HSU Fashion Design Students Win First Prize at “The Design-A-Bag Vietnam Talent Edition 2026”

A Hoa Sen University Fashion Design student secured first prize in the prestigious “Design-A-Bag Vietnam Talent Edition 2026”, receiving full sponsorship to attend the APLF Hong Kong 2026, Asia’s foremost leather fashion exhibition.

Victory at “The Design-A-Bag Vietnam Talent Edition 2026”

On November 15, 2025, Ms. Phan Nguyen Hoai Thuong, a Fashion Design student at Hoa Sen University (HSU), won first prize in the Design-A-Bag Vietnam Talent Edition 2026, the Vietnamese version of the international Design-A-Bag Competition organized by APLF ASEAN.

The Design-A-Bag Vietnam Talent Edition 2026 serves as the national pre-selection round for the global Design-A-Bag Competition 2026 and stands as a prestigious creative platform connecting design students with businesses, industry experts, and international career opportunities. Hoai Thuong’s achievement further reinforces the strong presence of HSU Fashion Design students on the national and global creative landscape.

The Unbowed Bag – A Symbol of the Young Generation’s Creative Resilience

The Unbowed Bag, Hoai Thuong’s winning design, impressed the jury with its strong design philosophy and contemporary aesthetic. Its structured rectangular frame, layered stainless-steel handles, and the blend of recycled grain leather with a soft microfiber interior reflect both creativity and sustainability.

Her design merges luxury with durability, including a spacious main compartment, an A4-compatible inner sleeve, and a secure zip pocket. Conveying the message “Stand firm despite the storm” through its visuals and materials, The Unbowed Bag has successfully captured the interest of the international jury.

Broadening International Pathways for HSU Young Talents

Hoai Thuong’s win has unlocked a series of meaningful international opportunities. In March 2026, she is going to represent Viet Nam as the only fully sponsored attendee at APLF Hong Kong 2026, the largest and most influential leather fashion exhibition in Asia.

In addition, Hoai Thuong is one of the Top 3 contestants eligible for an 8-day intensive leather-making course at LEATHER Academy (Ninh Binh) in July 2026, sponsored by Simona Tanning, one of Asia’s leading leather tanning units.

Outstanding English Presentations by HSU Students

Joining Hoai Thuong in this creative arena were two more HSU talents, Ms. Lieu Huynh Minh Thu and Mr. Nguyen Doan Nam Khang. Their all-English presentations highlighted not only their bravery but also their strong ability to integrate into an international professional environment.

Notably, HSU was the only university in the competition whose contestants all chose to present in English.

After the Viet Nam round, the designs of Hoai Thuong, Minh Thu, and Nam Khang will continue to compete on the global stage at the Design-A-Bag Competition 2026. Whoever claims the international title will be awarded a scholarship to Arsutoria School in Milan, the heart of the world’s leather fashion industry.

Experiential Learning at APLF ASEAN

Within the framework of APLF ASEAN on November 15, 2025, lecturers and students from HSU’s Fashion Design program visited the leather exhibition area, explored new material trends and modern manufacturing technologies, and engaged directly with businesses in the leather industry.

This was an opportunity for students to approach career reality, broaden their creative perspective, and be inspired right before the performance time.

APLF and Simona Tanning – Key Partners Supporting HSU

APLF (Asia Pacific Leather Fair) is Asia’s top international leather and fashion accessories exhibition. Since 1984, it has annually gathered global manufacturers, brands, and designers in Hong Kong.

Additionally, Simona Tanning, the sponsor of the top three contestants, remains a key partner of HSU’s Fashion Design program, providing high-quality leather materials for learning and creative practice.
Hoai Thuong’s victory, along with the strong showing of HSU students at this international competition, stands as clear proof of their creativity, confidence, and global readiness.

Moreover, HSU reaffirms its role as a practice-oriented design university, strengthening industry links and expanding international opportunities for its students.

Some moments at the event: