new DAWN

Liza Soberano and Chau Bui on fresh starts, purposeful manifesting influence, and change.

- MARIANE PEREZ

MEANINGFUL IMPACT

Vietnamese fashion influencer Chau Bui on connecting through creativity and authenticity, as she uses her platform to advocate for the greater good

FOR CHAU BUI, ONE OF VIETNAM’S MOST INFLUENTIAL SOCIAL MEDIA FIGURES, fashion has always been a means of self-expression. The 26-year-old recalls how she got her start, raiding her parents’ closets, and thrifting at second-hand stores, not really expecting the massive attention her unique stylings would get online.

These days, she’s often seen in eye-catching outfits at high-profile events, or at fashion weeks all around the globe. “Fashion was my playground to get creative. And until now, what I love about working in fashion is the boundless creativity of it all,” she tells Vogue Philippines.

With millions of followers across her many online channels, the model-slash-influencer has won various awards in her industry, been on numerous magazine covers, and was even listed as one of Forbes Vietnam’s 30 Under 30.

Inspired to make a difference, she is keen on championing worthy causes like promoting local talent. “From fashion designers to creative directors, from makeup artists to photographers, it’s so inspirational to see the industry thriving in such a relatively short period of time. I want to do my part to bring these amazingly creative minds and products from Vietnam to the global fashion scene,” she declares.

Having been working in fashion for nearly a decade, Chau is also a supporter of mindful consumption. “I understand that in order for the industry to continue growing, we need to prioritize sustainability, not only in what we produce, what we wear, but also in our daily habits and choices,” she shares.