Designer Hientje Nguyen: “The young designers have thoughtfully incorporated cultural heritage into each of their designs, giving every creation a distinctive identity and deeper meaning.”

Designer Hientje Nguyen consults with fellow judges during the judging session of the ‘Real Leather. Stay Different. Vietnam 2025’ competition

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:“I recognized that this competition was a natural fit with the field I have dedicated myself to for more than 23 years. Beyond that, I was deeply inspired by its purpose. It is a major industry competition designed to discover young talents with ambition, passion, and the potential to help advance Vietnam’s leather and fashion industry on both the national and international stage.

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

Designer Hientje Nguyen poses with a contestant’s fashion design created from genuine leather during the ‘Real Leather. Stay Different. Vietnam 2025’ competition

Interviewer:“As this 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 in the leather and footwear industry, 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 the competition and to accompany it throughout its journey, from the early 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 do you consider the highest priority?”

Designer Hientje Nguyen:“In my view, all of these criteria deserve equal weight, and the strongest designs are those that achieve a harmonious balance among them. However, if I were to prioritize them, my order would be: first, creativity; second, humanistic values and environmental responsibility; and third, commercial value.

Creativity is the driving force behind progress. Without innovation, no industry can continue to evolve or thrive. Humanistic values and environmental responsibility are equally essential, especially at a time when environmental challenges have become increasingly serious. Every product created today should reflect a commitment to sustainability, respect for nature, and the well-being of people and all living things.

Commercial value is also important because it provides the economic foundation that enables a product to survive and grow. However, I believe that when a product is built on genuine creativity and meaningful purpose, its commercial value is naturally elevated and becomes far more sustainable over the long term.”

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

Designer Hientje Nguyen:“This competition provides an outstanding platform for young creatives to demonstrate their talent, passion, and determination to contribute to the leather and fashion industry through innovation. I believe it represents a significant milestone—not only in encouraging creativity and strengthening brand value in Vietnam, but also in driving the development of the country's leather and fashion industry with greater originality and diversity.

I hope initiatives like this will help Vietnamese fashion continue to grow in confidence and creativity, enabling it to stand alongside the global fashion community while showcasing its own distinctive identity.”

Designer Hientje Nguyen (second from left) joins fellow judges of the ‘Real Leather. Stay Different. Vietnam 2025’ competition.

Designer Hientje Nguyen poses with contestants of the ‘Real Leather. Stay Different. Vietnam 2025’ competition, with support from premium leather handbag brand Vitita

The ‘My Trip Paris’ collection showcased on the runway during the Inspiration Fashion Show at the Real Leather. Stay Different. Awards USA

As a representative of an earlier generation of designers, I feel genuinely encouraged to see so many young creatives pursuing genuine leather fashion. Beyond promoting sustainability, this field offers a unique opportunity to preserve cultural heritage and express it through thoughtful, contemporary design. Every creation has the potential to carry forward the beauty and identity of our culture for future generations.