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| Passion for remaking old clothes |
Turning on a favorite podcast, lighting some essential oil, and brewing a cup of coffee - once everything was set, Quynh Huong (from An Cuu ward, Thuan Hoa district) pulled up a chair to a sunlit balcony corner, peacefully keeping company with needle and thread. A ladybug perches on a fresh green leaf as she carefully stitched it onto a creamy white dress. “When I start feeling bored with clothes I’ve worn too many times, I take them out of the closet and give them a little makeover,” confided Quynh Huong.
Even with a closet packed and full of clothes, each piece still looking as good as new, many women often find themselves feeling like they have “nothing to wear”. “Remaking”, i.e., breathing new life into used clothes, is a way for many girls to find fresh inspiration in their wardrobe. Natural, eco-friendly fabrics such as linen, raw silk, and mulberry silk are often the top choices for these makeovers. Their durability, aesthetic appeal, and high absorbency provide comfort while ensuring that each remade piece feels both stylish and sustainable.
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| The shirt becomes a brand new one after being remade |
Tran Thi Ngoc Tra, an employee at a company in An Cuu, shared that a linen dress was not exactly cheap. After some time wearing it, she decided to embroider floral patterns on the hem, sleeves, and a large leaf on the chest. Just like that, the old dress took on a brand-new look. “Sewing and embroidery not only help me refresh my wardrobe and save money by cutting down on shopping, but they also allow me to slow down and savor peaceful, unhurried moments,” shared Tra.
One day, while surfing web on her phone, Tra bumped into embroidery videos. She was instantly captivated by how just a few simple stitches could transform a simple shirt into a stylish one. “Embroidery isn’t as difficult as I once thought, but it does require patience since you have to sit still for long periods. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a slower pace of life,” the young woman shared. This year, Ngoc Tra just turned 27. As an accountant, her days are filled with dry numbers, and often stressful. Embroidery has become her way of recharging, a means to restore balance in her life.
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| Meticulously tending to each stitch and thread |
For Ho Lam Anh, a student at the University of Law, Hue University, discovering how to remake clothes has completely changed how she spends her free time. Instead of going out with friends, she now enjoys redesigning her wardrobe. With just a few simple patterns, a scattering of golden leaves on a green meadow, a bird soaring beneath the sky, a fiery red sun setting behind the treetops, or a tiny house nestled at the foot of a mountain, Lam Anh transforms ordinary outfits into eye-catching pieces. “Stitches like satin, backstitch, running stitch, or French knots are incredibly simple and easy to do. Although I’m quite clumsy, I can still manage; so, anyone can give it a try,” she laughed, flashing a charming crooked tooth.
There are many ways to reinvent a pre-loved shirt. Those who adore a sweet, romantic style often choose to embroider flowers and leaves. Those who prefer a rustic, minimalist, or vintage-inspired look opt for unique, intricate patterns. Some enjoy repurposing leftover fabric, and layering patches onto their outfits. A patchwork-style dress or shirt can instantly add personality and charm. This is precisely Lam Anh’s advantage, living near a small tailor shop in Bao Vinh’s old town. She often visits the shop to collect discarded fabric scraps. With her skilled hands, she transforms plain shirts and cropped pants by layering fabric in a bold yet delicate way. For Lam Anh, social media is an invaluable treasure trove of inspiration. She learns from it, gives many tries, and then creates designs that reflect her own unique personality.
According to Ms. The Thanh (from Thuy Chau ward, Huong Thuy town), the owner of an online second-hand fashion shop, the remake trend is especially popular in thrift stores. Many shop owners revamp pre-loved clothing by adding embroidery, sewing on decorative buttons, or incorporating other small touches that delight customers. “Since I started selling second-hand clothes, my embroidery skills have improved a lot. Sometimes, I come across stunning dresses that, unfortunately, have minor flaws like stains or small holes. By cleverly adding embroidered designs or patching them up with fabric scraps, I can bring these pieces “back to life”, Thanh shared. She believed that as long as someone has a love for creativity and novelty, any girl can become her own designer, refreshing old outfits with just a few simple stitches.
I remembered Quynh Huong and the playful wink she gave as she proudly showed off the red ao dai hanging in the corner of her room. She said she had worn it last Tet. This year, she embroidered a vibrant yellow apricot blossom on it. That simple touch was enough to transform it into a brand-new, charming ao dai. Excitedly, she was already making plans with friends, getting ready for a fresh photoshoot to welcome the spring.