Vietnam’s made-to-measure fashion brands are thriving in the TikTok era

Jun 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM

The Rise of Vietnamese Fashion: From Viral TikTok Trends to Global Acclaim

Keywords:Vietnamese FashionK-Pop InfluenceSustainable ApparelEmerging DesignersSocial Media TakeoverOutline:1. The "Jennie Effect" and the Surge of Vietnamese Fashion Brands2. Vietnam's Long-Standing Reputation in Apparel Manufacturing3. The Power of Social Media and the Embrace of Vietnamese Designers4. Disenchantment with Chinese Fast Fashion and the Appeal of Sustainable Alternatives5. Vietnamese Brands Catering to the Overseas MarketWhen Jennie from the South Korean girl band Blackpink posted pictures of a new eyewear collection, her fans zeroed in on her gray miniskirt, sparking a frenzy that would cement the reputation of Vietnamese brand L Seoul as a favorite among K-pop stars and fashionistas alike. This "Jennie effect" brought hundreds of new fans to the Ho Chi Minh City-based brand, riding a wave of popularity on social media that has seen Vietnamese fashion take the world by storm.

Unlocking the Potential of Vietnamese Fashion on the Global Stage

The "Jennie Effect" and the Surge of Vietnamese Fashion Brands

The Blackpink star's social media post triggered a surge of interest in L Seoul, with fans tracking down the lace-edged skirt and nearly crashing the brand's website with their orders. This "Jennie effect" has been a boon for Vietnamese fashion, with brands like Fanci Club, La Lune, Bupbes, and L Seoul gaining traction among young influencers and K-pop groups. These endorsements have fueled a growing interest in Vietnamese fashion, as consumers seek out unique, affordable, and sustainable alternatives to the dominant Chinese fast fashion brands.

Vietnam's Long-Standing Reputation in Apparel Manufacturing

Vietnam has long been a manufacturing hub for global apparel brands, with the "Made in Vietnam" label attracting curious tourists to the country's tailors and dressmakers. The high-quality workmanship and affordable prices of these local artisans have gradually gained recognition online, paving the way for Vietnamese designers like Cong Tri, Le Thanh Hoa, and Phuong My to dress up international stars.

The Power of Social Media and the Embrace of Vietnamese Designers

The rise of Vietnamese fashion can be attributed to the power of social media, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram playing a crucial role in showcasing the country's design talent. Viral videos of tourists showcasing their tailor-made clothes from Vietnam have sparked a surge of interest, while young designers have leveraged social media to connect with a global audience. Brands like Phoebe Vietnam and Red Bean have found success in reaching overseas customers, with influencers like Maronne Cruz further amplifying the appeal of Vietnamese fashion.

Disenchantment with Chinese Fast Fashion and the Appeal of Sustainable Alternatives

As consumers become increasingly aware of the ethical and environmental concerns surrounding Chinese fast fashion brands like Shein and Temu, they are turning to Vietnamese labels as a more sustainable and ethical alternative. Brands like Fanci Club, Shu Shi, and Red Bean are offering high-quality, natural fabrics at affordable prices, catering to a growing demand for mindful consumption.

Vietnamese Brands Catering to the Overseas Market

To cater to their growing international clientele, Vietnamese fashion brands are expanding their reach, with L Seoul opening a shop in Bangkok and eyeing Dubai. E-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada have also provided a gateway for these brands to reach a wider audience. While they may not match the scale of Chinese fast fashion giants, Vietnamese labels are carving out a niche for themselves, offering a unique and sustainable alternative that is resonating with fashion-conscious consumers around the world.