Image: Fashionable selfie with Thuy Nguyen (right) 2018. Hats by Shilo Engelbrecht, CEA designer member.
Teaching a new generation.
Thuy Nguyen is the fashion development manager at Creative Enterprise Australia (CEA). Through the Fashion360 program, she mentors emerging and early-stage fashion entrepreneurs to develop their ranges and establish viable businesses.
Thuy has worked in the fashion industry her entire life and has a wealth of technical and industry knowledge. Her design career began very early, using her mother’s industrial sewing machine at the age of 9 to sew Barbie doll clothes which she sold to other young girls. Pursuing her childhood dream, she later established her own bridal business.
Hers is a lifelong passion for fashion and she fosters a sense of quality and appreciation for the craft of fashion in the designers she mentors.
In this episode:
- In Vietnam Thuy’s mum had a fabric store. When the family migrated to Australia, her mum became an outworker so she could raise her kids and earn money.
- Thuy grew up around fabric and production. Her aunt had a garment factory in Brisbane.
- Manufacturers still use outworkers today in Australia but legislation is in place – designed to ensure correct pay and working conditions.
- Australian fashion production began declining when tariffs were lowered, enabling cheaper offshore manufacturing and imports. Skilled fashion workers are retiring.
- However with more conscious consumption and consumers’ concern for sustainability, some designers are choosing to manufacture locally again.
- CEA helps creative start-ups through 4 pillars: Start, Grow, Scale, Connect.
- Fashion360 program is designed to equip early stage and emerging fashion designers with essential skills, knowledge and understanding – to execute and sustain a growing business.
- Thuy is passionate about passing on her knowledge and skills after 22 years in the industry.
- Designers don’t realise how much is required to successfully bring a concept to life as well as create something that is financially viable and has longevity.
- Thuy believes that technology in fashion will not replace the need for human knowledge and understanding.
- Specification sheets are a designer’s insurance and assurance. Absolutely vital if you are manufacturing overseas.
- A perfectly resolved sample is also very important if you want your production to be perfect.
- Designers should have a Code of Conduct / MOU before entering into a business relationship with a manufacturer.
- Thuy recommends that designers start small and local. Road-test things with small quantities. Develop your following and get some traction, then increase your production quantities.
- Thuy can organise very small minimum quantities with local manufacturers. Eg: 10-15 per style.
- It is more sustainable not to have excess stock.
- If consumers are educated, they will be willing to wait for products. Eg: pre-ordering.
- Independent designers should not compete with fast-fashion brands. They must focus on quality and offering something unique.
- Thuy has always loved designing and sewing. She made and sold Barbie doll clothes when she was 9 years old.
- Studied a Diploma of Arts in Fashion Design, and worked for local companies. She also ran her own bridal business.
- Thuy would like to see Brisbane fashion have a higher profile nationally and internationally.
Learn more about CEA >> qutcea.com
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