Fashioning new methods of production in Vietnam

Fashioning new methods of production in Vietnam

Three industry experts at RMIT’s Producing Fashion: Made in Vietnam event examined different ways of producing fashion and how manufacturing is changing to meet the demands of the creative economy.

Founder and Managing Director of Fashion4Freedom LanVy Nguyen presented her vanguard work related to social enterprise and the evolution of traditional crafts into contemporary practice in Vietnam.

“When we couldn’t find an affordable manufacturer who could produce our designs with high standards for both ethics and quality, we had to invent one ourselves,” Nguyen said.

“Fashion4Freedom (F4F) is about connecting traditional makers with global buyers.

“We offer both design and manufacturing infrastructure and consultation.”

As a result of the organisation’s work, 71 artisan communities have been funded with equipment and seed capital.

Founder and Managing Director of Fashion4Freedom LanVy Nguyen (in ao dai) and Australian Consul-General to Ho Chi Minh City Ms Karen Lanyon (right) at RMIT Vietnam’s Saigon South campus. Founder and Managing Director of Fashion4Freedom LanVy Nguyen (in ao dai) and Australian Consul-General to Ho Chi Minh City Ms Karen Lanyon (right) at RMIT Vietnam’s Saigon South campus.

Nguyen said F4F creates novel designs to preserve cultural identity, to sustain communities and to reinvigorate the modern day supply chain.

One of F4F’s projects involves working with artisans who had traditionally carved intricate designs on pagodas and reorienting their skills to create high-end footwear.   

“Vietnam’s lost craft of imperial and pagoda wood art was resurrected in the form of dragon shoes; we translated the timeless beauty of ancient Vietnamese wood art through the lens of modern luxury,” Nguyen said.

“Moreover, we acquired precious metals mined from old technology including discarded phones, computers and tablets, and made unique jewellery using a blend of old and new methods.”

Dr Tran Van Quyen presented on the Australian Wool Innovation project "Out of Vietnam". Dr Tran Van Quyen presented on the Australian Wool Innovation project "Out of Vietnam".

Another sustainable production method presented at the event involved the manufacturing of woollen products.

Textile Consultant for Woolmark Vietnam Dr Tran Van Quyen presented on the Australian Wool Innovation project Out of Vietnam. The project, launched in 2012, aims to develop a sustainable local supply chain and expand the company’s manufacturing by introducing Australian wool into the pipeline.

“Vietnam was selected for the project because it met essential criteria including a large skilled workforce and a large well-established textile manufacturing industry,” Dr Tran said.

"Dragon shoes" created by artisans who once carved pagodas. "Dragon shoes" created by artisans who once carved pagodas.

In the first stage of the project, Woolmark Company transferred its manufacturing technology to 49 partners.

One of those partners is Canifa, a popular manufacturer retailer with about 75 shops across the country. Canifa secured Woolmark’s first licence in Vietnam and is now in its third year of domestic sales of woollen knitwear.

Out of Vietnam is now in the second stage of the project which aims to develop local capacity for spinning wool yarn.

Brand Strategy Director of Thien Hong (Vietnam) Do Son Duong was the third presenter, offering insights into Vietnam’s unique silk Lanh My A. Do discussed how the company connected luxury companies with local artisans and traditional manufacturing processes.

Participants tried Vietnam_s unique silk Lanh My A Participants tried Vietnam_s unique silk Lanh My A

Further information on the Fashion Colloquia can be found here. 

Story: Hoang Ha

08 July 2016

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