The renowned designer who won the heart of fashion lovers in Vietnam passed away on October 13 at the age of 49, of a heart stroke.

Fashion designer Diego Chula receives flowers from Vietnam Design Week’s Organizing Committee

His sudden death left many local artists and designers shock and saddened. Diego is considered a talented designer who is passionate about fashion.

Diego Chula whose real name is Diego Del Valle Cortizas, was born on September 16, 1972, in Madrid. He settled down in Hanoi with his family in 2004. They opened a fashion house and created the brand Chula Design. All of Chula fashion products are made by local people with disabilities.

Having a great passion for Vietnamese traditional materials of silk and brocade, Diego applied them to his innovative ao dai designs as well as other western-style outfits, creating chic and unique pieces of fashion.

Diego’s style was always influenced by architecture, with striking and impressive color choices, emitting the messages of optimism, love of peace, and sharing.

The Hoan Kiem District Culture, Information, and Sports Center in collaboration with Phuc Tan Ward and artists from the “Phuc Tan Public Art” project organized a special ao dai fashion show of the designer Diego Chula on March 20. Photo: Thoi trang tre

Chula’s collections have been regularly featured at Vietnam Fashion Week since the early 2010s, making Diego the only international designer with the most displays.

Vietnam Design Week paid tribute to Diego on Facebook: “He is an inspiration, a great personality who is always generous with the Vietnamese creative community. Diego has really made improvements and contributions to the local design industry through his approach, concept, and works. You did bring us to the sunny side, Diego! Rest in peace!”

Apart from fashion design, Chula and his family were also active in community work. Earlier this year, he joined the Phuc Tan art project on the banks of the Red River. The designer has turned the old chicken cages at the Long Bien night market into unique lamps.

Chula’s ao dai collection inspired by Hanoi culture and Long Bien bridge was gracefully and emotionally performed by amateur models who are residents of Phuc Tan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Photo: Thoi trang tre

Painter and visual artist Nguyen The Son shared that he was grieved over the death of the Spaniard.

“Hanoi owes you a lot, Diego! Still can’t believe and don’t want to believe this is true. There still many exhibitions, fashion shows, and public art projects are waiting for your contributions!” Son expressed his feeling.

Designer Vu Viet Ha, a Diego’s long-time close friend expressed grief over the loss. “Diego is very thoughtful, always generous to his friends. Like a passionate talented Mozaic artist, he assembles the pieces of brocade and silk into costumes, turning them into artworks”, he mourned on his Facebook profile.