Thai Nguyen
The March 10 installation of elegant dresses shown by Thai Nguyen at Concept L.A. Fashion Week was like traveling back in time to Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City.
The floor-length gowns that Nguyen designed for his “Sultry Saigon” collection had a certain Asian flair, particularly the ao dais, or the traditional Vietnamese dresses that are slit up the side to show a touch of thigh. Necklines had various silhouettes, such as strapless, halter or rounded.
The fabrics were rich in color with vivid emerald greens and deep purples.
Nguyen, whose label is named after him, graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in 2002 and then went to work at BCBG Max Azria. The designer later branched out on his own and has had several dresses appear on various TV shows.—Deborah Belgum
