When models 'cross over' into designers

Although there are many advantages to switching roles from model to designer, catwalk beauties still face fierce competition in the fashion industry.

C LONG LEG START A FASHION BUSINESS

Earlier this year, model Bui Tuong Van surprised everyone when the fashion brand Van Van VV, which she founded, was awarded the Promising Fashion Brand award. at the SR Fashion Award 2025 program. This is a recognition of the efforts of the 1998-born model when she transformed from a promising young model to a designer and creative director for her own brand. Few people know that Tuong Van has been passionate about fashion since childhood; after graduating from high school, she went to Ho Chi Minh City to study design but first became a model. At the age of 23, she became the new "muse" of designer Do Manh Cuong, a prominent face for fashion photos and runway shows. Her angular face with a high-end fashion style, big round eyes, long black hair and professional working style opened up many opportunities for the 1m72 tall girl. She became more widely known to the public when supermodel Thanh Hang selected her to participate in the team participating in the program The New Mentor.

Model Bui Tuong Van as designer closed the show of the brand Van Van VV at the event honoring Vietnamese fashion Celebrating Local Pride 9

Photo: NVCC

"Because I have the ability to model, I had the opportunity to be exposed to fashion earlier than my classmates. However, later on, people often forget that I studied design formally, so they often say I am a model," Tuong Van shared. She believes that the two jobs of design and modeling complement each other, giving her more opportunities to develop, and access to many technologies, so she has more experience. These things brought her advantages in the early days of starting a business, although this role has never been easy. The foundation for developing a fashion brand lies in product quality, brand story and design value in each outfit, not just beautiful images or viral posts on social networks. Van Van VV opened her first store in May this year after two and a half years of online business and regularly launching three collections/year.

Bui Tuong Van wears clothes from the fashion brand she founded

Photo: NVCC

Model Kieu Thi Thuy Hang admitted that before launching the Chadi studio brand at the recent Vietnam International Beach Fashion Festival , she thought that doing fashion was easy because she had a lot of experience. She is confident because she is a professional model, has participated in many competitions and performed on many big catwalks. With a minimalist, feminine personal style, the brand's main spirit is also influenced by the goal of applying, minimalist and elegant products. She said: "Only when you start doing it do you realize that doing fashion is difficult, not easy. Doing fashion business is not only about designing and producing beautiful and high-quality products, but also about operating the whole machine, developing marketing and business strategies...".

Have a strategy for the long haul

Not long ago, supermodel Vo Hoang Yen held a grand fashion show to introduce her first collection for the DAM brand, focusing on seductive, modern and sexy women's fashion products. After 19 years of active work in many roles, Hoang Yen decided to change direction to pursue her passion for the fashion business. With a wide network of relationships, she invited famous models such as Miss Ngoc Chau, Mau Thuy, Le Hang, Bui Quynh Hoa, Bao Ngoc... to perform and review products, contributing to creating a media effect for the brand. However, only a few months later, the brand stopped updating new information. The supermodel also announced that she was married and had her first child.

Fashion from Accent Concept brand by model Ha Kino

Photo: NVCC

Another brand that has attracted no less attention is Accent Concept, founded by model Ha Kino. In addition to modeling, Ha Kino is also a photographer, so she makes the most of these resources to develop her fashion brand. The brand has also made its mark through campaign photos taken on the streets of Thailand, mannequin photos during the Covid-19 pandemic... Although it still receives enthusiastic support from famous friends such as Miss Khanh Van, Hoang Thuy, Hoang Oanh... the brand has not released any new collections recently, when Ha Kino participated in competitions such as Miss Universe Vietnam, Sister Beautiful Riding the Wind and Breaking the Waves...

Miss Global 2025 Nhu Van wears an outfit by Chadi studio

Photo: NVCC

Model Thuy Hang believes that the Vietnamese fashion market is highly competitive but still has potential if you have your own mark. For her, Chadi Studio is both a project to compete in Miss Global 2025 and a practical business model. She is developing a new collection based on natural materials, through which she can tell international friends the story of Vietnam's green fashion. In the context of Vietnamese brands aiming for internationality, Bui Tuong Van still persistently focuses on loyal customers. She said that in a volatile market, what customers look for in Van Van VV is still the design mark. Since starting her business, she has listened to the needs of petite women around her, so she has always prioritized serving the Asian region. "I've come to the conclusion that I should only do what I'm good at. That's also a way to professionalize and create a foundation for the brand to develop," Tuong Van said, adding that she withdrew from tasks that were not her strengths and only took on the role of creating, designing and producing costumes instead of "taking on" everything.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/khi-nguoi-mau-lan-san-lam-nha-thiet-ke-185250904222025414.htm