Cover Vietnamese craft village heritage flows onto the runway at NYFW 2026
Vietnamese craft village heritage flows onto the runway at NYFW 2026
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La Pham’s Eternal River collection by Pham Ngoc Anh brought Vietnamese craft village traditions to the NYFW stage, blending Bao Loc silk, Pa Co brocade and modern tailoring into a global statement of cultural pride.
After showing in London and Paris, Pham Ngoc Anh continues his international Vietnamese craft village-inspired journey in New York with Eternal River – a collection inspired by the waterways that have shaped his life, from childhood on the Red River to his years in Switzerland along the Aare and Limmat.
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With a free yet refined spirit, Eternal River makes use of naturally draping fabrics to create Vietnamese craft village looks that are both fluid and vibrant. Graceful pleats echo the movement of waves, hand-crafted motifs recall rippling water, and soft cuts are grounded by architectural structures, a dialogue between flexibility and strength.
Above Designer Pham Ngoc Anh (right) in the La Pham brand show at New York Fashion Week
Designer Pham Ngoc Anh (right) in the La Pham brand show at New York Fashion Week
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Above The collection reflects the nature of rivers: supple yet enduring, continually renewing like the cycle of life itself
Above The dialogue between silk and brocade, two contrasting fabrics, creates an effect that is distinctive, refined and resilient, modern and elemental
The collection reflects the nature of rivers: supple yet enduring, continually renewing like the cycle of life itself
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Revealing how he balances a global fashion spirit with Vietnamese cultural identity, Pham Ngoc Anh explained: “Each design must carry a Vietnamese ‘sign’, whether through material, craftsmanship or aesthetic spirit. At the same time, we carefully study the tastes, culture and needs of each market so that the designs suit international body shapes, lifestyles and sensibilities. This way, the product remains relevant while preserving the essence of Vietnamese culture.”
Expressing the freedom and cyclical flow of life’s “river”, the Vietnamese craft village collection embodies constant transformation: every ending opens a new beginning, each experience a renewal. Eternal River pays tribute to Vietnamese craft village heritage through traditional handcrafted materials while embracing practicality for modern living. It celebrates beauty across all skin tones and body shapes, offering a fashion space that is liberating yet steeped in cultural depth.
Above A palette inspired by the rhythm of rivers – from clear green to glacial blue – is brought to life with fluid tailoring and undulating patterns
Above Eternal River carries an elegant and unrestrained spirit, using naturally draping materials to create silhouettes that are soft yet dynamic
A palette inspired by the rhythm of rivers – from clear green to glacial blue – is brought to life with fluid tailoring and undulating patterns
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Above Pleats shaped like waves, hand-crafted rippling motifs, and supple tailoring anchored by strong structures capture the meeting point between flow and form
Above The collection highlights silk in all its diversity: fluid and sculpted, sheer and weighty, iridescent and raw
Pleats shaped like waves, hand-crafted rippling motifs, and supple tailoring anchored by strong structures capture the meeting point between flow and form
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Discussing the materials with the “Made in Vietnam” hallmark, Pham Ngoc Anh remarked: “’Made in Vietnam’ is not a limitation but a strength. All materials are sourced in Vietnam, from Bao Loc silk to Pa Co brocade, Nga Son water hyacinth bags and recycled handmade jewellery. Every piece is shaped by Vietnamese hands, from artisans and tailors to the La Pham creative team. We want to show that ‘Made in Vietnam’ can stand as a unique signature and source of pride, competing confidently with global brands.”
Over the past five years, La Pham has received support from Empower Women Asia (EWA). This partnership has enabled women from ethnic minority communities to achieve greater economic stability while preserving and promoting traditional craft villages that risk vanishing. Beyond economic aid, it represents a humanitarian mission empowering women and safeguarding cultural heritage for the future.
