Devon Nguyen on Bringing her Multicultural Experience to Her Art and Fashion 

Devon Nguyen on Bringing her Multicultural Experience to Her Art and Fashion 

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In a MEGA exclusive, the Vietnamese designer shares how her design philosophy has evolved through experiences, cultural influences, and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion while remaining grounded in accessibility and comfort

This is an excerpt from MEGA February 2025 Fashion Feature

Many people try to get to know a country through its food or through a checklist of tourist spots. For fashionistas, discovering the local fashion  ecosystem is a surefire way to glean understanding of and appreciation for a culture and its people. All eyes have been on Southeast Asia for a long time, and recent years have proven the region’s strength, not just as shopping and luxury hotspots, but as places where creatives thrive and where trends emerge. 

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Devon Nguyen, the designer behind the label Devon London
Devon Nguyen the designer behind the label Devon London

Heritage plays a big role in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, not just with the homegrown designers, but also for those in the diaspora, who strive to make a connection between their multicultural backgrounds. 

ONE WORLD TO ANOTHER 

One such creative designer is Devon Nguyen, the talent behind the label Devon London. Nguyen grew up in Poland, studied in the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins in the UK, before setting up shop in Vietnam. “My multicultural background and experiences have played a crucial role in shaping my design philosophy,” she says via email correspondence. “Drawing inspiration for my cultural roots allows me to create pieces that resonate with a diverse audience and celebrate my individuality.” 

Devon London's pieces have a painterly feel, merging traditionally feminine fabrics with contemporary silhouettes
Devon Londons pieces have a painterly feel merging traditionally feminine fabrics with contemporary silhouettes

Devon London has been featured in Vietnam’s top glossies, and it’s no wonder that the label, and Nguyen herself, have been afforded the spotlight. There’s a very modern feel to her designs, merging traditionally feminine fabrics such as tulle, mesh, and lace to fluid, more contemporary silhouettes. Her creations have a painterly feel, hinted at by an extra long sleeve, a pop of color or a graphic detail. You can imagine them worn by gallery girls at Art Basel, paired with kitschy accessories just as easily as they would an influencer stalking the streets of Fashion Week. 

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE 

The artsy vibe isn’t surprising, as Nguyen’s creativity isn’t bound to a single discipline. Like many contemporary artists, the Vietnam-based clothing designer creates in a variety of mediums, from paint to ceramics and lacquer, and is often found collaborating with fellow creatives from different fields. Her most recent fashion project breathed life into a “living canvas,” bringing together clothing, dance, music, visual art, and technology for an immersive experience. 

Devon Nguyen's multicultural background and interest in contemporary art inform her designs
Devon Nguyens multicultural background and interest in contemporary art inform her designs

“As [a] fashion designer, my design aesthetic can be described as a fusion of contemporary elegance and effortless edgy influences, characterized by bold colors, innovative silhouettes,” says Nguyen when asked to describe her style. 

“As my journey progressed, I became increasingly interested in contemporary abstract art. My aesthetic embraces a blend of high fashion and everyday wear, aiming to create versatile pieces that empower individuals to express their unique identities. The evolution of my design philosophy has been shaped by my experiences, cultural influences, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion while remaining grounded in accessibility and comfort.” 


Read more about Devon Nguyen and her mission to push the boundaries of fashion in MEGA’s February 2025 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.

Images courtesy of DEVON NGUYEN

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