Cover For Nga H Nguyen, fashion is a way to tell stories about identity, experience and self-discovery
For Nga H Nguyen, fashion is a way to tell stories about identity, experience and self-discovery
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Fashion was once a tale of fabrics, silhouettes, catwalks and lights. Yet, for each individual, it takes on a different meaning. For Nga H Nguyen, a Vietnamese woman who graced the red carpet at the 2018 Met Gala and is a familiar face in the VIP seats of major fashion weeks, fashion is a language through which she expresses identity, experience and the art of understanding herself.
Born in Vietnam, raised in an international environment, and having worked at the world’s leading luxury group LVMH, Nga H Nguyen approaches fashion from a place of insight rather than indulgence. She sees it as an ecosystem where aesthetics, culture, brands and people converge in a captivating dialogue.
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Having attended prestigious fashion weeks, can you share your thoughts on sitting front row at a show?
Nga H Nguyen: For me, the front row is always a very special space. Through the many shows I’ve attended, I’ve come to feel that it’s not simply a marker of presence, but a symbol of the bond between an individual and a brand. From that vantage point, I can absorb the passion, story, message and creative spirit that a designer seeks to convey. In a way, the front row is a silent conversation where designers meet those who truly understand and carry forward the essence of their work. I always feel grateful for that privilege.
Above For Nga H Nguyen, the front row is a silent dialogue, where designers meet those who truly believe in and continue the spirit of the brand
For Nga H Nguyen, the front row is a silent dialogue, where designers meet those who truly believe in and continue the spirit of the brand
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What do you think makes a style icon captivating—and do you ever fear being defined by a fixed image?
Nga H Nguyen: I’ve always believed that true allure in a style icon is not solely about what they wear. Perhaps 30 per cent lies in the outfit, 30 per cent in the aura. But the rest comes from the wearer’s depth, refinement and ability to inspire.
When people can recognise a distinct mark in your style, that’s something to appreciate. I’ve learned that if your image has already been framed, instead of fearing stereotypes, you should turn it into your personal signature. For me, style isn’t about repetition, but about the flexibility to continually reflect your truest self.
Above Nga H Nguyen believes that if her image has been defined, instead of fearing stereotypes, she should embrace it as her personal signature
Nga H Nguyen believes that if her image has been defined, instead of fearing stereotypes, she should embrace it as her personal signature
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Do you have a secret for ensuring each outfit photographs well while staying true to yourself and the spirit of the show?
Nga H Nguyen: I’ve lived, studied and worked in Europe for 15 years now. During that time, I’ve had the chance to experience fashion through travel, events and the inspiring people I’ve met along the way. Naturally, those experiences have shaped my sense of style. My curiosity and openness have also helped me adapt, and that’s what allows me to connect deeply with the spirit of each show.
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Of course, when I attend a show, I want my outfit to carry my own imprint. But individuality also needs balance. I call my approach “variation”, combining pieces already in my wardrobe to create new interpretations that harmonise with the show’s spirit while preserving my own essence.
Dressing well begins with understanding your own body
In your view, how has the way individuals are “seen” or recognised for their style evolved over the years—especially now that social media has transformed the way we perceive personal image?
Nga H Nguyen: What an interesting question (laughs)! It’s clear that the idea of “being seen” today is completely different from a decade ago. Thanks to social media, visibility is now instant and constant, and with that, perceptions of style have changed. Once shaped by a handful of voices in the industry, style has become an intimate and diverse form of self-expression.
One positive shift I’ve noticed is that people are no longer following trends blindly. They’re returning to their own sense of identity. As I often say, the most compelling style is the one that reflects who you truly are. You don’t dress to impress, you dress to understand yourself better.
To dress well means first to know your body: which shirt flatters your shape, which cut suits you, which colour makes you feel confident. As for “style”, or what some call “taste”, it’s about the courage to experiment with forms, textures and unexpected combinations. True style lies in understanding contemporary fashion while filtering it through your personal lens.
Above Asia’s Most Stylish is an annual style event series initiated by Tatler Asia, bringing together cultural icons, leading stars and influential figures across fashion, art and lifestyle
Asia’s Most Stylish is an annual style event series initiated by Tatler Asia, bringing together cultural icons, leading stars and influential figures across fashion, art and lifestyle
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Asia’s Most Stylish is an annual style event series initiated by Tatler Asia, bringing together cultural icons, leading stars and influential figures across fashion, art and lifestyle. In 2025, it will be held for the first time in Vietnam, led by Tatler Vietnam – Nha Tap Tinh Hoa – marking a milestone that connects Vietnam to the broader Asian fashion map. The event will introduce Vietnam’s most stylish figures to the region in their own creative, sophisticated and distinctive voice. The Asia’s Most Stylish 2025 gala will take place on 16 October 2025, promising to be one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year.
This article is adapted from the September 2025 issue of Tatler Vietnam.
CREDITS:
Starring: Nga H Nguyen
Editor in Chief: Nikita Chu
Digital Managing Editor: Hong Dang
Art Director: Andy Tran
Photographer: Mariano Vivanco
Stylist: Nga H Nguyen & Jordan Kelsey
Makeup: Kelvin Nguyen
Hair: Brady Lea
Editorial board: Oli Ryn, Khanh Duyen, Cham Khanh, Gia Phuc, Hong An
Marketing team: Ruby Nha Truc, Tat An Thuan, Haingoc
Graphic Designer: Chau Duong, Dinh Gia Kiet
Fashion: Fendi, Louis Vuitton
