At Baiyoke Sky Hotel in Bangkok, on August 23 and 24, 2025, Thailand International Fashion Week transformed the tallest tower in Thailand’s capital into a vibrant fashion hub. Founded by Dr. Chirawan Lewis, the event brought together numerous international brands and received coverage from major magazines. Within this dazzling setting, child model Pham Tran Binh Nguyen (Koka) appeared in the “Mong Ho Sac – Dreams of Dong Ho” collection by Dac Ngoc Designer House and Ken Design by Hanh Nguyen, presenting an image that was both innocent and poised on the international runway.
Mong Ho Sac: When heritage steps into the world
Amid the vibrant tapestry of TIFW 2025, the “Mong Ho Sac” collection stood out as a distinctive highlight. Inspired by Dong Ho folk paintings, the designs recreated bright colors and richly symbolic details in a modern and refined manner.
Silk and brocade were chosen as the primary materials, adorned with meticulous hand embroidery and embellishments. Each dragon, phoenix, or floral detail infused the garments with the breath of Vietnamese culture, combining elegance with expressive richness. Through skillful adaptation, the collection not only evoked traditional folk paintings but also carried a couture spirit suitable for the international runway.
Presented in Bangkok, “Mong Ho Sac” sparked curiosity among foreign audiences. They were not only admiring the fashion but also experiencing a vibrant and fresh representation of Vietnamese culture.
Koka’s sturdy strides
Wearing a pearl-white outfit adorned with a red dragon motif, Koka stepped onto the runway with a confident walk and focused gaze. The long cloak behind him fluttered gracefully, creating a fluid effect that made him appear both innocent and imbued with a strong presence.
What impressed the audience was not only the design of the outfit but also how Koka commanded the stage. Every step was measured and rhythmic, maintaining the performance’s spirit while remaining natural. His expression was calm, his gaze directed into the distance—both pure and composed. Notably, Koka’s unique and captivating handsomeness made him a standout, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Many guests captured this moment as proof that even a child model can fully convey the spirit of a collection. Several international designers also praised Koka, recognizing his potential and viewing him as a promising face for major runways in the future.
Thailand International Fashion Week: A space for diversity
TIFW 2025 brought together a wide range of couture and ready-to-wear collections, spanning from minimalist modern styles to elaborate, detail-rich designs. Baiyoke Sky Hotel, with its prominent position in the heart of Bangkok, provided a luxurious backdrop that highlighted the event’s international character.
Notably, TIFW created opportunities for a diverse range of participants: from renowned designers and emerging brands to child models like Koka. This diversity ensured that each show was not only a fashion presentation but also a meeting point for culture and generations. Beyond the runway, networking and social activities added depth, making TIFW a highly connected and engaging platform.
Spreading messages from the performance
Koka stepped onto the stage with a simple yet meaningful presence. The young boy brought the pride of youth by wearing an outfit connected to Vietnam’s cultural heritage. With every stride, the audience could sense his confidence and genuine joy at being part of a major stage.
This image also served as a reminder that fashion knows no age limits. Even young faces can become “storytellers” through their innocence and enthusiasm. For Koka, each step was both an experience and a way to convey a message: Vietnamese culture is vibrant and ready to engage with the world.
