Vietnam Rising

Tradition meets modern style in Vietnam’s temples

At the steps of a centuries-old temple in Vietnam, tradition and modernity meet in striking contrast. Beneath ornate eaves carved from dark wood, a traveler stands in technical outdoor gear, the utilitarian lines of his clothing cutting sharply against the historic backdrop. A wide-brimmed hat shades his eyes, yet his presence remains unmistakable.

Inside, against walls lined with ancient paintings, the same juxtaposition continues. The crisp folds of waterproof fabrics and the gleam of zippers appear almost futuristic beside delicate brushstrokes that have endured for centuries. The effect is clear: history does not resist the present, it frames it.

At the temple’s entry, where stone meets open sky, the traveler pauses to rest. His gear, worn in by time and terrain, carries not the weight of hardship but the ease of adaptation. The clothing serves as both armor and comfort, shifting seamlessly from performance to symbol.

READ MORE: Get To Know the Young And Cool Men Redefining Contemporary Culture In Vietnam

Echoes of myth

Elsewhere, carved dragons spiral across stone columns, their forms echoed by the straps, buckles, and metallic details of the traveler’s attire. The parallel is unmistakable. Just as myth was once etched in stone, today it finds expression in fabric and form.

A second figure joins him, and together the travelers move deeper into the setting. Their tactical gear is layered with intent, built for unpredictability, yet their posture remains playful. Standing side by side in sunglasses and shadow, they embody both resilience and mystery, suspended between tradition and the modern world.

Utility in sacred spaces

In the temple’s narrow hallways, where centuries press close, the functional promise of their gear comes into focus. Breathable layers, purposeful pockets, and weatherproof seams, all designed for endurance, speak to a culture of movement even in stillness.

Finally, framed by the temple’s towering stone archway, the traveler becomes a silhouette between eras. Behind him, history looms in carved stone, while on him the present speaks in technical fabric. The moment captures more than style; it suggests a larger shift. Vietnam’s heritage is not diminished by modernity. Instead, it rises to meet it, creating a dialogue that speaks as much to the future as to the past.

Banner photo credits: Jacket Sacai / Shorts Rick Owens / Bag Maison Margiela / Hats Marni / Shoes Moon Boot

See the full fashion editorial in the pages of VMAN SEA 04, available in print and by e-subscription.

Photography Nhu Khoi

Creative direction Vic Lee

Fashion Freddy Nguyen

Grooming Thien Huong

Hair Bich Diep

Models Simon Trinh and Minh Nhut

Production Artclass Vietnam and Han Ton

Art direction Nguyen Duong

Retouching Dam Thoai My

Fashion assistant Mai Dieu Linh

Photography assistants Khanh Duy and Toby