With a composed presence and confident stride, Sumi introduced the collection through a performance that brought together contemporary fashion and distinctly Vietnamese cultural elements. Her appearance marked another chapter in her long standing collaboration with Trinh Châu, while also placing her at the forefront of a collection created to share Vietnamese heritage with an international audience.
A Familiar Face at the Heart of Trinh Châu’s Runway Stories
Sumi Hoàng Kim has become one of the young faces closely associated with Trinh Châu’s fashion journey. Across collections including The Radiant Petals, Butterfly Eden, Floral Drift, Armor of Aurora, Golden Mirage, and Hoa Mộng Thanh Vân, she has repeatedly taken on prominent runway roles, including First Face and Vedette.
Her strength lies in a quiet confidence. Off the runway, Sumi is known for her calm and reserved personality, while on stage she communicates through movement, expression, and control.
Rather than relying on exaggerated gestures, she allows the clothes and her presence to speak for themselves. This restrained yet assured approach has become part of her signature and has helped her develop into a recognizable young talent within Vietnam’s fashion scene.
Her journey has also extended beyond modeling. Sumi has received several notable distinctions, including First Runner Up at MC Nhí Season 4, First Runner Up at Ninh Khương Model Kids 2022, Model Kids Talent 2023, and The Best People’s Choice Award 2024 at Beauty Fashion Week in Laos.
These experiences have given her the versatility to move comfortably between fashion, performance, and other forms of artistic expression.
Opening “MỘC” With a Vietnamese Cultural Statement
For “MỘC,” Sumi’s role as First Face carried particular significance.
Inspired by rice straw, coconut fiber, and traditional Vietnamese weaving, the collection explores the beauty of materials deeply connected to Vietnamese rural life. Through contemporary silhouettes, intricate textures, and sculptural details, Trinh Châu transforms these familiar elements into a new fashion language.
Her look combined the natural, earthy spirit of “MỘC” with a refined and elegant silhouette, creating an opening that felt both contemporary and deeply connected to Vietnamese identity.
The appearance of traditional Vietnamese headwear added another cultural layer to the presentation. During the show, Sumi and the young models also interacted with the audience by presenting traditional Vietnamese hats, including nón quai thao, while nón lá were given to audience members.
The gesture transformed a fashion presentation into a cultural exchange. Rather than simply displaying Vietnamese heritage on the runway, the collection allowed the audience to take a small piece of that cultural story home with them.
From a Young Model to an International Runway Presence
Taking on the First Face position at an international fashion event represents more than simply walking first. The opening model establishes the rhythm of the presentation and introduces the visual language of the collection. It requires confidence, discipline, and the ability to immediately capture an audience’s attention.
For Sumi, the opportunity reflects the trust that has developed through years of working with Trinh Châu. Each collaboration has given her the opportunity to explore a different aesthetic, strengthen her runway technique, and grow more comfortable with the responsibilities that come with a leading position.
At The Great South Youth International Fashion Week 2026, that experience became part of a much larger international setting. The event brought together young models, designers, and fashion talents from different countries, creating a platform where emerging generations could exchange ideas and cultural perspectives through fashion.
For Sumi, the Malaysian runway was therefore not simply another appearance. It was an opportunity to represent a generation of Vietnamese young models who are increasingly finding their place on international stages.
Beyond the applause, each international stage has left Sumi Hoang Kim with memorable experiences and valuable lessons.etween Vietnamese heritage and an international audience. Inspired by rice straw, coconut fiber, traditional weaving, and Vietnamese headwear, the collection reinterpreted familiar cultural elements through a contemporary lens.
As First Face, Sumi Hoàng Kim introduced this story from the very first step on the runway, while the young models’ interaction with the audience and the sharing of traditional hats created a meaningful moment of cultural exchange. Her appearance in Malaysia became more than a runway performance, carrying a distinctly Vietnamese story to the international stage.
