Entering Fashion With Nothing But A Love For Beauty
Graduating as valedictorian in Fashion Design in 2010, Lê Thanh Hòa began his journey purely driven by a love for fashion and the belief that he could build a brand of his own.
“When I say my family were farmers, I don’t mean it as a way to elicit pity—it's simply a reminder that my choosing fashion, and fashion choosing me, was fate. That’s why I need to work hard every day. I love beauty, I’m captivated by beautiful garments, and I feel truly happy when I can contribute to creating that beauty with my own hands. Fashion is now an inseparable part of me—it is who I am—and I’m proud of that.
This 15-year journey hasn’t been all rosy, but it was never so difficult that it made me want to give up. If I had to choose again, the 18-year-old Le Thanh hoa would still confidently apply to the University of Architecture and relive these 15 vibrant years,” he shared.
To the public, fashion design, especially with celebrity models and applause-filled runways may seem like a dream job. But behind the curtain lies the reality: intense mental and financial investment. There are times of tight budgets, creative blocks, limited access to skilled tailors and production deadlines.
Hòa has steadily and patiently overcome all of these real, everyday obstacles—armed with perseverance and a positive mindset, both of which are rare qualities in the creative field, where people often drift freely and dreamily in their own romantic worlds. He doesn’t emphasize them as hardships or thorns in his path, but simply calls them “a few small hurdles” and moves past them—step by step, with ease.
“What drives me the most is the moment when a client or model steps out from behind the curtain, sees themselves in the mirror, and their face lights up with joy and satisfaction. That’s the ultimate reward for me. To me, fashion isn’t just about beautiful products—it must also bring confidence and happiness to the person wearing it.”
This mindset of finding joy in service, of optimism in every challenge is what defines Hòa. He brings to fashion not only skill, but affection and reverence for the art. When you love what you do, you simply keep going.
A Stage Worthy Of Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage
It is no coincidence that Lê Thanh Hòa chose the theme of Champa culture for his graduation collection, Golden Heritage, which earned him top honors in his Master's program.
This collection imbued with the prosperous gold tones of Champa art and inspired by the Hòa Lai sculptural motifs of a kingdom over a millennium old was not just a showcase of design. It was a vibrant, respectful celebration of Vietnamese history and heritage.
The success of Golden Heritage elevated Lê Thanh Hòa’s brand to a new level, built on the foundation of creative vision and unwavering patience. Hòa understood that engaging with cultural heritage means placing creativity behind reverence, allowing history and legacy to guide artistic choices.
He devoted significant time to studying ancient motifs and researching relics to ensure that every element in the collection was not only aesthetically accurate but culturally faithful.
As he recounted the making of Golden Heritage, Hòa’s pride was clear. “First, it must be right, only then can it be beautiful. If it looks good but distorts the spirit of Champa culture, it becomes nothing more than a superficial invention.”
This project deepened his appreciation for Vietnamese heritage, which he now sees as an endless wellspring for creativity and expression. He revealed that exploring cultural themes will remain a central focus of his future work.
“What I truly hope for,” he shared, “is to create collections or shows that showcase the elegance of traditional Vietnamese crafts and stories to a global audience. I want the world to know that Vietnam has exquisite heritage villages and compelling narratives to share.”
Though modest when speaking about himself, Hòa’s eyes lit up when asked about his dreams for traditional culture. “I want a stage where international audiences, those unfamiliar with Vietnamese people and our land can witness firsthand the magnificence and splendor of our cultural legacy. A stage worthy of showcasing national pride, which I share as a Vietnamese citizen. I believe we can make it happen.”
Balancing Creativity With Commercial Strategy
“In five or ten years, I’ll still be designing fashion, still launching meaningful collections,” Hòa affirmed without hesitation. He dreams of opening a Lê Thanh Hòa boutique on Orchard Road or the Champs-Élysées, an ambition that seems entirely within reach given his maturity and talent.
But when asked what advice he would give aspiring designers, his response was unexpectedly pragmatic: “Stay clear-headed. Know how to balance your personal vision with the realities of business. A designer can’t survive on creativity alone. You have to be able to strategize, to sustain your work.”
Indeed, both his ready-to-wear and bespoke collections are consistently produced with the same craftsmanship and care as his showpieces for pageants and top models. This reflects a deep understanding: financial stability is what allows dreams to flourish and take form.
Hòa is always open to collaborating across industries, allowing for a diverse range of collections and efficient, scalable production. It’s a smart and sustainable approach. “If you want to go far, go together,” he says.
He possesses a passionate heart, constantly reinventing through each design but also a cool, strategic mind that understands when to soar and when to proceed with steady caution. This is the responsibility of a brand leader, not merely a passionate young designer.
“I always strive to balance creativity with business. Creatives tend to dream big, often unrealistically. Businesspeople speak in numbers, they need to see tangible returns. The two must support, not contradict each other for a brand to survive in this market,” Hòa reflected.
Today, as we look at the fashion legacy he has quietly and determinedly built, few can question the legitimacy of his dream. The brand bearing his name - Lê Thanh Hòa is both authentically Vietnamese and internationally poised.
Audiences can see the passion and dedication in every runway moment. Clients, meanwhile, see a brand rooted in thoughtful design and strategic growth - something they can trust and embrace as part of their own personal style.