Làm quen với Jona

How and when did you get started in the fashion industry?

I have been always interested in fashion since I was young, at the age 10 or 11. Because my auntie was a seamstress in Vietnam and I used to accompany her after school. There was where I develop the interest with fabric and design.  

Was being a designer something you wanted to be when you were growing up?

I went to Dong college fashion design school in 2008 to 2011 for three years and completed my study. I ventured into business immediately with my auntie and set up a factory for clothing for a couple of years. Due to some internal conflict, I left the business. 

Why did you choose to do bridal?

 I chose bridal design because I believe in fairy tale with a happy ending of a couple getting married and live happily ever after. Also, I want the bride to look most beautiful on her wedding day. 

What is the most rewarding thing about being a designer that owns a bridal shop? 

I feel that I have accomplished another milestone in my life when I set up Jona Bridal. Now is time for me to build the business so that I can enjoy the fruit of my labor. 

If you had the opportunity to design something for anyone in the world, what would you design and why?

I have always wanted to design a wedding dress for Ms Hie Nie (Former Miss Vietnam/Top Five Ms Universe of 2018). She is one of the most outstanding Ms Vietnam that I know. With her stunning outlook and personality, I believe she will make me proud. 

What is your personal philosophy/belief when it comes to your designs? 

Fashion design is a very subjective thing and I always believe that good design can bring out the best outlook of a person. But we must first understand the person whom we design for in order to come out with what is the best fit. By understanding the person, we can gauge what type of design would be suitable.  

What are you usually inspired by when making your designs?

I am usually inspired when I am given a challenge for new things. I love take up a project that I have never done before. I would research and find what I need to get things done. 

Who is your inspiration/who do you look up to? 

During my studies, I always like Marc Jacobs. But since I have worked in the field, I have lean towards two of my favorite designers, namely Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab.

What is usually the hardest part of the designing process for you?

The hardest part of design is when the customer give me a lots of input about what she likes when what she likes may not be suitable for her at all. This will limit my ability to create good design. However, I will always find a way to convince her on what would look good for her ultimately. 

What is your favorite part of the designing process?  

When I come out with the final design and feel that it is the absolute perfect design for my client. I just couldn’t wait to make it and dress fit my customer immediately. Also to see the smile on her. 

What are your hopes and dreams for the future? (For yourself and your brand)

My dreams would be able to host a runway show to features my design in Vietnam by next year and ultimately make it to the international arena for an International runway show in New York, Milan and other parts of Asia. 

My hope is to live life to the fullest and meaningful, by creating good design with our traditional handmade fabric which is brooket, and to leave behind a legacy for the designers of the next generation 

Do you have any personal stories you would like to share?

My journey in the fashion world has been a very challenging one. After completion of my studies in fashion and spend a couple of year doing business in clothing manufacturing in Vietnam. I went to Cambodia to work in a clothing retail shop and work a couple of years. There was where I have gained my sales experience. But things were getting routine and I do not see any potential to growth in my career.

I have then decided to move to Malaysia, where I had the opportunity to work with a famous local designer Mr Ridzuan Bohari for several years. Over the years, I have learned both local Malay traditional designs and modern/contemporary design. I was exposed to local runway fashion events such as KL Fashion Week, design for local celebrities and contestants for pageant and VIP for special events. I would consider myself very lucky to have such opportunities to work in Malaysia.  

By the end of 2018 and at the peak of my career, I met a friend who is now my business partner, and with his encouragement, I moved back to Vietnam and plan for my next career move. After researched and looked around, we have chosen Da Lat to start our new business venture. Da Lat is famous as wedding destination for many Vietnamese and overseas wedding couples. Therefore I welcome all couple to Da Lat for their perfect wedding.