Meet the Vietnamese Designers Whose Passion for Fashion Transcends Borders

Outfit check! It’s 2024, and the desire to stay ahead in fashion and lead the latest trends is more intense than ever. Everyone wants to look their best, whether on or off camera, on social media or in real life.

And since fashion is definitely universal, two Vietnamese clothing brands, Dac Embellish (@dac.embellish) and DK ILLUMINATE (@dkilluminate_), have been shaking things up with their innovative takes on streetwear.

Dac Embellish wants to remain true

Dac Embellish is all about mixing timeless elegance with contemporary flair. The mastermind behind the brand believes that fashion is more than just clothes—it’s a form of self-expression and a reflection of values. 

“Fashion is a powerful form of self-expression and creativity,” the visionary says. “It’s about making a meaningful impact while celebrating individuality and innovation.”

An example is how they infuse Vietnamese culture into their designs, such as with a shirt printed with “condensed milk bread”—a beloved Vietnamese treat.

Each piece in Dac Embellish is crafted with quality, sustainability, and ethical production in mind. Their goal? To create versatile fits that resonate with today’s discerning consumers.

They explain, “We aim to infuse my designs with the most authentic and down-to-earth elements, allowing customers to see a distinctive beauty that cannot be found in other brands.”

DK ILLUMINATE wants comfort, sophistication meet

On the flip side, DK ILLUMINATE lights up the streetwear scene with comfort, personality, and sophistication. 

According to the brand’s creator, “Fashion is an art form that transcends mere clothing and it’s about embracing creativity, innovation, and historical context.” Through fashion, they believe they can “challenge norms, celebrate diversity, and connect with others on a deeper level.”

DK’s approach to fashion is all about reflecting personality through regal details and material handling while maintaining versatility. Their fashion inspiration is Virgil Abloh, who, although stylistically different, inspired them to pursue their passion for fashion from the get-go.

DK ILLUMINATE designs also incorporate elements of Vietnamese culture. The fashion leader shares, “I love using traditional motifs and techniques, like manually creating fabric colors and handling materials by hand. It’s about blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.”

The journey to fashion success hasn’t been easy for either designer. The founder of Dac Embellish originally studied Information Technology but couldn’t resist the pull of fashion. 

“It was a challenging journey,” they recall. “But looking back, it was worth it. I’m determined to continue developing the brand.”

For DK ILLUMINATE, the most rewarding moment was introducing his collection at Vietnam Fashion Week. “Receiving positive feedback from industry experts and seeing the audience’s appreciation was incredibly satisfying,” they remark. “It was a milestone that inspired me to keep pushing the boundaries of my craft.”

Both designers have had significant collaborations and achievements. Dac Embellish is proud of being recognized by Parcinq and the youth community in the Philippines. 

“Spreading Vietnamese culture and fashion internationally was a huge accomplishment,” they quip. DK ILLUMINATE, meanwhile, has collaborated with famous Vietnamese artists and gained international recognition, expanding the brand’s reach and opening up new opportunities.

As for the future, both designers have big plans. DK ILLUMINATE aims to expand the brand’s presence internationally and continue pushing the boundaries of design and innovation. Dac Embellish hopes to stay true to their core values while making a meaningful impact in the fashion world.

Wherever and whenever they would be in the future, their passion for fashion and commitment to innovation will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence the industry in more ways than one.

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Photography by Rxandy Capinpin

Art Direction by Joe Andy

Words and Interview by Hans Ethan Carbonilla

Musing by Long Zhu for DK ILLUMINATE and Ta Gia Phu for Dac Embellish

Featuring DK ILLUMINATE and Dac Embellish

Shot on Location at Hanoi, Vietnam