Designer Hientje Nguyen Launches the ‘My Trip Paris’ Luxury Handbag Collection, Inspiring a New Generation of Creativity and Passion

Interviewer:“What inspired you to accept the invitation to serve as a judge for the ‘Real Leather. Stay Different. Vietnam 2025’ competition?”

Designer Hientje Nguyen:“As a creative image consultant for brands such as Vitita and Hiente Holland, and for public figures including internationally acclaimed fashion designer Quỳnh Paris, singer Trang Nhung, and CICON founder and chairman Park Bong Kyu of South Korea, I have also dedicated myself to pioneering the design and craftsmanship of genuine leather handbags and accessories in Vietnam.

For me, accepting this role was a natural decision. First, the competition aligns perfectly with the field I have devoted more than 23 years of my career to. Second, I was deeply inspired by its purpose. It is a prestigious industry competition that seeks to discover young talents with ambition, passion, and the potential to advance Vietnam’s leather and fashion industry onto the international stage.

My own work has always centered on creativity and innovation in genuine leather fashion. Since this competition celebrates original thinking and craftsmanship through genuine leather, I felt it was an ideal opportunity to contribute my experience and support the next generation of designers.”

Interviewer:“As the competition is held on an international scale across multiple countries, did you feel any pressure serving as a judge?”

Designer Hientje Nguyen:“This was my first time serving as an honorary judge for such a large-scale competition dedicated to genuine leather fashion, so I naturally felt a little nervous before taking my seat on the judging panel. However, once the judging began, those feelings quickly disappeared.

I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing each submission, carefully observing and analyzing every design while working closely with my fellow judges to identify the contestants with the greatest potential. It was a genuine honor to be part of this competition and to accompany it throughout its journey—from the preliminary stages to the final round.”

Interviewer:“From your perspective as a designer, competition entries should demonstrate creativity, humanistic values, environmental responsibility, and commercial potential. As a judge, which of these criteria would you prioritize when evaluating the contestants’ work?”

Designer Hientje Nguyen:“In my view, all of these criteria are equally important and deserve the highest consideration. The most outstanding designs are those that achieve a harmonious balance among creativity, meaningful purpose, environmental responsibility, and commercial viability. However, if I were to prioritize them, my order would be: (1) Creativity, (2) Humanistic values and environmental responsibility, and (3) Commercial value.

The reason is simple: creativity is the driving force behind progress. Without innovation, no industry can continue to evolve or move forward. It is the foundation of long-term growth and the key to an industry's survival.

Humanistic values and environmental responsibility are equally essential in today's world. As environmental challenges become increasingly severe, every product created by this generation should reflect a commitment to sustainability, respect for nature, and the preservation of life.

Commercial value is also important because it provides the economic foundation that allows a product to survive, grow, and reach the market. In many ways, it is the lifeblood of every creative work. However, I believe that true commercial success should be built upon genuine creativity and meaningful purpose. When a product is innovative and created to serve people with lasting value, its commercial potential is naturally elevated and becomes far more sustainable over time.”

Interviewer:“From your perspective as a creative image consultant, brand strategist, and designer of genuine leather handbags, what does the ‘Real Leather. Stay Different.’ competition mean to you?”

Designer Hientje Nguyen:“This competition is a meaningful platform that encourages creativity in genuine leather fashion, giving young designers the opportunity to showcase their talent, passion, and ambition to help shape the future of the industry.

I believe it represents an important milestone—not only in fostering creativity and strengthening brand-building in Vietnam, but also in driving innovation within the country's genuine leather fashion industry. It is a significant step toward making Vietnamese leather fashion more distinctive, diverse, and globally recognized, allowing it to stand confidently alongside the world's leading creative industries.

As someone from an earlier generation of designers, I am truly delighted to see more and more young people embracing genuine leather fashion as a creative profession. To me, this field is not only a pathway toward a more sustainable fashion industry, but also a meaningful way to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage through every design. Each creation has the power to carry forward the beauty, identity, and craftsmanship of our culture for future generations.

Designer Hientje Nguyen:“That is precisely why I collaborated in organizing the Inspiration Fashion Show, where I presented my luxury handbag collection, ‘My Trip Paris,’ with the hope of inspiring young creatives to pursue their passion for genuine leather fashion. I wanted to encourage them to believe in their creativity, embrace innovation, and confidently follow their dreams in this industry.”

Interviewer:“Thank you, Designer Hientje Nguyen, for sharing your valuable insights with the industry. Your reflections, drawn from your first experience serving as a judge for the ‘Real Leather. Stay Different.’ competition, have offered an inspiring and multifaceted perspective on creativity, innovation, and the future of genuine leather fashion.”