Growing up Vietnamese-Chinese American in a predominantly non-Asian neighborhood, I did not understand or appreciate the cultural roots that shaped my upbringing. In fact, I rejected that I was so different. It wasn’t until I met other people who looked like me, ate like me, and had parents with accents like mine, that I began to fall in love with the beauty of my heritage.

The launch of this dress, inspired by the distinct mandarin collar of the Chinese qipao and Vietnamese ao dai, fused with a short skirt and bell sleeves for a modern take, marks a special milestone not just in my career as a designer, but in my life too. Because this isn’t just a dress.

It’s me reclaiming all those years I felt so different.

It’s me saying thank you to my parents for the sacrifices they made.

It’s me appreciating the beauty of my culture and officially sharing it with you.