This is what Giang Tu, a fashion designer from Vietnam, said about the International Fashion Showcase 2014 where his award-winning collection was featured. Co-organised by the British Council and the British Fashion Council to encourage and celebrate the achievements of young fashion designers, the International Fashion Showcase has been a highlight of the annual London Fashion Week.
Giang Tu, who won the Aquafina Pure Fashion 2013 competition with a collection themed Embracing Water, said about his first trip to the UK: ‘I feel proud and lucky to have had such a great opportunity to meet such a talented group of designers from many countries. What was also important was the chance to see the vibrant London, one of world’s capitals for high fashion, with my own eyes. London attracts the best designers and brands in the world. I got to experience the unique vibes of the London Fashion Week and update myself with the latest trends of the fashion world. I would like to thank Aquafina and British Council for giving me such a precious opportunity.’
The collection that Giang brought to the International Fashion Showcase reflected the latest trends in the world and impressed exhibition participants by norms-defying cutting edge style, according to fashion professionals. Vietnam also received a special mention in the Curator Award at the awards ceremony.
‘It was the second time Vietnam has been invited to join this activity in the London Fashion Week. With an exceptional representation by Giang Tu, I believe Vietnam fashion is now better recognised among international audiences, especially those in London, one of the most vibrant cities in the world for fashion. We really hope that, via this kind of activity, greater opportunities will find their ways to the fashion industry of Vietnam, or in broader terms, the creative economy of Vietnam,’ says Le Anh Tho, Head of Arts and Creativity, British Council Vietnam.
The British Council has been proactive in building links and supporting the creative economy in Vietnam, through sharing the UK experience and expertise as one of the world leading countries for creative industries.