Datt Official is what one could call ultimate dreamscape dressing. The Vietnamese label is a curated portal into a world of the hyper-feminine and the sultry silhouette. With collections named ‘Babylon’, ‘Birth of Venus’, ‘New Romance’ and now ‘Princess’, the brand is a champion of the return of Romanticism in fashion, which isn’t just about “girly” clothes, but about creating modern heirloom-style pieces.
Founded by Ly Dat Thanh and Pham Duy seven years ago, the label has mastered the art of a conversation with the past, with a distinctive vision for the future. With the rise of Wuthering Heights-core, and a visual mutiny against the pared back, “clean girl” era, Datt Official’s evocative drapery and cinched waists are bringing back visually rich and sensorial storytelling in fashion. Pure restraint is out, and drama is the new aesthetic reset.
Like an ode to the female form, Datt Official is all about evoking an emotionally charged fantasy through delicate, hand-finished details of their pieces that don’t feel seasonal, but more vintage. It’s less about trend, but fashion with depth, layers and feeling. Armed with his degree in fashion design from Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Ly Dat Thanh has set about showcasing an appreciation for the beauty of the feminine and also of nature in his work. With celebrity fans like Ho Ngoc Ha, Nara Smith, Mai Davikah, Pia Wurtzbach and Blackpink’s Lisa, Datt Official is making its mark from Hanoi across the globe.
We chatted with designer Ly Dat Thanh to find out more about how his namesake atelier is utilising renowned Vietnamese handicrafts to create collections imbued with a delicateness of a distant past.
Many of your collections have vintage appeal. Is there a particular moment in history that you draw your inspiration from?
As a child, I was especially drawn to films, art, and documentaries influenced by European Romantic and Baroque aesthetics. They fascinated me deeply and often filled my dreams, becoming an intense and almost obsessive source of inspiration.
What do you think about the rise in Romanticism in fashion?
Romance is perceived differently through each individual perspective. In my view, beauty and romance can be found everywhere, distilled into every collection created by Datt. At any given moment, the meaning of romance expresses itself through a different language; it continually evolves, taking on new forms shaped by the time in which it exists.
How do you strike a balance between the seductive and the sophisticated in your designs?
We do not try to balance every element but instead, we focus on expressing the perfection we believe in from every angle.
“In my view, beauty and romance can be found everywhere and distilled into every collection.”
You craft your pieces in Vietnam. Why do you think Vietnamese designers are having a season in the global fashion spotlight at the moment? Why now?
Vietnam has long been recognised as a country that produces handcrafted goods for global brands. We represent a new generation—we are defined by creativity and youthful energy, celebrating and taking pride in the artistry and craftsmanship that Vietnamese people possess.
Tell us about your layered draping techniques. We are so enamoured with the fairytale mermaid moment of the ‘Ammonite’ gown’ for instance.
The fairytale image of a beautiful princess has always resonated with us. Through this piece, we aim to convey the dreamlike romance and splendor of a mermaid. The ‘Ammonite’ gown, inspired by ocean waves and seashells, is crafted using intricate 3D techniques that require considerable time, precision, and skilled craftsmanship.
The combination of spandex silk and 3D draping was initially a challenging and experimental process, as the material is particularly difficult to work with. However, we believe this approach ultimately captures and expresses the ethereal, princess-like essence we set out to portray.
The new ‘Princess’ Collection explores the use of shell detailing. What else can you tell us about your material selections?
The seashell material represents a new experiment within the ‘Princess’ Ariel chapter. It was inspired by a memorable trip during which we encountered handcrafted pieces made from seashells. Their delicate resonance, almost like the song of the sea, deeply captivated us. From that moment, the sound and spirit of the ocean remained in our minds and became a source of inspiration for this work.
Talk us through how you come up with your themes for your collections. What is your process?
They are beautiful fragments of memory, gathered and developed through the language of fashion. The tones and materials become the soul of each collection. At Datt, we focus on inspiration while always combining it with a modern spirit.
In your words, what would you want people to know about Vietnamese fashion?
Each Datt design reflects the essence of Vietnamese craftsmanship, from hand-embroidered details to delicately treated silk and satin fabrics, meticulously cut and patterned to create modern silhouettes. These techniques have been passed down and refined through generations. That’s what Vietnamese fashion is known for. We want to reinterpret them through a contemporary design perspective, bringing them closer to a global audience.
In many years from now, what would you want to be the heritage of Datt Official to be renowned for?
We aspire to create a dream wardrobe for women, one that embodies romance, dreamlike beauty, and a sense of modernity.
Who would be the ultimate Datt Official muse?
In my view, the ultimate Datt muse is someone who is confident in her own voice and who shares the same sense of modern romanticism that we express through every design.
5 / 5
Regal corset top
Available at Datt Official.
Datt Official items are available to shop globally online.
