Nguyen Thi Thu Huong is a founder of Ritara Couture and personally teaches his growing atelier to create his designs from laboriously-sourced fabrics, producing fashion-forward designs that are infused with tradition. Her signature aesthetic and keen eye for detail combines progressive and hand-made techniques, resulting in collections which feature fantastic haute couture pieces. In this interview Nguyen reveals her success secrets and how she started her own luxury fashion brand.
Tell us about your greatest strength as a professional?
Before I started as a designer, I was in business. That’s why I feel my strongest point is my ability to balance art and commerce. The costumes designed by me will not stop at the catwalk but can also respond well when used in many different situations.
Why did you decide to strike out on your own as a fashion designer?
Ever since I was a child, I have been a girl who always likes to dress well and find sparkling princess dresses very attractive to me. When I grew up, I did many different businesses, but I did not feel enthusiastic. It wasn’t until I went back to starting with fashion that I found happiness in the work I do every day. And I started determined to build a fashion brand of my own.
Where do you look for creative inspiration?
As a person who always loves beauty and brings it to everyone. My biggest inspiration is seeing beautiful women every day wearing the clothes I design.
Who was a mentor to you?
I had great associates when I started building my brand. The executive team received the job and worked very closely to be able to operate the apparatus of nearly 300 people. The sculptors, bonders, and tailors are all important elements in the company, they are all my mentors. I am very grateful to my associates.
Tell us more about the begin of your career.
In the early days of coming to fashion, I seemed very lucky to always have the support of customers. The first designs were loved and quickly sold out on the first days of launch. To go a long way in the fashion industry, I began to deeply understand the technique of fabric handling, and hand-gluing to be able to create my marks in the design. I have always pursued a variety of styles and applications. Make ordinary things special.
What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
I have no fear. Anything happens for a reason and I’ll be happy to face it.
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Is there anything you wish you could tell your younger self?
I want to tell myself when I return to my youth to enter the fashion industry earlier to have more experience.
Is it hard to stay innovative?
In my opinion, fashion is always moving. Fashion flow will never stop but always innovate. So to be backward, not only me but everyone who makes fashion must be creative non-stop. Always cultivate more knowledge, update trends, and always innovate to match the market.
Tell us about your new collection.
RITARA’s next collection is called “Festive’ Fits”. The collection embodies the charm of the independent, self-loving modern woman, freely expressing her beauty. The manual bonding process is cleverly put into place to create a distinct highlight in each design, making the ladies more fashionable and outstanding.
Pictures: PR