Long a bastion for cheap, fast-fashion manufacturing, a new crop of designers are trying to transform the Made in Vietnam label and save the country’s rich ethnic heritage in the process. but then I realised we need to be concerned about the environmental, ethical side (of fashion) now or it will be too late,” said Ms Thao.. And there is not a sweat shop in sight.Over in central Hue — the former imperial capital of Vietnam — another label is also helping local artisans market their skills to the global fashion industry.“In the past I carved traditional wooden houses now I carve shoes in a modern style — I love the job,” he said.
The 38-year-old designer has been tapping into this growing global trend by working with some of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups, each of which have their own unique textiles and traditional clothing designs. our weaving products can go to other countries.But bridging this divide isn’t always easy.Do Quang Thanh, a carpenter, said the idea of making shoes initially struck him as “strange” but he is glad he gave it a try..Fashion4Freedom stepped in to help, teaching traditional woodworkers, who carve ornate pillars in pagodas or local houses, to learn how to make platform shoes that cost some $600 a pair.
The local women who work with her, such as Luong Thi Kim (40), say they too have benefited from the colloboration.The designer has already attracted accolades, winning international design awards and selling her wares to high-fashion buyers.“We knew these people had generations of skill, we just had to unlock it so the market could appreciate it as we did,” Ms LanVy said.Fashion designer Thao Vu works at her home studio in Hanoi, Vietnam..The multi-billion dollar sector has helped drive impressive economic growth but also drawn criticism for weak environmental and labour rights regulations.“Before 100plolyester with milky coating 2000mm I weaved for personal use but now .Yet products made by the country’s traditional fabric spinners are inherently eco friendly — made with natural dyes and textiles, not harsh chemicals or synthetic fibres.