Nhi Tran was recently interviewed by Fashion Pani Magazine and below is the Q&A session we had with her.
Introduction - Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a Fashion Designer based in New York City. After graduating from Fashion Institute of Technology in 2018, I have been working in the industry for six years.
My first job was working for a fashion licensing company with a focus on denim and faux leather goods. Our clients include Walmart, Burlington, TJ Maxx and other American Department Stores. I worked across a variety of categories including Juniors, Missy and Plus size, which is an increasingly growing market. It was a great opportunity to get my feet wet and learned about overseas manufacturing and production lines.
After 3 and a half years, I decided to move to a startup company. It was a small team, so I really got to be involved in all the aspects from designing, developing, fitting and finessing the garments to the final production stage. It was a challenging yet rewarding process, especially when I saw how beautiful and well made the final products were.
Afterwards, I started a new position in the end of 2022 at my current company Cinq à sept, which translates to “five to seven” in French, refers to the period between late afternoon and early evening, representing the “happy hour” moment where the day transitions into night. The name is also the inspiration behind the brand philosophy and aesthetic, embodying a style that is both sophisticated and effortless. I have been with the brand for two years now. I love my team. I think they are so talented, supportive and generous and I’m so proud of the growth that we have achieved.
Personal Background - Can you share a little experience about your Upbringing and Early Life?
I was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Chinese-Vietnamese family. In Vietnam, they call us người Tàu (boat people) or người Hoa (Flower people). My grandmother immigrated to Vietnam during the forties from Guangdong, China under tumultuous circumstances. Both of my parents were born in Vietnam during the late fifties and early sixties, during the height of the Vietnam War.
Due to the political and social backdrop at that time in Vietnam, my grandmother and my mom came to be resilient and strong-willed. I think growing up surrounded by such strong women had a great impact on me. I love my grandmother, and I love my mom. It feels that the inspiration behind my work is about empowering and celebrating women.
I feel so lucky to be growing up in Vietnam, a country with such beautiful and complex cultures and history dated back over thousands of years. Vietnamese cultures emphasize on resilience, kindness and being in harmony with nature. These values show through our day-to-day life, the food, the architecture. Ho Chi Minh City is an incredibly vibrant city. The energy is electrifying. For me, finding the balance between the old and the new, the quiet and the vibrant, then crystalize these opposing elements to create perfect harmony is the core philosophy of my design.
Career and Achievements - What do you consider the Highlights of your Career so far?
I feel so blessed to be able to work with many incredible and talented people in the industry. Fashion is essentially a collaboration: between designers and consumers, designers and patternmakers, seamstress and many more people to help bring our vision to life. For that I thank them all. The highlights of my career cannot be done with me alone, they are also the highlights of many people who have supported me alone the way.
One of the highlights of my career is when Lupita Nyong’o wore the satin jacket and trouser suiting set that I designed and worked so hard on. She wore them to the premiere of her movie The Quiet Place: Day One. She looks dazzling and beautiful, which is what I aspire to do: to create clothes that elevate the female forms and bring out their best self.
Another career highlight of mine (and it’s still going on) is when my mom wore my design!
Challenges and Growth - What are some of the Challenges you've faced in your Career, and how did you Overcome them?
One significant challenge I face is the need to constantly stay relevant and produce new products. The fashion industry is a fast-paced environment. If you are not churning out new, exciting design, you are out. The machine will grind you up and spit you out. I know that sounds brutal, but it is the reality. It can create a lot of pressure.
When the pressure feels insurmountable, it is important to take a step back and look at my work at arm’s length and re-assess the things that really matter in life. My family and my close friends keep me grounded. They have always been supportive throughout my creative journey.
Another way for me to overcome these challenges is exercise and meditation. I have always been an avid believer in the mind-body-soul connection. I believe to have a healthy and sharp mind; we need to have a healthy body.
Passions and Hobbies - What are your Interests and Hobbies outside of your Career?
As I mentioned before, I love exercising. I started practicing yoga when I was eighteen years old, and it has since been an integral part of my life. It is a time when I can be alone, connected with my inner voice – an introspective moment.
I love film, cinema and photography. Film has been a great source of inspiration for me. I love the films of director Andrei Tarkovsky, Wong Kar Wai and Pedro Almodovar.
Music is another great influence of mine. Bands I love Cocteau Twins, Radiohead and Sufjan Stevens. I’m currently learning to play drums and it’s been a lot of fun.
I also enjoy a long walk, strolling in museums, good food and good conversations with friends and family.
Milestones and Future Goals - What are some of the Milestones you hope to Achieve in the coming years?
In the coming years, I hope to achieve several milestones, including launching a sustainable fashion line that focuses on eco-friendly materials and practices. Additionally, I aspire to showcase my work at major international fashion weeks and collaborate with established brands to reach a broader audience
Life Lessons - What is the most Valuable Lesson you've learned in your Life or Career?
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the importance of resilience. The fashion industry is competitive and often unpredictable, embracing setbacks as learning opportunities has been crucial for my growth and success. Always be kind and respect people you work with; it is just another way of respecting yourself.
Advice for Aspiring Artists - What advice would you give to Young Artists looking to make a Mark in the Industry?
My advice for young artists is to stay true to your vision while remaining open to feedback and constructive criticism. Cultivate your unique style and build a strong portfolio. Networking is essential, so connect with mentors and peers who can support and guide you on your journey. You will be surprised that a lot of people are very willing to help you.
Rapid-Fire Round:
*Favorite book or movie name?
In The Mood For Love directed by Wong Kar Wai.
*One word to describe yourself?
Creative
*If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
Audrey Hepburn.
*Favorite travel destination?
Vietnam.
In the Last, what are your Social Media Platform Links?
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