At just 26 years old, Vietnamese designer Phan Huy has achieved what few designers ever accomplish: selection for Paris Haute Couture Week. His January 29th presentation marks a watershed moment—not only for his career, but for Vietnam’s position within the global luxury fashion landscape. This marks the first time Vietnam will have an official representative on the prestigious couture calendar, a distinction that underscores both personal achievement and cultural significance.
Challenging Couture’s Exclusivity
Paris Haute Couture Week remains one of fashion’s most restrictive platforms, governed by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. Participation typically excludes emerging designers, with most couture creative directors presenting well into their forties, fifties, or beyond. Phan Huy’s selection at 26 defies industry norms, challenging long-held assumptions about who belongs at couture’s most exclusive table.
Heritage Meets Innovation
The designer’s success stems from methodical brand development combining traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship with contemporary techniques. His atelier integrates hand weaving, embroidery, and natural plant-based dyeing alongside laser-cut patterning and modern construction methods. This fusion of heritage and innovation resonates with international fashion institutions increasingly seeking culturally rooted narratives paired with technical excellence.
Phan Huy’s breakthrough signals broader shifts within haute couture. While historically exclusive, the industry shows cautious openness toward new geographies and younger voices bringing distinct cultural perspectives. Founded in 2023 by stylist Steven Doan and creative director Phan Huy, the couture house positions Vietnamese craftsmanship as creatively competitive at the highest level, challenging Vietnam’s traditional perception as a manufacturing hub rather than a design innovator.