Saigon Socialite: Revitalizing Vietnamese Heritage through Fashion

Heritage Art Shoes by Fashion4Freedom

If we dissolve and there is nothing left of our culture, what are we? F4F understands the importance of preserving cultural heritage and works towards reviving traditional craftsmanship that is on the brink of extinction. The Saigon Socialite collection is a reincarnation of craft and a celebration of the wood artisans of central Vietnam.

The inspiration for the Saigon Socialite collection came from a 6-foot wooden carved dragon buttress commissioned for a Pagoda. F4F collaborated closely with craftspeople to ensure that the designs adhere to cultural nuances. For example, a four-tailed dragon, which is reserved for ranking pagodas, was deemed impudent, so a three-tailed dragon commonly found on door-frames was substituted.

The production process of the Saigon Socialite shoes is a true testament to the fusion of traditional and modern techniques. The wood is blocked, baked, and carved over the course of 12-14 days, while the leather is meticulously formed by cobblers over two days. The shoes are then returned to the carvers who wax out the wood grain and varnish the wedge in local oils.

The Saigon Socialite shoes are available in two heights: Low (80mm) or High (150mm). The wood base measures 220.5mm in length, with a front height of 60mm and a heel height of 120mm. The shoe itself has a front height of 90mm and a back height of 210mm. The inner sole measures 230mm, and the shoe bag has a width of 80mm.

Not only do the Saigon Socialite shoes showcase the beauty of Vietnamese craftsmanship, but they also prioritize comfort. Engineers were brought in to ensure a perfect fit, allowing cultural enthusiasts to step into 700 years of history with every stride.

The Saigon Socialite collection is the result of over 33 months of investment in skill development programs across three villages in Vietnam. F4F partnered with Design Capital Asia (DCA), an NGO focused on socio-economic development and cultural preservation, to build an alternative supply chain for responsible production.

The Saigon Socialite collection has received numerous accolades, including the Bronze A' Design Award for Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design in 2015. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, technical skill, and resourcefulness, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

Fashion4Freedom's Saigon Socialite collection is not just a fashion statement, but a symbol of cultural preservation and social responsibility. By combining ancient craftsmanship with modern design, F4F is paving the way for a future where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously.