Vietnam Rising
Inspired by the thrill of exploration and the utility of survival gear, two style seekers journey through Vietnam’s spiritual landmarks.
Avant-garde silhouettes, gorpcore essentials, and utilitarian flourishes prepare them for both discovery and disruption. Welcome to the fashion pilgrimage
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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
Frequently Asked Questions
The editorial stages technical outdoor gear against centuries-old Vietnamese temples, framing tradition and modernity as complementary rather than opposing forces, with heritage “rising to meet” contemporary style rather than being displaced by it.
The shoot featured Sacai jackets, Rick Owens shorts, Maison Margiela bags, Marni hats, and Moon Boot footwear, styled against the backdrop of Vietnamese temple architecture.
Carved dragons and stone columns inside the temples are visually echoed by the straps, buckles, and metallic hardware on the models’ technical gear, drawing a parallel between mythic ornamentation and modern functional design.
Gorpcore refers to a style movement built around technical and outdoor-functional clothing — items like waterproof fabrics, zippers, and tactical gear — worn as everyday fashion rather than for literal outdoor use.
The complete editorial appears in VMAN SEA Issue 04, available in print through Sari-Sari Shopping or via e-subscription on the VMAN SEA website.
