To begin this project, I conducted in-depth research on Vietnam’s geography, climate, and cultural context. I focused especially on the urban and fitness-oriented lifestyles found in cities like Saigon and Ho Chi Minh City. I also explored Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage to identify meaningful visual themes that could translate into textile design. I studied traditional motifs such as lotus flowers (a national symbol of purity and resilience), bamboo patterns (representing strength and flexibility), and Đông Sơn drums (linked to ancient folklore and celebration). Conical hats (nón lá), dragon motifs, water puppetry, and silk weaving techniques also inspired visual storytelling. This research helped guide the aesthetic direction of my capsule and laid the foundation for textile pattern development that feels locally rooted and globally appealing.

This project positioned Hasen, a fictional brand representing innovation and cultural fusion, in collaboration with Halara, a real-world activewear company known for its performance fabrics and social media-savvy brand voice. I imagined this partnership as a bridge between creativity and functionality—a fresh take on performance wear that celebrates Vietnamese identity while staying modern and wearable.

I defined a shared brand mission centered on empowerment, self-expression, and body-positive movement. The capsule targets millennial and Gen Z consumers, particularly women aged 18–35, who are active, style-conscious, and increasingly drawn to brands that reflect cultural values and ethical storytelling. The Fall/Winter 2023 goal was to produce a collection that not only meets the physical demands of colder seasons but also tells a unique story through material, color, and print.

Using insights from the research phase, I designed twelve original textile patterns for this capsule. These ranged from abstract interpretations of lotus petals and rippling water to graphic versions of bamboo stalks, lanterns, and heritage maps. I considered how these could repeat seamlessly on performance fabrics while preserving a bold yet balanced visual impact.

I created a versatile palette inspired by Vietnam’s natural beauty: rice-paddy greens, Saigon sunset reds, earthy browns, cool indigos from Hmong textiles, and golden hues echoing lantern festivals. Patterns were developed digitally for scalability and optimized for activewear fabrics such as spandex blends, fleece, mesh, and technical nylon. Each design was engineered to work across various silhouettes—enabling mix-and-match merchandising and storytelling consistency across garments.

I designed a focused 8-piece capsule that harmonizes form, function, and storytelling. Key garments included cut-out yoga tops, hem wide yoga pants, half-zipped racer tops, yoga cowl tops, pleated tennis skirts, crossover leggings, thermal turtleneck tops, and hood cut out sweatshirts. Each piece was chosen to layer easily and transition from workout to casual wear.

Pattern placement was carefully considered to elevate each silhouette without overwhelming the look.. I also kept climate and modesty in mind—opting for high necklines, longer hems, and breathable coverage. The result was a versatile and culturally informed collection that meets both lifestyle and fashion expectations.

The final step involved translating the creative work into a professional line sheet that a buyer or retail partner could use. This included detailed product descriptions, fabric breakdowns, pattern names, available colorways, and MSRP/wholesale pricing. Style codes and garment sketches were included for clarity and organization.

The line sheet also communicated the story of the Hasen x Halara collaboration—highlighting the Vietnam inspiration, target consumer insights, and sustainable design considerations. This presentation tool served not only as a sales asset but also as a reflection of the designer’s vision, allowing me to integrate my roles as designer, merchandiser, and sales rep. It ensured that the capsule could be positioned confidently in a retail or showroom context.