Hoang Ku: Creativity is the red thread throughout more than 20 years of working

Oct 10, 2025

Cover For Hoang Ku, styling is more than simply choosing clothes; it is an art form, a way of telling stories through fashion so that each client can shine in their own light

For Hoang Ku, styling is more than simply choosing clothes; it is an art form, a way of telling stories through fashion so that each client can shine in their own light

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Creativity is the red thread woven through Hoang Ku’s two-decade career. From his early passion for making others beautiful, he has explored many corners of the fashion universe from designer to businessman, before ultimately finding his place as a stylist.

In 2025, Hoang Ku chose to pause. Not because he had run out of ideas or lost his drive, but because he realised it was time to breathe. To many, that might look like silence; for him, it was an inner journey where the artist no longer chased the spotlight or the numbers, but listened to himself. After twenty years of tireless creativity, he came to see that creative energy is not a straight path, but a rhythm of necessary pauses. From that moment, a new version of Hoang Ku began to take shape.

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2025 marks nearly 20 years since you entered the fashion industry. As a stylist, how has creativity evolved in your aesthetic world?

Hoang Ku: Looking back on my two decades in this profession, I am still amazed. It has been such a long journey, and yet I have come this far.

Since childhood, I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer because my greatest joy was making others beautiful. At 18, I started my first chain of clothing stores. My passion for design remained strong, but when the business began running, I discovered something else: I also liked making money (laughs).

During that experiment, I discovered the profession of stylist, a role not yet recognised in Vietnam at the time. Through learning and experience, I quickly realised that this was the right path for me. At first, I believed beauty meant designing beautiful clothes myself. Later, I understood that being a stylist is about the art of selection and combination, bringing together creations from different brands and designers to help clients stand out.

In 2015, I unexpectedly received a people’s choice award, a milestone that marked public recognition of my work. That moment taught me about the delicate balance between personal ego and the love of those around me. Public perception, after all, has the power to shape each person’s creative journey.

Above Creativity is the red thread running through the artistic journey of stylist Hoang Ku

Creativity is the red thread running through the artistic journey of stylist Hoang Ku

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As a stylist, where do you find creative inspiration?

Hoang Ku: Most of my work involves direct collaboration with clients, so before dressing anyone, I need to understand them deeply. I must know what they want, what they need, and above all, ensure they remain true to themselves before considering other elements. Everyone has their own preferences, from favourite colours to silhouettes, whether they prefer dresses or trousers, loose fits or tailored lines. I base all of this on choosing what best expresses their personality.

Yet, in every situation, I always seek a balance between the client’s individuality and my own aesthetic. Sometimes, an artist’s outfit may not score a perfect ten in the audience’s eyes, but it must still maintain harmony, perhaps an eight from me or from the wearer. What matters most is that the result never falls below average.

Above In every situation, Hoang Ku seeks to balance his clients’ personalities with his own creative vision

Above With years of experience, the stylist hopes to collaborate with talented young creatives to create a new Vietnamese identity in fashion that preserves traditional spirit while embracing global trends

In every situation, Hoang Ku seeks to balance his clients’ personalities with his own creative vision

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Your journey began with a passion for making others beautiful. What have been the turning points in your path towards embracing international fashion tastes?

Hoang Ku: The most defining milestone in my career was working on Hoang Thuy Linh’s music projects. As part of her team, I felt her determination to create an image rich in Vietnamese cultural identity. From then on, I dedicated much time to researching our nation’s heritage and discovered its incredible richness, diversity, and colour.

After Hoang Thuy Linh, I continued to collaborate with Chi Pu on Beautiful Sister Riding the Wind and Breaking the Waves 2024, a turning point not only for me but also for Vietnamese fashion. It was a rare opportunity to showcase modern Vietnamese style to the world. I believe our culture lives not only in tradition, but in the creative energy of today’s youth. With my experience, I hope to work with young talent to shape a new Vietnamese aesthetic that honours tradition yet embraces international influence. Through this, I hope both local audiences and global friends will recognise the strength and promise of Vietnamese fashion.

Vietnamese culture lives not only in tradition, but also in the creative spirit of the younger generation.

- Stylist Hoang Ku -

What is your next creative challenge?

Hoang Ku: At this stage, I feel I have achieved certain milestones, built a career, and most importantly, earned public recognition. My next plans are no longer about reaching personal peaks but about pursuing deeper values.

I can’t reveal much yet, but I plan to develop projects that nurture young talent and the future of Vietnamese fashion. I hope young people approach fashion with openness and joy. As for the results, whether they make a big impact or not, I believe it all depends on the love and support from everyone (laughs).

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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