Hoa Quan Lệ Phục

Hoa Quan Lệ Phục 【華冠麗服 The Resplendent Costumes】is a historical costume revival project by me (La Quốc Bảo, founder of BARO) and Nguyễn Phùng Minh Luân (Leon Nguyen). We create one-of-a-kind designs based on existing historical artefacts and records, yet guarantee that the costumes are crafted both traditionally and professionally. We not only interweave our personal aesthetics into the garments, but also inject the presence of original costumes that inspire us to create said artworks.

THE IMPERIAL WEDDING NHẬT BÌNH

Our first design, inspired by the red Nhật Bình robe worn by Empress Nam Phương on her wedding day, before she officially entered the Forbidden City as an Imperial residence. To celebrate this extraordinary splendor, our 8 artisans spent roughly half a year hand-embroidering every single detail of the robe on real silk satin. Furthermore, we commissioned this silversmith master, whom participated in restorations of many jewellery and crowns in our National History Museum of Saigon, a phoenix brooch to complete the magnificent look. The entire process took approximately 10 months for what you’re seeing in here!

Enjoy and stay tuned for more!

THE NOBLE LADY NHẬT BÌNH
(Wives of the Mandarins)

The inspiration was taken from a court robe originally awarded to Lady Thái Thị Huệ Khanh 【蔡氏慧卿】- wife of Minister Nguyễn Trừng in the early 20th century, now in her grandniece - Professor Thái Kim Lan’s collection.

In this production, we spent roughly 3 months self embroidering the complex collar with motifs of phoenixes and auspicious symbols on red satin. We also commissioned the silk village Vạn Phúc in Hà Nội our copyrighted modification of 【phoenixes embracing longevity雙鳳朝壽】motif on their signature “cloud” silk. Instead of the pale celadon fabric on the original antique robe, we decided to freshen up the look with light turquoise. Highlight of the show is the total length of 7.5 meters of 100-year-old Chinese ribbons as trimmings along the robe’s hems and edges. This is the only detail we were required to use such antique in order to ensure the historical accuracy in terms of tailoring structure. The entire production took over 11 months to complete.

*Hoa Quan Lệ Phục【華冠麗服】 (aka The Resplendent Costumes) is a self-funded project of La Quốc Bảo & Nguyễn Phùng Minh Luân. The project aspires to recreate the splendor of Nguyễn-dynasty imperial costumes in a more historical accuracy in terms of materials, appearance and artisanal values.

Model: Mrs. Kim-Khuê Phùng

Antique shoes from La Quốc Bảo’s collection.