From the heart of Hanoi to the glittering runways of Paris and the storied screens of New York, Vietnamese art and culture are stepping firmly into the global spotlight this October. Two major events—one cinematic and one sartorial—are captivating international audiences and shining a light on the rich heritage and contemporary creativity of Vietnam.
On October 3, 2025, the Paris fashion scene was abuzz as designer Linh Nga unveiled her highly anticipated 'Spring Summer 2026' collection at a luxury hotel in the Golden Triangle district. This marked the sixth time Linh Nga has organized her own show, and by all accounts, it was a triumphant celebration of Vietnamese artistry and meticulous craftsmanship. According to VnExpress, the collection, titled 'Soul of the Land – Bloodline of the Dragon,' featured 25 Haute Couture designs that drew inspiration from iconic Vietnamese cultural motifs—dragons, temple roofs, bamboo, and the flowing lines of rice stalks.
Every detail told a story. Gowns shaped like the letter A, with fishtail and column silhouettes, incorporated abstract representations of dragons and ancient architecture. The color palette was especially evocative, blending earthy browns reminiscent of soil and ceramics with jade green, young rice green, vibrant red, and shimmering gold. These colors, as VnExpress pointed out, symbolize both the prosperity and the enduring spiritual strength of the Vietnamese people.
But it wasn’t just the visual design that stunned the crowd. The level of craftsmanship was staggering. More than 100 artisans contributed their skills over three months, hand-embroidering thousands of beads, crystals, and threads of gold into the gowns. Each dress was a labor of love, with the entire collection requiring over 20,000 hours of work. Two standout designs, Black Dragon and Lotus Spirit, were each adorned with more than 15,000 Swarovski crystals, all applied by hand. The effect was mesmerizing—high-low hems mimicked dragon scales, while shimmering organza, silk, and tulle caught the light, shifting in color and texture as models moved across the stage.
One particularly striking piece evoked the roofline of a traditional Vietnamese temple, constructed from billowing mesh and embellished with tassels, stones, and a dramatic ombre effect. Another gown, an A-line strapless number in white, featured floral motifs inspired by Vietnamese pottery and the intricate weaving techniques of bamboo and rattan.
Linh Nga’s journey has been as remarkable as her designs. She established her brand in Hanoi at the end of 2014, initially focusing on high-end bridal gowns before branching out into evening wear. Her work has graced the runways of both Paris Fashion Week and Shanghai Fashion Week, earning her a loyal following among Vietnamese celebrities. Stars such as Ho Quynh Huong, Á hậu Thúy Vân, Phương Lan, Hồ Bích Trâm, Hòa Minzy, Bảo Thy, and Ngô Lan Hương have all chosen her creations for their weddings and high-profile events, further cementing her reputation as one of Vietnam’s leading designers.
While Vietnamese fashion dazzles Paris, Vietnamese cinema is poised to make its mark in New York. From October 18 to October 31, 2025, ten classic Vietnamese films will be screened and promoted at the Metrograph cinema in New York City. This initiative, supported by a decision from Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is more than just a film festival—it’s a cultural bridge, designed to help international audiences gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese people and culture.
According to baophutho.vn, the ten films on offer are among the most celebrated works in Vietnamese cinema. They include 'Bao giờ cho đến tháng Mười' (1984), 'Thị xã trong tầm tay' (1983), 'Em bé Hà Nội' (1974), 'Gánh xiếc rong' (1989), 'Chung một dòng sông' (1959), 'Hà Nội trong mắt ai' (1983), 'Hy vọng cuối cùng' (1981), 'Hãy tha thứ cho em' (1992), 'Đáng đời thằng Cáo' (1959), and 'Con sáo biết nói' (1967). These films span decades and genres, from poignant wartime dramas to animated features, each offering a unique window into Vietnamese history, society, and artistic sensibility.
This showcase is particularly significant as it forms part of the 2025 activities commemorating the 30th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States. The hope, as articulated by organizers, is that these screenings will foster greater mutual understanding and appreciation between the two nations, using cinema as a universal language.
The Vietnamese film industry has been enjoying a renaissance of late. A recent example is the film 'Mưa đỏ,' which, after a 39-day run in theaters, drew more than 8.1 million viewers and grossed nearly 714 billion VND—a record at the Vietnamese box office. This success story, highlighted by baophutho.vn, underscores the growing appetite for Vietnamese stories both at home and abroad.
What’s striking about both the Paris fashion show and the New York film screenings is how they intertwine tradition and innovation. Linh Nga’s collection, for instance, is rooted in centuries-old symbols and techniques, yet presented with a contemporary flair that resonates with international audiences. Similarly, the films selected for the Metrograph event reflect the evolution of Vietnamese cinema—from early post-war classics to more recent explorations of memory, resilience, and identity.
These cultural exports are not just about national pride—they’re also about dialogue. By sharing their stories, images, and artistry with the world, Vietnamese creators are inviting others to see Vietnam through new eyes. They remind us that culture is not static; it’s a living, breathing force that adapts, surprises, and connects people across continents.
As Vietnam marks three decades of normalized relations with the United States, and as its designers and filmmakers continue to earn accolades on the world stage, it’s clear that the country’s creative spirit is both deeply rooted and dynamically forward-looking. Whether through the shimmer of a hand-embroidered gown in Paris or the flickering images of a classic film in New York, Vietnam is telling its story—and the world is listening.
