Aquafina Vietnam International Fashion Event Marks Historic Shift by Entrusting Opening Runway to Emerging Designers

The 22nd edition of the Aquafina Vietnam International Fashion Week is set to break a long-standing convention by handing over its prestigious opening runway to young, up-and-coming designers. Scheduled to take place in late November at the Quan Ngheo Sports Palace in Hanoi, this major fashion event has traditionally reserved its opening slots for established industry icons and veteran couturiers. However, the upcoming three-day showcase, running from November 26 to 28, represents a monumental paradigm shift in how the country’s premier fashion platform champions the next generation of creative talent.

During the official press conference held on the afternoon of November 11 in Hanoi, event organizers unveiled this groundbreaking change. Mrs. Trang Le, chairperson of the Aquafina Vietnam International Fashion Week, addressed journalists and industry insiders, highlighting the core philosophy behind the strategic overhaul. She emphasized that while the event continues to celebrate seasoned masters and international guests, the primary spotlight must now shine brightly on emerging talent and fresh perspectives.

This strategic evolution follows a progressive trajectory for the organization. In 2025, the fashion week notably integrated capsule collections created by university design students into its schedule. Building upon that successful initiative, the leadership team has decided to elevate this commitment by granting the highly coveted opening night slot entirely to fresh designers, marking a historic first in the event’s illustrious history.

The Rising Stars Taking Center Stage

The opening night will be commanded by the top three finalists of the prestigious "Aquafina Pure Fashion" young designer competition. While the fierce design contest remains underway and the ultimate winners are kept under strict wraps, anticipation has reached a fever pitch across the domestic fashion landscape. These three finalists will unveil their unique, forward-thinking collections during the grand opening ceremony, setting a vibrant, youthful tone for the entire three-day fashion extravaganza.

The emphasis on youth and innovation does not stop with the competition finalists. The 22nd installment of the fashion week will also feature collections from other celebrated young talents originating from prominent design houses. Among them is acclaimed young designer Phan Dang Hoang, whose artistic vision continues to draw widespread acclaim. Phan Dang Hoang is scheduled to present a highly anticipated collection heavily inspired by the traditional burden baskets—the iconic carrying poles—worn by the Vietnamese people, seamlessly weaving cultural heritage into modern sartorial narratives.

Furthermore, the event will showcase collaborative capsule collections crafted by talented students from fashion design faculties across various esteemed universities in Hanoi. This holistic approach ensures that the entire educational and professional pipeline of Vietnamese fashion is adequately represented on a national and international stage.

A Grand Finale Grounded in Heritage and Modernity

While the opening belongs to the fresh faces of the industry, the closing ceremony on November 28 has been entrusted to designer Mai Lam, a widely respected yet uniquely disruptive force in contemporary Vietnamese fashion.

Mai Lam is celebrated for pioneering the "Wearable Art" movement within the domestic market. Her signature design philosophy relies on a harmonious and often daring blend of traditional Vietnamese fabrics, intricate folk patterns, and oversized or sharply asymmetrical silhouettes. By infusing her garments with a profound sense of freedom and unbridled imagination, Mai Lam bridges the gap between historical reverence and modern avant-garde aesthetics, making her the ideal choice to deliver the final, unforgettable statement of the fashion week.

International Collaboration and Veteran Presence

To maintain its status as a truly global fashion platform, the 22nd Aquafina Vietnam International Fashion Week will also welcome back several legendary names who have long been synonymous with the event’s success. Iconic designers such as Duc Hung, Ha Linh Thu, and Do Manh Cuong will return to the runway, bringing their decades of expertise and unmistakable brand identities back to the Hanoi audience.

In addition to domestic mainstays, the event boasts a robust international lineup that underscores Vietnam’s growing influence in the global fashion ecosystem. International guest designers include Angelo Cruciani from Italy, a prominent creative force who has previously made waves on the high-profile runways of Milan Fashion Week. The event will also feature creations by Aharon Genish from Israel and the renowned Spanish fashion brand Chula, known for its vibrant, culturally eclectic approach to apparel design.

Background and Context of Aquafina Vietnam International Fashion Week

Established over a decade ago, the Aquafina Vietnam International Fashion Week has grown exponentially to become the most anticipated recurring fashion event in Southeast Asia. Founded with the mission to bridge domestic designers with the global fashion market, the platform has steadily elevated Vietnamese design standards, nurtured local craftsmanship, and introduced international trends to local consumers.

Over its 22 editions, the event has weathered various industry transformations, successfully adapting to post-pandemic consumer behaviors, the rise of digital integration, and an increasingly vocal demand for sustainable and culturally resonant fashion. By shifting its focus toward emerging talent in recent years, the organization is actively future-proofing the domestic industry, ensuring that young visionaries receive the institutional support and platform visibility necessary to thrive on a competitive global stage.

Implications and Industry Outlook

Industry analysts view the decision to feature young designers at the vanguard of the 22nd edition as a bold, necessary step for the maturation of Vietnam’s fashion economy. For years, the barrier to entry for young creators has remained exceptionally high due to the immense costs associated with staging professional runway shows, securing high-end production materials, and gaining media access.

By utilizing the immense marketing power and broadcast reach of the Aquafina Vietnam International Fashion Week to launch these careers, organizers are effectively democratizing the industry’s upper echelons. This initiative not only provides vital commercial exposure for fresh graduates and independent creators but also revitalizes the visual language of Vietnamese fashion. As global luxury markets increasingly pivot toward authenticity, localized storytelling, and youth-driven innovation, the debut of these young designers in Hanoi could very well serve as a launchpad for the next wave of internationally recognized couturiers.

As the final preparations get underway at the Quan Ngheo Sports Palace, attention remains locked on the forthcoming announcement of the Aquafina Pure Fashion competition winners. With a dynamic blend of heritage-inspired creations, avant-garde wearable art, and international dialogue, the upcoming fashion week promises to be a watershed moment for the cultural and economic vitality of Vietnam’s creative sector.