Amid the increasingly rich creative flow of Vietnamese fashion, the emergence of young designers with a desire for innovation always creates a special attraction. Hoang Linh – who recently graduated as the valedictorian of the Fashion Design program at Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture – has chosen an independent path to express his own identity. With the collection “Giang Sang” set to debut at Greenlife on September 11, he brings a fusion of traditional lacquer art and contemporary fashion, evoking new layers of meaning about beauty and cultural memory.
The valedictorian milestone and a head start for a creative journey
Hoang Linh began his career with years of tirelessly balancing study and work, gradually proving himself through steady effort. For him, the moment he was announced as the valedictorian of the Fashion Design program was the most meaningful milestone — the result of a long journey of training, honing skills, and constantly challenging himself. That achievement was not only a personal reward but also a statement of the steadfast pioneering spirit of the young generation of designers.
What makes Hoang Linh stand out lies in his choice: instead of following a safe path, he decided to freely pursue his own creative direction. Every challenge throughout four years of university — from basic knowledge to complex projects — became valuable experiences that shaped his aesthetic thinking and professional resilience.
For Linh, fashion is not just about tailoring techniques but also about the ability to tell stories, inspire, and evoke emotions. This is the foundation that empowers him to step into the world with his own artistic language.
“Giang Sang”: Golden memories of the art of lacquer
“Giang Sang” is the most distinctive collection of Hoang Linh to date. The idea first blossomed when he encountered lacquer artworks, particularly the paintings of the late artist Pham Hau, a pioneer who laid the foundation for Vietnamese lacquer art. The fusion of familiar motifs — village landscapes, mountains, herds of deer, or sunsets over the sea — with the refined intricacy of lacquer techniques touched him deeply, sparking the desire to transform them into the language of fashion.
In “Giang Sang”, Hoang Linh draws inspiration from Pham Hau’s series “Ca Vang” (Goldfish), “Gia Dinh Nha Huou” (Deer Family), and “Hoang Hon Vang Tren Vinh Ha Long” (Golden Sunset on Ha Long Bay). The softness of water, the majesty of mountains, and the brilliance of light blend into a magnificent palette woven onto fabric. Each detail is crafted through diverse techniques: meticulous hand embroidery, intricate embellishment, hand-applied gold leaf, delicate quilting, and layered appliqué. As a result, the designs evoke rippling waves, flickering moss, and radiant golden glows — like a living lacquer painting unfolding on the runway.
Through “Giang Sang,” Hoang Linh conveys his belief that fashion can serve as a bridge, bringing traditional art closer to contemporary audiences while awakening love and appreciation for cultural heritage.
Greenlife: The bridge of creativity to the international community
For Hoang Linh, Greenlife represents more than just a runway. It is a space where personal ideas are amplified and where connections with designers from both Vietnam and abroad are fostered. The event provides opportunities to collaborate with international teams, allowing young talents to broaden their horizons and experience professional working processes.
By debuting “Giang Sang” at Greenlife, Hoang Linh aspires to present the beauty of Vietnamese lacquer art to a wider audience while opening a broader dialogue about fashion, art, and identity. This stage is also where passion is empowered, transforming creativity into a cultural bridge between Vietnam and the world.
Passion: The core value behind success
In the end, Hoang Linh realized that passion is the decisive factor in the design industry. Passion creates endurance, allowing a designer to be patient with every detail, every stitch, and to nurture inspiration in overcoming challenges. For him, each fashion piece is the result of countless hours of meticulous work, and only a profound love for the craft can bring about true perfection.
Through Greenlife, Hoang Linh delivers a message to the younger generation: “I hope that young people of our generation will preserve and promote the cultural treasures of Vietnam every day, which will serve as a strong foundation for us to reach further and rise higher.” For him, fashion is not only a reflection of personal style but also a place where traditional values are reimagined, elevated, and shared. This belief is his guiding compass, empowering Hoang Linh to keep moving forward, bringing Vietnamese lacquer art into the rhythm of contemporary life, and painting new dreams for the nation’s fashion scene.
