The launch of a handmade fashion bag collection L'Arlésienne - The Girl from Arles - took place recently at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi.
The idea, design, production, and sales of these bags were all organized by a Vietnamese high school student studying in the United States with the purpose of applying visual arts like painting to fashion.
That's Khang Dinh, also known as Lucas, a 17-year-old Vietnamese young man who is the founder, managing director, and creative director of L'Arlésienne. Born in Hanoi to a construction engineer and a lawyer, Lucas has had a passion for painting and fashion design since he was little.
Lucas said fashion, different from other arts, is utilitarian. It is also because of this motto that L'Arlésienne was born with the purpose of making Vietnamese couture bags that serve as a medium for self-expression.
"With the high artistry of these bags, I hope L'Arlésienne will help the owner of each bag appreciate art, as well as express their own personality," he said. "In other words, through the L'Arlésienne bag that you wear, you can define yourself in the most authentic way."
Many leather manufacturers refused Lucas' order due to his quality control demands and the high complexity of his designs.
"The real difficulty came when nearly a dozen manufacturers refused my order on the grounds that they did not produce orders with high difficulty and high complexity," he said. "Most L'Arlésienne's bags have motifs that need to be UV-printed."
Lucas explained that from genuine leather, such as cowhide or whole crocodile skin, dyed in individual colors, to accessories, including metal buckles, stainless steel corner seals, and CNC-cut wooden boxes, are all too overwhelming for most Vietnamese manufacturers.
He said that another reason for his failure to find manufacturers was that the quantity of his orders quantity was too small.
Despite the many difficulties, Lucas did not want to give up.
After months of negotiation, a manufacturer finally agreed to produce his design. The owner of that leather workshop was convinced by Lucas creative vision.
"I was convinced by Lucas about his passion for fashion and determination," said Ha, the owners of a handmade leather workshop. "When working with him, we had to innovate new production technology and methodology in order to meet his requirements. As a person who likes challenges and novelties, I accepted his order."
At the brand launch event, Duy Nguyen, stylist and catwalk director, who has collaborated with many Vietnamese fashion brands, said: "I was surprised at Lucas's understanding of fashion. He demonstrates a deep understanding of more than 30 international fashion brands. After Lucas presented his idea, I agreed to help him."