Amid the dazzling lights of Thailand International Fashion Week 2025 at Baiyoke Sky Hotel in Bangkok, child model Pham Tran Binh Nguyen (Koka) made a memorable appearance. In the “Mong Ho Sac – Dreams of Dong Ho” collection by Dac Ngoc Designer House in collaboration with Ken Design by Hanh Nguyen, Koka presented an image that was both innocent and poised. His steps made the audience feel as if they were witnessing Vietnamese childhood retold through fashion, set within an international-scale event founded by Dr. Chirawan Lewis.
Koka and the strides imbued with unique impressions
On the TIFW runway, Koka appeared with a small but sturdy frame. His gaze was focused, and every step was measured, allowing the audience to sense the confidence and stage presence of this young talent. Without needing elaborate gestures, Koka let his movements flow naturally with the lights and music, creating an engaging and effortless performance.
His outfit was one of the standout designs of the collection: a pearl-white base adorned with a raised red dragon motif. The contrasting colors made the ensemble visually striking, while the long cloak fluttering with each step conveyed both softness and strength. Koka’s unusually handsome appearance made him unique and memorable, standing out among the international child models. In him, viewers could see the innocence of childhood intertwined with early poise, and this combination held the audience’s attention throughout the show.
“Mong Ho Sac”: When Dong Ho paintings come to the world
Inspired by Dong Ho folk paintings, renowned for their bright colors and familiar imagery, the “Mong Ho Sac” collection combines traditional spirit with contemporary fashion sensibilities. The designers chose silk and brocade as the primary materials, enhanced with hand-embroidery techniques to recreate familiar motifs.
Within the collection, one can easily recognize color palettes reminiscent of the old paintings: the red of festivals, the green of nature, and the yellow of bountiful harvests. Dragons, phoenixes, and floral motifs were treated with finesse, integrated into the garments not as illustrations but as part of the silhouettes, harmonizing with the body’s movement.
What makes the collection special is how it sparks curiosity among international audiences. For them, it is not just visually striking fashion but also a glimpse into Vietnamese culture. For Vietnamese viewers, seeing Dong Ho paintings—a familiar cultural heritage—come alive on the Bangkok runway was both a proud and intimate experience.
Thailand International Fashion Week: A polychromatic stage
Held at Baiyoke Sky Hotel—a Bangkok landmark—this year’s TIFW brought together a wide array of collections from diverse cultures. The event featured not only renowned couture brands but also welcomed young designers and child models.
This diversity made TIFW a broad platform where every style had a chance to shine. From the minimalist aesthetics of Europe and the intricate designs of the Middle East to the soft elegance of Southeast Asia, all converged on a single runway. Audiences could easily sense this richness through each successive show.
Beyond the runway, TIFW organized numerous networking and social activities, providing opportunities for designers, models, and businesses to forge collaborations. This is also why the event received extensive international media coverage—it was not just a fashion showcase, but a true space for cultural exchange and relationship-building.
Connecting Vietnamese identity with future generations
For Koka, performing in the “Mong Ho Sac” collection was more than just a moment on stage. It was a valuable experience, allowing him to immerse himself in the atmosphere of a major event, wear a garment rooted in national culture, and, most importantly, express himself authentically.
For the audience, Koka’s presence evoked a range of emotions. They saw the innocence of childhood intertwined with the poise of a young model. Each step reflected the pride of a Vietnamese boy carrying his homeland’s heritage onto an international stage.
Thailand International Fashion Week 2025 brought together numerous styles and colors, yet Koka’s performance in “Mong Ho Sac” left a distinct impression. Many designers and international fashion professionals praised him, recognizing his potential and viewing him as a promising face for major runways in the future. Amid the vibrant energy of Bangkok, Koka presented an image both approachable and meaningful: a confident Vietnamese boy walking the runway in a garment that told the story of Dong Ho paintings. In that moment, the audience understood that fashion is not merely about outward beauty—it is also a way to convey culture and emotion.
