Marie Claire Australia & Czech Republic

"From War Babies to Billionaires" the feature award-winning journalist Abigail Haworth and I worked on is now in the December issue of Marie Claire Australia and Czech Republic.

Coming in December: Saigon Street Style

I just finished shooting and writing feature story: Saigon Street Style for Smile Magazine, the inflight of Cebu Pacific Airlines. In it you will see six of this growing city's fashionistas and hear from four personalities how they're part of the new Saigon style revolution!

Portraits in Marie Claire US November International Report

Marie Claire US November International Report feature on wealthy Vietnamese women. Worked on this with award-winning journalist Abigail Haworth. Soon in Marie Claire Australia and Czech Republic.

Saigon Style with Truc Tran

How would you define your style?
Usually I go for chic. I match my outfit using contrasting clothes i.e denim top vs sheer bottom, lace crop top vs cotton short, etc. However, working at a school requires me to dress a little different [from my own style]: classic and sophisticated.

What's the trend amongst the young Viet Kieu's like yourself?
Well, I'm not a Viet Kieu. You can call me an urban chic girl. :) With the influence of Western mindedness and other Korean/Japanese 'culture invasion', young urban chics are now willing to put more effort to dress themselves nicely and stylishly. There are two groups: those who follow the lovely and sophisticated style of Koreans and those who follow the little exaggerations of Western style. But both must always follow one rule: no matter what you wear, your clothes speaks for you.

The selection of shops in Saigon is quite limited compared to other major cities in Asia. Where do you shop?
Well, I'm like a collector. I would buy clothes randomly as I find things I like. It could be Nem, Ivy Moda, Ma Belle, MARC, etc. the domestic brands in Vietnam or Western brands like Forever21, H&M, Mango, Zara, Accessorize etc. or no brand/handmade clothes at some authentic shops like Conquaden, Blue Print, Urbanista, Morning Coffee', etc.

Who inspires you?
Don't laugh but my love for fashion first came from a fashion program called America's Next Top Model. When I watched the 3rd cycle of ANTM, I thought I got struck by lightning. It showed me a whole new world of fashion. I don't have an individual inspirer, mostly I read magazines, read on the internet, read fashion blogs for inspiration.

Portraits in Marie Claire US edition

My portraits will be featured in the November issue. On magazine stands in the US starting October 23rd. Check it out!

Trust Yourself

The crew and I wandered the streets of Saigon looking for what I found inspiring. I spotted a dark alley with multi-coloured neon lights glowing nearby. After taking the first shot, I showed it to the team. My colleague Victor Liccioni said, "I don't see anything, but I trust you". That made me stay and work until I was satisfied. It remains one of my favourite images.

First Male Model Shoot

Just worked with a male model for the first time on a feature for luxury magazine Hang Hieu. Brands featured: Hermes, Ferragamo, Bally, Louis Vuitton, and more. Out mid-September. A behind-the-scene photo taken by art director Hoang Anh of me working with model Nguyen Khoa.

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