Ly Qui Khanh spent 15 years growing beyond the creative race

Rebellion is often imagined as a fierce collision of consciousness, where creativity flares and the ego demands to be heard. Yet, for Ly Qui Khanh, that definition feels misplaced.

The year 2025 is known as a “year number 9”, a symbol of purification and renewal. But for Ly Qui Khanh, it carries a more personal meaning. After 15 years of working with fabric and redefining beauty in countless forms, he has come to realise that he has truly grown. Today, his signature edge remains, but it is tempered with depth, reflection, and a sense of freedom in how he converses with his own self.

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2025 is a milestone year for you as you mark 15 years in fashion. Looking back, how do you feel about this journey?

Ly Qui Khanh: Has it been 15 years already (laughs)? To say I’ve grown up… perhaps I finally have. Fifteen years ago, I was like a child. You know how children are allowed to make mistakes, to try, to fix things, without too much blame? That was me. But now, I carry more responsibility for my designs, for what I contribute to fashion, and for the community at large. I think more about what I can leave behind for future generations of designers. I’m almost 40 now. I can’t stay the “playful” child forever, can I (laughs)?

Above After 15 years of working with fabrics and redefining beauty, Ly Qui Khanh realises he has truly grown up

After 15 years of working with fabrics and redefining beauty, Ly Qui Khanh realises he has truly grown up

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Throughout your career, have you ever looked up to anyone as a role model of rebellion or inspiration?

LQK: Instead of having one fixed role model, I’ve found inspiration in every person I’ve met. Still, if I were to name two who have left a lasting impression, they would be Diva Hong Nhung and artist-designer Mai Lam. Though they work in different fields, both share something admirable — the courage to live life fully and be unapologetically themselves in art. I can sense the distinct, pioneering “I” in Hong Nhung’s music, and the meticulous craftsmanship in Mai Lam’s designs.

So, I wouldn’t call them “rebellious”. Rather, it’s their originality and individuality that I deeply respect. They are truly unique artists, and their authenticity has inspired me greatly. Thanks to them, I have more confidence to stay true to my path, to do what I love, and to dare to be myself.

Above Ly Qui Khanh says that once a designer has journeyed far enough, gained experience, and achieved success, creation comes more naturally

Ly Qui Khanh says that once a designer has journeyed far enough, gained experience, and achieved success, creation comes more naturally

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Does that “ego” come from personal aesthetic taste, or from responding to the market and connoisseurs’ expectations?

LQK: Yes, I think “ego” is the right word. I don’t see each design as a deliberate statement or part of a style. To me, when someone still feels the need to prove themselves, it shows a lack of confidence. Once you’ve travelled far enough, earned recognition, and gained experience, that’s when you can live and create more freely.

Mai Lam and Hong Nhung are great examples, both have dedicated their lives to their craft, creating without limits while preserving their unique identities. When I see a design, I can tell: “That’s Mai Lam’s creation.” When I hear a melody, I know: “That’s Hong Nhung’s voice.” That unmistakable identity is what I truly admire.

Above For Ly Qui Khanh, fashion is a map of emotions. Through it, audiences see a designer growing more mature day by day

For Ly Qui Khanh, fashion is a map of emotions. Through it, audiences see a designer growing more mature day by day

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Would it be difficult to choose one collection that best represents the “original Ly Qui Khanh”?

LQK: You’re making it hard for me (laughs). For someone like me, who loves to explore and refine, no single collection can capture who I am. Each one represents “Ly Qui Khanh of that moment”.

LQK: I suppose I’m a bit unconventional because I don’t follow seasonal cycles like most designers. I only launch collections on special occasions, five-year, ten-year, and anniversary milestones. For me, fashion is a journey that records emotions. Each piece, each design, marks a chapter. You can still see me in every stage, yet also see the evolution in the refined cuts, intricate embellishments, and premium materials. What I aim for is a more complete experience for fashion lovers, especially those who appreciate my work.

Every fashion creation is a “character” in a larger story.

- Ly Qui Khanh -

With such a distinctive way of working, do you ever feel lonely?

LQK: As a designer, I tell stories through my creations. Each piece interacts with the life, personality, and “ego” of its wearer. Every design is a character in the larger narrative of Ly Qui Khanh fashion. So no, I’ve never felt the need to blend into the crowd. I’ve always built my own world filled with beautiful flowers and women who love fashion. That’s the world I want, one that makes me happy and fulfilled. Nothing too deep, I’m actually quite simple (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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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, under the direction of Tatler Vietnam – Nha Tap Tinh Hoa, marking a pivotal moment in placing Vietnam firmly on the Asian fashion map. It offers a platform for Vietnamese style leaders to express themselves in their own language — creative, sophisticated, and distinctive.

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

CREDITS:

Starring: Ly Qui Khanh

Editor in Chief: Nikita Chu

Digital Managing Editor: Hong Dang

Art Director: Andy Tran

Photographer: Tran Ngoc Dang Khoa

Makeup: Duc Vo Minh

Hair: Element

Producer: Giang Thao

Producer Assistant: Huynh Hai Dang, Giau Le

Photographer Assistant: Gia Phu, Thu Ngo