Under the theme Xpressive, a fashion show by the London College for Design and Fashion (LCDF) hit the runway at Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, as the last event of the Hanoi Festival of Creative Design 2024.

Each Xpressive fashion collection tells a story of self-discovery and the explosion of each LCDF-Hanoi designer's personality. It's not only a chance for them to express their unique identities, but also a platform where each story and emotion is vividly captured through distinctive designs. Each idea is like a flame - an outburst of passion, creativity, and dedication nurtured from deep within.

LCDF-Hanoi hosted the fashion show to raise funds for ethnic women. Photo: Xuan Tung

Some collections are inspired by childhood memories, family and the beloved city of Hanoi - like warm flames that radiate genuine emotions and a deep sense of connection.

Other flames spark with the desire for self-expression and to give voice to social issues such as the illusion of fame, mental well-being, the longing for freedom, and exploring the deepest layers of inner emotions.

Some young designers also combine cultural and artistic influences, drawing from Indochinese architectures, traditional crafts, Eastern philosophies, and the vibrant cultural and artistic movements of the West.

This fusion reflects each designer's unique perspective within a shared cultural landscape full of personal characters and deeply rooted in heritage.

Pham Thao Nhi's collection is inspired by Hanoi culture. Photo: Xuan Tung

Each collection is a testament to the power of individuality and personal identity. Each design not only reflects talent, but also bears unique marks and personality traits that contribute to the richness and diversity of the creative design field.

According to LCDF-Hanoi representative Ha Thi Hang, Xpressive's mission is to deepen the community's understanding of the creative design industry and inspire each individual to explore, reveal and express their hidden creative potential. This theme is a potent affirmation that each of us has a unique spark waiting to be ignited, to inspire others, and to contribute to the development of a cohesive, passionate, and imaginative community.

A highlight of the fashion show is Pham Thao Nhi’s Do Thanh (Capital) collection which is a love letter to the city of Hanoi. In the eyes of this young designer, Hanoi possesses a timeless beauty, from the Temple of Literature, the ancient relics of Thang Long, to the iconic Turtle Tower and the Old Quarters, especially Hang Ma Street during Lunar New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival, and the vibrant flower vendors along the streets in autumn.

The collection's designs are inspired by traditional hats and the wide-sleeved five-panel robes often seen in Hang Trong paintings, with a color palette of moss green, deep red, neutral beige and gold accents. Primary materials include organza and taffeta, embellished with intricate hand beading to honor and preserve traditional craftsmanship.

It not only highlights the essence of Hanoi, but also allows the wearer to shine with elegance, confidence and modernity, much like the sophisticated women of Hanoi through the eyes of the designer.

On this occasion, LCDF-Hanoi also held a graphic arts exhibition entitled AAaA. Each individual project is a distinctive mark of creativity, reflecting each young designer's personal identity and journey of self-discovery throughout their studies and artistic development.

An exhibiton of graphic arts entitled AAaA. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times

Each project is intriguing and offers visitors different points of view within each design, much like a mysterious "gacha ball". The young designers will take the audience on a journey of self-discovery through a variety of works, encouraging everyone to find their own personal sense of color in a complex culture and sparking the imagination necessary to write their own narrative.

Creative art, design practice discussion

As part of the Hanoi Festival of Creative Design, LCDF-Hanoi hosted a seminar on "Interdisciplinary and Cultural Exchange in Creative Art and Design Practice" on November 17.

According to Douglas Maclennan, Head of External Affairs, LCDF-Hanoi, since the 1980s, the design industry began to develop, from expanding interior design to fashion design, graphic design, stylist and communication, fashion magazines.

As the field has evolved, few students today graduate with the expectation of staying in one job for their entire career. Although initial design training often focuses on a specific area, the knowledge and skills acquired can be applied to most design in life.

Increasingly, however, there is interdisciplinary collaboration in creative art and design practice.

Lecturer and communications expert Daniel Caulfield-Sriklad shared information on how designers are using cross-cultural and interdisciplinary methods in their design work. Combining fashion, graphic design, photography and material handling, Daniel said that his Thai-British cultural background has influenced his design, enriching the creative process and resulting in innovative multicultural collections.

The speakers also discussed the interdisciplinary aspects in today's design fields, which not only help to explore creative ideas, but also create multi-dimensional approaches by pooling knowledge from many fields.