorable because the traditional designs were still monotonous and few people bought them... But with a progressive spirit, he began to combine traditional Mong motifs with modern trends, creating highly applicable clothing designs such as dresses, jackets... so he gradually received positive reception from customers.

Unlike many modern design studios, Mr. The does not use any software or design support tools. All of his clothing designs, from style, pattern to color, are designed by him based on inspiration from the working life, activities, culture, and festivals of his people.

However, to suit the market, from the traditional costumes of Mong women, Mr. Hoang Van The has innovated into many styles and designs to suit all ages.

Admitting that there are changes in the style of the costume, however, Mr. The said that he still has to keep the basic nuances according to the Mong people's traditions, such as colors and traditional patterns... Even if there are changes or some stylized patterns are added, the traditional values ​​of the Mong people must not be destroyed.

Mr. The shares about the career he has chosen.

In the early days of production, Mr. The mainly sold at the highland markets of the district. The turning point came when he posted the product images on social media platforms. Thanks to the unique design, imbued with culture, his products quickly attracted the attention of international customers.

As a business-savvy person, Mr. The understands that tastes change every year, so he often creates outfits with eye-catching designs to stay ahead of the trend. Mr. Hoang Van The said: "If in 2024 it was a stylized traditional cross-neck style, this year it is a 3cm high-neck model with fashionable buttons, suitable for young people"...

Customers in the US give feedback on Mr. The's products.

“I am very happy that many customers who received the products gave compliments and love for the costumes I made. They also took pictures of themselves wearing the costumes to events and parties for my wife and I to see. In particular, many of my costumes have been used by customers in beauty contests of the Mong ethnic community abroad, contributing to honoring the national identity on the big stage. It is not only a joy but also a happiness,” said Mr. The.

A livestream of Mr. The and his wife.

Mr. The excitedly added: “In the coming time, I am preparing to export about 50 dresses and shirts to the US. My greatest joy is to see the traditional costumes of my people known and loved by many international friends. It is also a way to contribute to promoting the people and land of Bac Kan,” Mr. The excitedly added.

Not only does he aspire to develop his personal career, Hoang Van The also has a bigger desire to build his own space to display traditional costumes of Mong ethnic groups across the country. He believes that when easily accessible, Mong culture will be widely spread and accepted by young people as part of their life values.

Mr. Loc Van Duong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Co Linh Commune, Pac Nam District (Bac Kan) said: Mr. Hoang Van The, with his love and passion for traditional costumes of the nation, through social networking platforms has promoted and introduced the traditional beauty of the Mong people to international friends. He is a typical example that inspires the spirit of daring to think and daring to do for the ethnic minority youth in the commune in terms of current economic development.

Customers love the products designed by Mr. The.

Hoang Van The’s career path has many opportunities but also many challenges. A young man who dares to think and act like Hoang Van The will surely know how to overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities to succeed. From there, he will become an example of self-reliance and career building for young people in ethnic minority areas in his homeland of Bac Kan./.

Quy Don - Bich Huyen

Source: https://baobackan.vn/chang-trai-nguoi-mong-va-hanh-trinh-dua-tho-cam-vuon-tam-quoc-te-post70995.html