As Saigon’s streets pulse with the vibrant energy of the holiday season, Quynh Thy graces Harper’s Bazaar’s photo shoot with her signature warm smile. Dressed in simple elegance – a white t-shirt paired with deep blue jeans – she emanates an effortless grace. Through the camera lens, her dynamic silhouette and youthful countenance remain unchanged by time, a testament to her enduring presence in Vietnam’s fashion landscape. After years away from the spotlight, her appearance on the magazine’s cover for early 2025 marks more than just a return – it heralds a new chapter in her journey, one that promises to be as impressive as her initial rise to fame.
The magnetic return of a sensual icon
During the two-hour makeup session, our conversation flows naturally as Quynh Thy recounts her time in America – from early morning rises to late-night acting classes. Her eyes sparkle with enthusiasm as she discusses her upcoming projects in Vietnam, each word carrying the weight of careful consideration and passionate commitment. “I previously worked as an actress and model, collaborating with major brands and appearing in Vietnam’s leading magazines”, she reflects. “I was fortunate to be the first Vietnamese artist featured in Maxim and to participate in various Asian fashion weeks. Working between domestic and international environments has always felt natural to me – adaptability is in my nature”.
As the photo shoot begins, Quynh Thy moves seamlessly between outfits, her veteran model’s instincts as sharp as ever, honed by years of experience on international runways. Each angle and moment is captured with precision and grace, her movements fluid and purposeful. What sets her apart is her deep interest in understanding the story behind each design she wears. “For me, every piece of clothing carries its own narrative”, she explains. “A model’s role goes beyond looking beautiful. You must understand which angles best highlight the design, which lighting complements the fabric, and most crucially, how to convey the spirit of each piece”.
When asked about maintaining her professional edge over the years, Thy shares her philosophy with quiet confidence: “For me, attitude is everything. Whether it’s a small photo shoot or a major runway show, I approach each with equal respect and dedication. Never keeping the team waiting, always thoroughly preparing for shoots and rehearsals. Most importantly, I maintain a constant willingness to learn”.
Born into a family of intellectuals – with uncles and aunts who are doctors and professors – her choice of an artistic path came as a surprise to both her family and herself. “My parents were quite concerned”, she recalls with a gentle laugh, “as modeling carried many stigmas back then. The industry was viewed through a narrow lens, often misunderstood by those outside it. But fortunately, they gave me the chance to prove myself, to show that modeling could be both an art form and a respectable profession”.
Hailed as Vietnamese fashion’s “sensual icon” since the early 2000s, Quynh Thy offers profound insights into modern feminine beauty compared to her era, her perspective shaped by experiences both domestic and international. “Vietnamese women of the past didn’t have the same opportunities to showcase their beauty and talents as they do now”, she observes thoughtfully. “The landscape has transformed dramatically, offering platforms and possibilities that were once unimaginable. However, regardless of the era, beyond external beauty, women need to cultivate inner values – both soul and intellect. Confidence, strength, resilience, and responsibility towards oneself, family, and society are values that stand the test of time”.
Heart or mind: A personal choice
In the early 2000s, Quynh Thy stood out in Vietnam’s fashion landscape, not only dominating domestic runways but also being among the first Vietnamese models to grace international magazines. “Dare to live with passion and overcome challenges” – these words, spoken with quiet conviction, encapsulate her fashion industry journey.
She reveals that earning covers of prestigious magazines required more than just physical beauty – it demanded intense dedication, unwavering focus, and relentless hard work: “Opportunities were scarce back then, precious as morning dew. Every show, every shoot involved fierce competition, a constant push to excel. Models had to prove their worth through skill, through dedication to their craft, not through social media popularity”.
She reflects thoughtfully: “The modeling profession has transformed significantly. I remember the painstaking effort required to appear in prestigious print magazines, the elaborate photo shoots that sometimes lasted all day to capture perfect moments. While technology has streamlined many processes, I sometimes miss the pure artistic values of modeling that seem to be fading. It’s concerning to see young talents focusing more on instant fame rather than developing skills and establishing their unique style”.
In recent years, Quynh Thy has maintained a lower profile, dedicating time in America to pursuing acting and developing her business ventures. One of her greatest challenges has been balancing artistic passion with entrepreneurial pursuits. “No one can tell you whether to choose business or art, which path will lead to success. What matters is making your own decision – following your heart or your mind”, she reflects. “Leaving my comfort zone, starting anew in a foreign country, there were nights I questioned my direction. Yet perhaps these challenges helped me grow and understand myself better”.
Looking back on her journey, Quynh Thy expressed: “Everyone has their own definition of success. For me, success isn’t about what I’ve achieved, but about who I’ve become. The years in this profession have taught me many things – about patience, about gratitude, and especially about staying true to myself in all circumstances.
2025: A year of promising ventures
The coming year promises to be exceptionally busy for Quynh Thy. Besides two notable film projects – an international competition entry in February and a Vietnamese feature film in May, she continues developing business ventures both in Vietnam and the United States. “Managing multiple projects simultaneously isn’t easy, but I believe that with passion and dedication, everything eventually falls into place”. As the photo shoot concludes at sunset, Quynh Thy maintains the same vibrant energy she showed at the start. Before leaving, she reviews the photos with the team, offering thoughtful suggestions for improvement. “I strive for perfection in everything. It’s not just about responsibility to the magazine, but respect for the profession”.
Perhaps these Harper’s Bazaar photos represent just a small chapter in Quynh Thy’s story. Her gaze and presence convey something deeper – the mark of a journey of self-discovery. She has weathered storms and celebrated triumphs to create a beauty that defies conventional standards. It’s the beauty of a soul strengthened through challenges, the confidence emanating from a woman who has discovered her true worth.
“Success for me is not about what I have achieved, but about who I have become”
*** Creative Credits ***
Photographer: Manh Bi.
Model: Quynh Thy.
Concept: Santh Vo, Vinh Nghi.
Makeup: Le Trieu.
Hair: Hua Dung.
Stylist: My Truong.
Stylist Assistant: Tam Nhu.
Outfits: Le Thanh Hoa, Phan Huy, Chau Pham, Das La Vie.
Jewelry: Kai Gold.
Shoes: Alex & Sara.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
