Que Nguyen

Vietnamese clothing has changed over time, shaped by shifting societal values and colonisation. From the Nguyen Dynasty in the 1800s to today, French colonial rule introduced Western styles, blending them with traditional Eastern designs. This mix has influenced Vietnam’s fashion but also caused traditional attire to fade, often replaced by mainstream Western styles. This raises an important question: How has Western influence shaped Vietnamese clothing and views on modernity? The idea that Western fashion represents modernity challenges cultural preservation, putting traditional garments at risk of being forgotten. This project will explore how Western styles have shaped Vietnam’s fashion identity and highlight the resilience of Vietnamese fashion in a rapidly modernising world.