NTTU Fashion Design Student Wins Third Prize at the Vietnam Student Design Competition 2026

Continuing the outstanding achievements in training and creative design activities, Tran Phat Tai, a student majoring in Fashion Design at Nguyen Tat Thanh University, has excellently won the Third Prize nationally at the “Vietnam Student Design Competition 2026” with the theme “Real Leather Stay Different,” along with the Sponsor’s Choice Award, affirming the creative capacity and development potential of students from Nguyen Tat Thanh University in the professional design arena.

Tran Phat Tai (second from left) receives the Third Prize overall at the “Vietnam Student Design Competition 2026”

At the “Vietnam Student Design Competition 2026”, Tran Phat Tai also received the Sponsor’s Choice Award from ISA Tantec Company

The “Vietnam Student Design Competition 2026” was organized by the Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA) in collaboration with the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO), aiming to create a prestigious academic playground for students from universities and colleges training in design nationwide. The competition seeks to encourage creative ideas, the application of real leather in fashion and accessories design, and provides opportunities for students to connect with businesses, experts, and international design trends.

Representing Nguyen Tat Thanh University at the competition, Tran Phat Tai – a first-year student majoring in Fashion Design – presented the shoe design “Vu Mon Lam Sac” (Blue Carp Leaping over the Dragon Gate). The design draws inspiration from traditional Vietnamese ceramic art and the image of “Carp turning into a Dragon” – a symbol of persistent will and the aspiration to rise to achieve success. The work utilizes a navy blue tone to recreate the characteristic cobalt glaze, combined with real leather material processed meticulously to create a sturdy, durable, and highly aesthetic effect.

The highlight of “Vu Mon Lam Sac” is the combination of a modern Combat Boot silhouette with fish scale details, dragon head features, and water wave patterns displayed on the shoe’s upper and sole. The intersection of contemporary design language and traditional cultural values has created a highly applicable product while conveying a story about the aspiration to rise and the spirit of persistence in the face of challenges. The idea for the work was nurtured by Tran Phat Tai after participating in a leather design art workshop in early 2026. From the first sketches to the finished product, “Vu Mon Lam Sac” is the result of perseverance, creativity, and tireless effort on the journey to conquer the professional design arena.

Image of the “Vu Mon Lam Sac” design by student Tran Phat Tai

In addition to winning the Third Prize in the Footwear category, the work was also awarded the Sponsor’s Choice Award by ISA Tantec Company – an award for a design highly rated by the enterprise for its creative ideas, applicability, and development potential. This is an encouraging recognition of the professional capacity and design thinking of a student in their very first year of study.

During the awards ceremony, Dr. Vu Huyen Trang – Head of the Fashion Design Department at Nguyen Tat Thanh University, attended on behalf of the University and was honored to receive a Commemorative Medal from the Organizing Committee, recognizing the University’s companionship and contribution to developing young design human resources and promoting creative activities for students.

Dr. Vu Huyen Trang – Head of the Fashion Design Department, representing the University to receive the commemorative medal from the Organizing Committee

The achievement of student Tran Phat Tai is not only a source of personal pride but also affirms the training quality of the Fashion Design major at Nguyen Tat Thanh University: focusing on practice, encouraging the development of creative capacity, and building professional bravery for students. Through academic activities, professional workshops, and design playgrounds nationwide, students are provided with the conditions to develop professional skills, gradually affirm themselves, and prepare to integrate into the professional working environment.

News: Dr. Vu Huyen Trang – Thanh Huong