In a fashion world often driven by fleeting trends and safe formulas, stylist and creative director Thinh Chocolate chooses a different path. He doesn’t strive to be the loudest; he aims to be the “only one.” This philosophy has forged a distinct fashion identity where eccentricity is no longer avoided, but rather embraced as an unforgettable hallmark.
For many, the name Thinh Chocolate immediately recalls his “eccentric” debut at Project Runway Vietnam, where he made waves by appearing with a birdcage on his head. To him, however, this was never a shock tactic. It was the moment he stepped deeper into the fashion world through pure creative instinct. While he admits his ideas are often “a little bit different,” he never views this as isolation. On the contrary, he finds joy in manifesting the vivid imaginations in his mind into tangible creations.
“The creative, fashion, and entertainment industries are constantly renewing themselves; you simply cannot ignore things that are different,” he shares. For Thinh Chocolate, being “unique” isn’t about separating himself from the crowd, but about preserving his personal color in a repetitive market.
Beyond pursuing the avant-garde, the stylist holds a deep affection for Vietnamese cultural values. One of his most notable achievements is bringing the Southern checkered scarf to the high-fashion runway. Thinh Chocolate believes the line between innovation and over-the-top modification lies in “understanding and feeling.” He asserts that a creator must deeply comprehend the origins, history, and spirit of a cultural symbol before transforming it into fashion. To him, that is more than an accessory; it is a story of the Mekong Delta and the resilience of soldiers during the resistance wars.
In his professional collaborations, Thinh Chocolate does not prioritize his ego over the artist. He seeks harmony, allowing both identities to shine in the final product. However, he is candid about the fact that sometimes frequencies simply don’t align. When that happens, he chooses a graceful exit, believing it is “simply a matter of fate reaching its end.”
What makes Thinh Chocolate intriguing is his lack of fear regarding controversy. When asked to choose between “beauty for recognition” or “authenticity through controversy,” he offers his own answer: “I choose to be both beautiful and myself.”
Behind the persona of a bold Creative Director lies a soulful dreamer. Thinh Chocolate likens himself to Santiago in The Alchemist—the shepherd boy in constant pursuit of life’s treasures. For him, that treasure is fashion and art. It is a journey not just to build a career, but to tell his own story with unwavering passion and a commitment to enjoying the present.
