By: Elaine Tan
Ho Tran Da Thao, Vietnamese designer and fashion entrepreneur, has been selected to represent Vietnam in the ‘International Young Fashion Entrepreneur 2009’ (IYFE) competition organized by the British Council, UK, which is in its second year running. The competition, organized through The Young Creative Entrepreneur (YCE) Programme initiative, strives to promote and acknowledge the roles of young entrepreneurs from creative industries such as fashion and publishing in emerging economies.
Thao previously competed and emerged victorious from a nationwide search to select a candidate to represent Vietnam in the global competition, where she will in turn face off against nine other candidates from countries handpicked by the council from all over the world, including Indonesia, Tunisia, Brazil, Poland and Mexico (2008 winner). All the finalists will be flown to London and Nottingham to present their ideas, and given the opportunity to network with the leading fashion figures in the UK. The winner of the competition will be announced February 2009 during London Fashion Week.
Thoa’s previous accomplishments include her ‘Safari’ collection which claimed first place at the Mercedes-Benz Asia Fashion Show 2004, part of the annual Singapore fashion festival, where she competed against 12 other contestants from all over Asia. She also received a USD10,000 scholarship grant by Raffles LaSalle Institute, Singapore for this achievement.
Thoa has accomplished much since then, starting her own fashion company this year, International Lifestyle Co. Ltd, as Creative Director and Designer. Here are some of her previous works:
Read more about Thoa and the IYFE competition here and here.
