March 6, 2021

Kelly Marie Tran Wore Thai Nguyen To The ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Premiere

Kelly Marie Tran attended the virtual premiere of ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ on Friday (February 5).

As you know I live for Disney princess moments, in Kelly’s custom Thai Nguyen gown styled with Retrouvai earrings, we have one that is steeped in Vietnamese culture.

This presentation might not be a familiar one, but when you read the story and history behind this dress, you’ll understand it’s significance.

Her stylists Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald shared on Instagram, “Our first Southeast Asia Disney Princess Kelly Marie Tran in custom Thai Nguyen @thainguyenatelier Ao Dai.

This national garment was traditionally worn as a female student uniform, but has since evolved to be worn by both sexes on special occasions, weddings, celebrations, especially this time to the world premiere. In Vietnamese culture, rich colors are adored, but for this special celebration we wanted Kelly Marie Tran to feel like royalty, so we went with the black and gold.

The hand beaded “Gold” of phoenix and lotus motif details represent the intricate art and culture of Vietnam. The headdress “khăn đống” symbolizes power.

The image of a phoenix rising from the ash perfectly suits the beautiful and strong Kelly Marie Tran combined with the lotus motif in the center of the headdress, which is the national flower of Vietnam.”

The designer Thai Nguyen also shared on Instagram, “When I first heard my friend @kellymarietran was to be the newest and the 1st ever Southeast Asian Disney princess, I was overjoyed. I’m so proud that Kelly is breaking another glass ceiling. Imagine how I felt when she called and told me she wanted me to dress her for the premiere of Raya and the Last Dragon… AND in an ao dai?? Pride and excitement don’t begin to cover how I feel about this truly special project.

Kelly and I share passion for what we do and a strong love for Vietnamese culture. We also both understand the challenges of being underrepresented minorities in competitive spaces. It is hard to put into words how much it means to me that we were able to join those emotions and experiences, turn it into an iconic ao dai, and share our heritage with the world.

Niềm tự hào là đây. Áo Dài Khăn Đống đã được xuất hiện trang trọng quý phái trên thảm đỏ của Hollywood!”

That warm and fuzzy feeling you’re experiencing right now is the magic of Disney.

I am quite overwhelmed with emotion reading both statements.

This is why I love fashion.  It might seem frivolous to some, but the depth of meaning can really strike a chord deep in your heart.

Credit: Instagram

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