Le Hoang Son, a designer from Vietnam and a graduate student from London College for Design and Fashion – Hanoi, won the first runner-up in Harper’s BAZAAR Asia NewGen Fashion Award with his collection titled The Nocturnal Collection. Hoang Son took inspiration from the concept of nocturnal women, captivated by the night and comforted by its dark beauty. The nocturnal persona is romantic and feminine on one hand, and powerful and edgy on the other. This duality comes through with the combination of historical influences from both the East and West.
Here, we caught up with Hoang Son to find out how things have been after the competition.
1) Tell us how you felt about being the 1st runner-up in the Harper’s BAZAAR Asia NewGen Fashion Award? How has the experience been for you?
For me it’s such an amazing recognition to be named the first runner-up in the competition. I did put in so much effort into this and it paid off eventually. I felt so grateful for all the experience and advice from the judges which will enable me to go further in my future career in fashion. Thanks to Asia Newgen Fashion award, I had a chance to meet other talented contestants from around the region with whom I shared my passion for fashion design.
Related article: All The Stylish Guests At The BAZAAR NewGen Fashion Awards Show 2019
2) Has your life changed in any way after taking part in the Harper’s BAZAAR Asia NewGen Fashion Award? How has it changed?
Oh, it has changed dramatically ever since. I have received many offers to cooperate with noted fashion brands and also to broaden my clientele in my home country. I have just started my own fashion line recently and hope to strengthen my brand’s exposure and visibility in the future.
3) Can you share what are some of your plans for 2020?
My 2020 plans definitely include looking forward to study at Instituto Maragoni and I am currently preparing for this experience. Along with this, I am applying to study in the UK to improve my knowledge and skills. NewGen Fashion Award has set the first milestone in my career and has given me the push I need to step out of my comfort zone to explore what the fashion industry evolving outside my country has to offer.
Related article: Fashion Forces: The BAZAAR Asia NewGen 2019 Finalists Take Modern Design To New Heights
4) We are gearing up for the Harper’s BAZAAR Asia NewGen Fashion Award 2020. What advice would you give participants?
The Harper’s BAZAAR Asia NewGen Fashion Award has helped to nurture so many talented designers from the Asian region. My advice to every participant is to always give the best of your ability and don’t be afraid to take risks.
5) What’s your hope for Asian/South-east Asian fashion in the future?
I hope to see more sustainability in the future of Asian/South-east Asian fashion. In Asia, we are well-known for apparel production and skillful labour but at the same time we face many issues like environmental pollution, poor working conditions and unethical animal rights. I believe that Asia/South-east Asia can soon be the promised land for fashion in the near future and our designers are among the ones who can help contribute to that.
Related article: NewGen 2020: You Could Be The Next Big Fashion Designer
Think you could be the next big fashion designer? Take part in Harper’s BAZAAR Asia NewGen Fashion Award 2020!
For details on competition process and full terms & conditions, please refer to the application form found here.
For further enquiries about the competition, please email: bazaarprojects@sph.com.sg
