I liked how the redesign heavily incorporated Vietnamese identity in something that was built as a symbol of western colonial presence and power.
I liked how the design was informed by and adapted to the harsh tropical climate here. The bamboo brise-soleil is striking but is also effective in curbing direct sunlight. The way so much airflow is invited into the palace for natural cooling.
The way there’s so much openness and continuity.
Credits
Featuring
Elaine Trần
Photography
Chương Phạm
Production
Khuyên Lại
Wardrobe
KAAREM
Location
Independence Palace
Featured Styles
Related Features
Editorials
with Valerie Luu and Katie Kwan at Abacus Row
With Katie Kwan and Valerie Luu at Abacus Row, photography by Cynthia Mai Ammann.
Editorials
Xoài
We found inspiration from the Thuỷ Triều Mango tree, which was named by the local people because it's widely grown on the edge of Thuỷ Triều lagoon in Cam Ranh Bay.As a perennial plant, the tree grows strongly in sunny, windy, and sandy areas, with few storms due to the shelter of the bay, and has overcome many droughts to continue to bear abundant fruit. Therefore, the fruit always has the rich sweetness of the sea and the bright yellow color of the sun when ripeMore than 100 years ago, the French came to Vietnam and brought with them mangos originating from India. From then, they're sprouted and developed over time. Up to now, Thuy Trieu Mango is considered a natural fruit, but is rarely developed commercially, becoming a small gift to share with friends and neighbors.
Stories
Studio Visit with Artist Windy Chien
We first met Windy Chien in San Francisco at our first pop-up at Abacus Row in 2019. Her radiant energy was inspiring and comforting. We were so entranced by her stories full of adventure, discovery, and richness. From her cycling throughout Vietnam (goals!!), to her impeccable music taste and curation at her record shop in San Francisco, to her leadership with building iTunes. She’s done so much, and continues to offer so much more through her art of knotting. This is a photo series from a studio visit with Windy Chien - a beautiful studio full of curiosities, creations and craft.