Meet Thai Nguyen

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Thai Nguyen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Thai, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from my parents since the day they sacrificed everything in Vietnam to bring me to the US in hoping for a better future in 1993. Their sacrifices, starting over, and resiliency raised me to where I can be today and I will forever grateful for them.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a Vietnamese American fashion designer based out of Orange County, California. Born and raised in South Vietnam, I learned to sew at the age of nine and quickly honed my love for art and fashion. As a 2002 graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, I joined BCBG Max Azria as an associate designer. Using the two years of invaluable work experience, I stepped out of the shadows in pursuit of creative freedom. This sparked a journey that evolved into a clothing line and brand known for modern-feminine styling adorned with exquisite detailing. Applying my mantra of the Three F’s: fabrics, fit, and feels, I always strives to make my designs a one-of-a-kind, luxurious experience.

Along with customized western dresses and gowns, I am best known for my contemporary take on the Vietnamese cultural dress, the áo dài. My re-envisioning of the áo dài has taken this iconic symbol of Vietnam into the modern age of luxury, comfort, and nostalgia. No longer will you struggle with archaic buttons and low-grade zippers of the past. Every detailed inch of my’s custom áo dài is made for you with your personality and tastes in mind. Bring couture luxury fitting of a fashion runway to your big event!

My designs have been featured in the fashion industry’s most extravagant events and top publications. My work graced the notable red carpets of the Met Gala, the Oscars, the Grammy Awards, and countless film and television premieres. My dresses have appeared in fashion publications such as Vogue Italia, Vanity Fair, and New Beauty. My notable clients include Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Ali Wong, Kate Beckinsale, Kelly Marie Tran, Katherine McPhee, and Cindy Crawford among many more.

Outside of the atelier, you can find me being featured in various television projects, including Netflix’s Say I Do where I am a key host, designing custom wedding gowns for unsuspecting brides with compelling life stories.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My three qualities are HARD WORK & PERSEVERANCE. BEING TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE & GRANTING YOURSELF TIME AND FOCUS.

Throughout my life and career, I have been following this equation:
30% talent + 30% hard work + 30% opportunities + 10% karma, on how to work and treat other people around you.

“I don’t believe in overnight success and nothing is free.”

TRUST YOURSELF

You can look to others and trends for inspirations, but keep in mind, everyone is different and special in their own ways. Always remember how you, yourself, are special and to follow your heart – do/wear whatever it is that makes you the most happy when you look at yourself in the mirror. Listening to your heart will always WIN.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I feel overwhelmed I would STOP, take a breather, always remember to breath in your daily routine and in your work. The best advice I’ve ever received was from my mentor when I was in college gave me when I graduate. On the card is a drawing of a staircase and it says “step by step” and I have been following that message till this day. I don’t believe in shortcuts.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
1 Personal Photo: Jeff Vespa 2 Black & White Photos: Nick Phan 4 Color group photos: Jess Phillips

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,