Empowering sustainable creativity: HaUI students shine in Fashion Design Competition

On the afternoon of May 16, 2025, the Faculty of Garment Textile Technology and Fashion Design at Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI) successfully held the final round of the “Sustainable Fashion Textile and Garment Design” competition. This event served as an academic platform where students could showcase their creativity and convey a strong sense of social responsibility in the face of current environmental challenges within the fashion industry.

The competition attracted a large number of student participants, with dozens of teams presenting distinctive and innovative design ideas. In her opening remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Thị Lệ, Dean of the Faculty of Garment Textile Technology and Fashion Design, emphasized the significance of sustainable fashion in the context of climate change and resource depletion. She also expressed her pride in the students' serious commitment, creative efforts, and sense of social responsibility, which were clearly reflected in every competition entry.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thị Lệ – Dean of the Faculty of Garment TextileTechnology and Fashion Design, delivered the opening speech at the event

Creativity flourishing on a foundation of sustainability

A key highlight of the final event was the fashion showcase, where selected collections were presented. These collections demonstrated the students’ talent and fresh perspectives on sustainable fashion. The competing teams focused on utilizing recycled materials—particularly denim—to create designs that were not only aesthetically appealing but also carried strong messages of environmental protection.

Several standout collections included:

“Blue Jean” by Phạm Khánh Linh, a student from the 17th cohort of the Fashion Design program, drew inspiration from the ocean and waves. The collection featured recycled denim and pearls to craft unique items such as caroton jackets, dresses, and origami-inspired handbags. The collection clearly conveyed a message of recycling and environmental conservation.

“The Town” by Chu Phương Anh, Hứa Thị Châu Anh, and Hà Văn Long, students from the 18th cohort of the Fashion Design program, was inspired by pleated dresses and versatile garments. Using raw natural linen, the collection focused on tranquility, waste reduction, and environmental friendliness through practical, comfortable, and multi-functional designs.

“Rejeaneration” by Bùi Thị Xuân, Vũ Thị Hồng Ngọc, and Đào Thanh Ngân, students from the 16th cohort of the Fashion Design program, adopted the Y2K aesthetic. The collection creatively blended modern and retro styles using recycled denim, pearl bead necklaces made from taffeta, and used windbreaker fabric, promoting the message of sustainable fashion.

“Rejean” by Hà Thị Hải Yến, Ngô Thị Thủy, Đoàn Thị Kiều Trinh, Vũ Thị Minh Thu, and Nguyễn Thị Hồng Nhung, students from the cohort 16 of the Textile and Garment Technology program, focused on denim recycling. The collection featured three product lines: mass-market (tote bags), personalized items, and trend-oriented designs. It was tailored for Generation Z consumers who are environmentally conscious and seek unique fashion products.

“Daniel Forsen” by Trần Thị Tuyết Ngân, Nguyễn Ngọc Quỳnh, and Nguyễn Tố Uyên, students from the 16th cohort of the Fashion Design program, included three distinct fashion designs made entirely from recycled materials. The collection advocated for sustainable fashion and stood in opposition to the fast fashion trend.

“Unfashionable Redefining” by Phương Tiến Nhật, Bùi Thị Thủy, and Nguyễn Linh Trang, students from the 16th cohort of the Fashion Design program, redefined outdated clothing by reusing and restructuring secondhand garments. The collection conveyed a powerful message on sustainability in the fashion industry.

Spreading the Message of Social Responsibility

The “Sustainable Fashion Textile and Garment Design” competition was not only an opportunity to showcase fashion design skills but also a meaningful platform for students to demonstrate their professional competence, technical expertise, and commitment to environmental protection. Through the use of recycled materials, energy-saving production methods, and eco-conscious design, the students showcased their deep awareness and sense of responsibility towards the community and the future.

To honor the creativity and efforts of the participating teams, the Organizing Committee presented the following awards:

First Prize: “Blue Jean”

Second Prizes: “Brilliant Summer” and “Unfashionable Redefining”

Third Prizes: “The Town” and “Green Gene”

Encouragement Awards: “Daniel Forsen”, “Rejean”, and “Rejeaneration”

The competition served as a clear demonstration of the strong commitment of the Faculty of Garment Textile Technology and Fashion Design at Hanoi University of Industry to integrating sustainability into fashion education. It provided a platform for students to translate their environmental awareness into creative and impactful design solutions. The collections presented not only showcased aesthetic innovation but also embodied a profound sense of social responsibility. These contributions are expected to inspire further advancements in sustainable fashion and promote greater environmental consciousness within the broader community.