Elevating the Vietnamese modeling industry.

"Nowadays, being a model isn't just about knowing how to walk the catwalk. To succeed in this profession, models must be receptive, thoughtful, problem-solving, have their own story, and enhance their professional value," supermodel Thanh Hang commented on the factors necessary for the development of the modeling profession today.

Searching for the next generation of models.

Vietnam's Next Top Model has just launched its 2025 season in Ho Chi Minh City, marking a positive return after an 8-year hiatus for Vietnam's number one model search competition. The top 15 contestants entering the "house" have also been announced, featuring many fresh faces.

Launching the Vietnam's Next Top Model 2025 program.

Notable contestants include Tuyet Mai – a Taekwondo athlete with an ideal physique; Lai Mai Hoa, impressive with her height of 1.84m; Vu My Ngan, a Top 15 finalist in Miss Vietnam 2024; and content creator Tam Thanh (Zicky Lee)... They were selected from over 1,000 applicants who participated in the search and selection rounds from the beginning of May until now. This year's competition is also noteworthy for its series of highly creative and visually stunning fashion challenges, with significant investment in imagery, expertise, and fashion elements. Furthermore, the judging panel has garnered much attention with veteran names such as supermodel Thanh Hang, designer Do Manh Cuong, and the creative director duo Nam Trung and Ha Do.

Ms. Trang Le, the general director and producer of Vietnam's Next Top Model, said that 15 years ago, the program focused on finding potential model talents, but now, the main goal is to train Top Models and Vedettes to supplement the professional fashion industry in the country. “Entering the competition, contestants must know the basics such as posing and catwalk. What the competition builds in them is a positive attitude, professional competence, and a professional work style. Because after the competition, they will walk on major runways both domestically and internationally, so attitude, competence, and professionalism are essential,” Ms. Trang Le shared.

Besides Vietnam's Next Top Model, a number of other competitions to find and develop professional models have been organized recently, such as: The Face Vietnam - Brand Ambassador, The New Mentor - All-Round Model, The Next Gentleman - Perfect Gentleman...

A launching pad for talent

The return of well-funded modeling competitions and programs is good news for those in the industry. These are not only entertainment programs for the audience but also essential stepping stones for the modeling profession. For example, the "New Generation of Models" project organized by supermodel Xuan Lan searches for models to participate in fashion shows in Korea, Italy, France, and the US, giving Vietnamese models the opportunity to gain experience on an international stage. Similarly, Vietnam's Next Top Model has contributed significantly to creating generations of famous models who have made their mark in the world's fashion capitals, such as Trang Khieu, Tuyet Lan, Hoang Thuy, Mau Thuy, Kha My Van, Thuy Trang, Cha My... Many models from this program have even conquered beauty pageants, including Pham Huong, H'Hen Nie, Ngoc Chau, Hoang Thuy, Mau Thuy, Quynh Chau, and Huong Ly…

One example of a successful model who rose to fame through competitions is Huynh Tu Anh, the winner of the most recent season of The Face Vietnam (2023). Immediately after the finals, Tu Anh was taken by her management company to Paris (France) and Milan (Italy) to audition for fashion week. She quickly gained attention, walking the runway at Milan Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week in shows for major fashion houses such as Calcaterra, Hodakova, Leonard Paris, Blssd, and Lacoste Show Private. Tu Anh also received numerous collaboration contracts with major modeling agencies, appearing on the covers of prestigious fashion magazines, contributing to elevating Vietnamese models on the international fashion map.

Designer Do Manh Cuong commented that Vietnamese models are now taller and more beautiful, but achieving international standards requires a great deal of effort and dedication. Ms. Trang Le agreed, saying, “The fashion world is incredibly harsh. Many Vietnamese models have had to return to Vietnam to hone their skills after competing internationally. Having exceptional height and a perfect model face isn't enough to become a model. Besides needing a team and management company for support, models themselves must first strive to learn, improve their performance skills, foreign language communication, and professional conduct…”

The return of model search game shows has raised expectations for redefining the modeling profession. However, concerns have also emerged that these programs need to avoid repeating the mistakes of some previous competitions and game shows that became mired in controversy and deviated from their original goals. Therefore, new programs and projects need positive changes to truly serve as a launching pad, empowering young models to reach new heights and contributing to the development of a professional and positive fashion and modeling industry.

TIEU TAN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nang-tam-nguoi-mau-viet-post806351.html