Vietnamese Street Style
Written & Photographed by: Sam Schwartz
Người Mỹ (american)
Americana Has a Strong Influence on the street style in Vietnam. Jeans, leather jackets, white tee’s, and black leather boots being signatures that have translated seamlessly into the Vietnamese wardrobe.
Chào Chào Bà (Hello Grandma Respectfully*)
Older women in Vietnam have unhinged swagger. Their pattern recognition and utilization rivals the likes of Dries Van Noten.
Xe Máy (motor bikes)
Matching bikes and outfit almost treat the motorbikes as accessories.
Giả mạo (fakes)
The fugazi garments and accessories industry is a huge part of the culture. Bending reality and the value of luxury garments, this element of the street style disrupts the easily identifiable class structures in places like the US
Cơn mưa (rain)
It rains often in Vietnam and when it starts everyone on a motorbike pulls over and pulls out their poncho. This style transforms the human silhouette elongating and stretching the body appearing as an expansion of the profile.
Đồng phục (uniform)
The Vietnamese uniform is utility focused. The delivery service uniform is windbreakers and rain pants. Lightweight and portable, these are focused on the most useful garment for one who is on a bike all day. The workers wear shorts and rain boots to wade through the hosed down sidewalks.
Lễ cưới (wedding)
The traditional garments at a wedding are called áo dài. Dress’ with intricate detailing and floral motifs. These clothes are the most traditional attire and are only worn on special occasions.
Gió (wind)
Movement causes garments to take different shapes. Expand, collapse, and fold in unexpected places creating bolder silhouettes.
