Hong Nhung and her dialogue with fashion and ego

In candid conversation, Hong Nhung explains how avant-garde choices and unwavering self-dialogue forge her path as a fashion icon.

In fashion, where trends shift in moments, only those with the power to shape aesthetics can step beyond the familiar to reach the realm of icons. Hong Nhung is among that select few.

Congratulations to singer Hong Nhung on being awarded the title “The Icon” of AMS 2025. How do you define “The Icon” in fashion?

Hong Nhung: For me, a fashion icon is someone who defines their personal style so clearly that it influences the visual life of society as a whole. I reflected deeply on this after the passing of designer Giorgio Armani in early September. The world mourned, but I quietly looked back. Armani devoted his entire life to building an aesthetic system. From the cut and posture to the palette, everything belonged to the world he had crafted early on.

I don’t confine this concept to design alone. Lady Gaga often makes me think of what it means to be an icon. I don’t always agree with her choices, yet I can never deny that every time she appears, she remains centred on her own axis of individuality. Sometimes she wears something no one else would dare to, sometimes it’s a simple 1950s-style dress, but it is always her, consistent amid change.

I am also haunted by the image of Amy Winehouse. The high-poof hair, the sharp eyeliner etched into memory, and a style that defied every stereotype. Her look wasn’t for everyone; some saw it as “gritty” or “hard to appreciate”. To me, it was inseparable from who she was.

Above For singer Hong Nhung, whatever the style, it is always her, consistent in change

For singer Hong Nhung, whatever the style, it is always her, consistent in change

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Are you confident that you are also a “fashion icon” in Vietnam?

Hong Nhung: No (laughs)! I think I simply have a very special affection for fashion. I don’t see it as just a beautiful outfit to wear out, but as an art form—a direct reflection of life itself.

For me, from stepping onto the stage to dressing each day, every moment is a chance to have a dialogue with myself and the world around me. I love the feeling of choosing and caring for each piece I wear. It makes me happy, and most importantly, it gives me the energy to live and work with an artist’s spirit.

I feel incredibly lucky to be a Vietnamese singer. Living with this profession for more than four decades has been a privilege. Among all the blessings I’ve had, fashion has been indispensable, a result of journeys across lands, exposure to cultures, and constant learning. To me, fashion mirrors emotion and personality, and it’s another way to tell my story, beyond music.

Above For Hong Nhung, fashion reflects emotion, personality and storytelling beyond music

For Hong Nhung, fashion reflects emotion, personality and storytelling beyond music

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During your career, have you ever realised you had “led” a trend, only noticing your influence later?

Hong Nhung: That realisation came quite unexpectedly. After some time, I suddenly appeared in the “Ugly Stars” column (laughs). But I didn’t see it negatively. At that time, avant-garde style was still unfamiliar in Vietnam. I once wore a hat with a large floral shape to a fashion event. The next day, someone questioned why, at my age, I would wear such a big flower. Two years later, I saw many people doing exactly that.

Or when I wore a bandage dress: it was already a global trend, but the Vietnamese market was still cautious. A few years later, it became mainstream. Those experiences made me realise that a singer can absolutely influence fashion. That thought thrilled me. From then on, I began sharing more about my personal fashion sense with my fans. After all, everyone wants to feel a little more beautiful and confident when they step out, don’t they?

Don’t miss: Diva Hong Nhung brings light to song in the shadow of cancer

Above Hong Nhung cherishes the moments when she could confidently wear avant-garde outfits, daring to experiment and be different

Hong Nhung cherishes the moments when she could confidently wear avant-garde outfits, daring to experiment and be different

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Does your diva status in music ever “pressure” your fashion sense, making you appear according to expectations rather than true feeling?

Hong Nhung: Everyone understands that life is finite, especially youth. I’m now at a “younger” age (laughs). That’s why I treasure even more the time when I can freely wear avant-garde clothes, daring to experiment, daring to be different. Because time is limited, I ask myself: why should I limit my expression? Instead, I aim to broaden my perspective, deepen my knowledge, and explore the world around me.

Above I ask myself: why should I limit my expression?

I ask myself: why should I limit my expression?

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Always seek to broaden your horizons, deepen your knowledge, and keep exploring the world beyond.

- Hong Nhung -

If a designer were to create a collection for you called “Bong”, what would it absolutely have to include?

Hong Nhung: Actually, I’ve already received a few invitations, and hopefully in 2026, I’ll have the chance to collaborate with a designer to launch a small collection with my own imprint, perhaps “Hong Nhung for…” someone (laughs). What I value most in such a project is retaining the essence of my signature, softness and femininity. I feel happy to be seen as a source of inspiration, creating something meaningful together with designers.

Above Asia’s Most Stylish is an annual style event series by Tatler Asia, serving as a gathering for cultural icons, top stars, and influential figures across fashion, art, and lifestyle

Asia’s Most Stylish is an annual style event series by Tatler Asia, serving as a gathering for cultural icons, top stars, and influential figures across fashion, art, and lifestyle

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Asia’s Most Stylish is an annual style event series by Tatler Asia, serving as a gathering for cultural icons, top stars, and influential figures across fashion, art, and lifestyle. In 2025, Asia’s Most Stylish will be held for the first time in Vietnam under the leadership of Tatler Vietnam – Nha Tap Tinh Hoa, marking a major milestone in connecting Vietnam to the Asian fashion map.

This article was adapted from the original content published in the September 2025 issue of Tatler Vietnam.

CREDITS:

Starring: Hong Nhung

Editor in Chief: Nikita Chu

Digital Managing Editor: Hong Dang

Art Director: Andy Tran

Photographer: Tran Ngoc Dang Khoa

Stylist: Hong Dao - Huyen Chan (Hong Nhung)

Makeup: Tran Quynh Hoa from Sol Academy

Hair: Nguyen Bao Nguyen

Producer: Giang Thao

Producer Assistant: Huynh Hai Dang, Giau Le