Roots and style
In his role as a Vietnamese fashion influencer, Duong Minh Dang actively pushes for heritage representation on contemporary platforms. He blends traditional Vietnamese cultural elements with modern fashion trends to create an aesthetic that is original, resonating with local and international audiences alike. Through his online presence, Dang introduces Vietnamese culture to a global audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s cultural nuances.
While Dang’s style is inherently modern, he remains loyal to his roots, particularly to the ao dai—Vietnam’s traditional attire. “The ao dai is the pride of my country, and I am always excited to introduce it to friends around the world,” he enthuses. His cultural appreciation extends to the Tet Holiday, where he notes, “For the first days of the new year, the ao dai is definitely the go-to outfit to celebrate a fresh start.” The ao dai is significant during Tet, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebration and most important holiday. Tet marks the arrival of spring and is a time for family reunions, paying respects to ancestors, and observing cultural traditions that have been passed down for generations.
He envisions himself as an ambassador for Vietnamese culture and style as his influence grows and remains committed to showcasing his country’s fashion globally, stating, “I aspire to bring the ao dai to the world’s major fashion capitals and showcase it [on a broader scale].”
Modern expression
His fashion journey, sparked by Korean dramas during the pandemic, marks a remarkable transformation from a boy favoring more subtle outfits to a Southeast Asian style ambassador. “I became engrossed in [a Korean drama], closely following the fashion of each character,” he reveals.
If you scroll through his Instagram, you’ll find Dang’s style to be culturally diverse while incorporating a contemporary, high-fashion touch. He showcases a versatile range of looks, from casual athleisure to bold juxtapositions such as a tailored black overcoat paired with outlandish yellow boots, and even modernizes traditional pieces by combining an ao dai tunic with a Fendi bag.
Dang’s creativity also extends to art toys, with his ‘blindbox’ trend on TikTok garnering substantial views as he unveils surprise art figures. While keeping future plans fairly discreet, he hints at exciting developments, including exploring Milan and Paris in 2025 through upcoming art toy campaigns.
As he continues to make his mark on the fashion world, he remains grounded in his Vietnamese heritage while pushing the boundaries of style and creativity. With his vision, passion, and commitment to cultural representation, Dang is the beacon for the future of Vietnamese fashion on the bigger global stage.
This story appears in the pages of VMAN SEA 01: now available for purchase!
Photography Ky Quan
Grooming Cong Anh
Lighting Cao Dung Thanh Lam
Fashion assistant Cloudy Nguyen
