Le Thanh Huong believes beauty comes from embracing damage

Oct 07, 2025

Cover For Le Thanh Huong, beauty is not merely a matter of form but an act of reverence for every breath of nature

For Le Thanh Huong, beauty is not merely a matter of form but an act of reverence for every breath of nature

1 / 1

“Beauty” is a concept often shadowed by prejudice, confined within narrow boundaries. Yet for Le Thanh Huong, beauty is far more than an outward appearance. It is the respect for every breath of nature and the art of enjoying life through authentic, profound encounters.

Having grown up surrounded by women steeped in Vietnamese culture, Le Thanh Huong not only built the foundation for Menard in Vietnam but also opened her heart to connect with the image of the modern woman — independent, expressive, and bold. To her, beauty is never a fixed standard but a harmony of diverse shades, a journey of constant discovery and self-awareness.

As the head of a high-end cosmetics and spa brand, do you feel pressured to always present a perfect appearance?

Le Thanh Huong: I don’t think of it as pressure (laughs). A perfect appearance doesn’t come from clothes alone but also from one’s demeanour; from comfort, confidence, and the positive energy that radiates to others. Each time I appear in public, I want to leave an impression through the emotions I convey, whether it’s joy, openness, or simply the ease that comes from genuine connection.

I believe fashion is a living art form. Art has no perfect standard, it’s a journey of exploration and experimentation, sometimes sublime, sometimes imperfect. Personal style, too, is a continuous process, where every moment holds its own meaning and value.

Above The businesswoman believes that fashion is a living art form

The businesswoman believes that fashion is a living art form

1 / 1

When choosing your outfit each day, what do you prioritise most?

Le Thanh Huong: Unlike many other art forms, fashion is rooted in everyday life. Because of my work, I’m fortunate to meet people in varied settings, which keeps me from being confined to a fixed formula for how I dress (laughs).

Though I don’t follow a strict formula, I do have a few principles. The first is appropriateness to the occasion, the space, and the people I meet. The second is flexibility. Since I’m often on the move, I favour neutral pieces that can adapt to many contexts. Yet no matter how flexible my choices, my style must always reflect femininity and elegance.

Above Though not bound by a set formula, her style remains effortlessly feminine and elegant

Though not bound by a set formula, her style remains effortlessly feminine and elegant

1 / 1

Working in the beauty industry, where aesthetic standards dominate, what have you learned about the value of “naturalness”?

Le Thanh Huong: Many things! Every culture and era defines beauty differently. We often blend into the crowd, pursuing new ideals. Many people do become more radiant by embracing trends. But to me, “naturalness” lies at the heart of true beauty.

Being “natural” doesn’t mean being careless or detached. It’s a kind of beauty that isn’t forced or bound by rigid standards, one that flourishes from within, reflecting the continuous harmony of appearance and spirit. The ancients called it the balance of essence, energy, and spirit.

Preserving that sense of “naturalness” is like planting roots for beauty, ensuring it grows with depth rather than mere dazzle. I believe beauty has its own history and evolution, a journey of refinement that begins with the purity of nature itself.

Above Preserving that sense of “naturalness” is like planting roots for beauty, ensuring it grows with depth rather than mere dazzle

Preserving that sense of “naturalness” is like planting roots for beauty, ensuring it grows with depth rather than mere dazzle

1 / 2

Was there a moment in your career that made you realise that beauty is also a life journey?

Le Thanh Huong: After more than 20 years in the beauty industry, I’ve come to believe that beauty is a way of connecting with oneself. Especially for women, it is a means of reinforcing self-esteem and pride. When we cherish and care for ourselves, we nurture our own sense of self-worth. In other words, using an expensive cosmetic product is not about showing off status, but a reminder that we deserve the best.

I will never forget a moment when one of Menard’s loyal clients, exhausted and burdened with negative thoughts, came to our spa seeking to purify both body and soul. After her treatment, she shared that she felt a renewed vitality and serenity within. That moment remains one of the happiest milestones in my journey at Menard, being able to accompany and support women in finding emotional balance and inner happiness.

Above Ms Le Thanh Huong shares that beauty is not the denial or erasure of flaws, but the ability to reconcile them, turning traces of hardship and experience into unique, enduring values

Ms Le Thanh Huong shares that beauty is not the denial or erasure of flaws, but the ability to reconcile them, turning traces of hardship and experience into unique, enduring values

1 / 1

So, for you, what defines the ideal beauty of a modern woman?

Le Thanh Huong: I believe one of the greatest gifts of our modern age is the opportunity to access new, diverse and enriching experiences on equal footing. When I first began my journey with Menard, I didn’t even realise how many ways there were to cleanse one’s skin. Today, I’m fortunate to hold in my hands countless methods of self-care, helping women become healthier and more radiant. That, to me, brings them closer to their ideal beauty.

I’m deeply inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where cracks are not concealed but lovingly gilded to become part of the artwork itself. Likewise, beauty is not about rejecting or erasing flaws, but about embracing and transforming them—turning traces of pain and resilience into something uniquely beautiful and lasting. Modern women cannot avoid life’s stumbles or scars, but it is through their dedication and courage to rise again that they truly shine.

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

1 / 1

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

This article is adapted from the original feature published in Tatler Vietnam, September 2025 issue

CREDITS:

Starring: Le Thanh Huong

Editor in Chief: Nikita Chu

Digital Managing Editor: Hong Dang

Art Director: Andy Tran

Photographer: Tran Ngoc Dang Khoa

Stylists: Hoang Ku, Hong Dao

Stylist Assistant: Quynh Duy

Producer: Giang Thao

Producer Assistant: Huynh Hai Dang, Giau Le

Photographer Assistant: Gia Phu, Thu Ngo