Dahan Phuong Oanh: The Inspiring Journey of Vietnam’s Top Model in New York’s Fashion Scene

Dahan Phuong Oanh's journey in the fashion industry is a remarkable story of success, resilience, and cultural pride.

Dahan Phuong Oanh was photographed by Tom Marvel in New York.

Dahan Phuong Oanh, the luminous face of this month’s Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, continues to enchant the international fashion world with her elegance and grace. Nestled in the vibrant heart of New York City, Oanh prepares for the forthcoming fashion week with a fervor that mirrors her passion for the runway. Her journey is a symphony of dreams, resilience, and the vibrant hues of her Vietnamese heritage.

Dress, Alexander McQueen. Jewelry, Doves.

The allure of New York, with its relentless energy and kaleidoscopic vibrancy, captivated Oanh, making it the perfect backdrop for her flourishing career. The city’s pulsating life breathes motivation into her soul, propelling her to excel in both work and study. Here, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, Oanh finds a rhythm that harmonizes with her personal and professional aspirations.

Dress, Alexander McQueen. Headpiece, Binata Millinery. Jewelry, Doves.

Oanh’s ascent to becoming the most celebrated Vietnamese model in the international arena is a tale of unwavering determination and adaptability. She attributes her success to maintaining robust health, a composed mind, and an open, sociable demeanor. For Oanh, the secret lies in confidence and self-awareness, qualities that allow her to stride gracefully into the competitive world of modeling. “This place is not for those who carry fear,” she said.

Top, Nardos. Jewelry, Doves.

Her typical day is a delicate ballet of dedication and creativity. As dawn breaks, Oanh steps into the studio, greeted by the warmth of her team. The day begins with shared breakfasts, followed by the meticulous artistry of makeup and hair preparation. Studio shoots, which form the core of her work, are imbued with a serene yet dynamic energy. Lunchtime is a shared respite, a moment of camaraderie, before the creative endeavors resume until the day’s end. Eight hours of passion and precision define her workday.

Top, jacket & pants, Jason Wu Collection. Heels, Dear Frances.

Despite the stringent demands of her profession, Oanh embraces a liberating approach to diet. She indulges in all her favorite foods, countering her natural tendency towards a lack of appetite. To maintain her physique and health, she commits to a disciplined regimen of gym workouts and Pilates sessions five times a week.

Jumpsuit, A. Potts from Agentry PR. Heels, Authentic by John Ashford. Jewelry, Pluma.

In moments of longing for home, it is the fragrant and spicy Bún Bò Huế that she craves. She explains, “Because I like spicy food, I really enjoy this dish’s broth, which has lemongrass mixed in and is very fragrant.” Wherever she finds Bún Bò Huế, she feels an intimate connection to Vietnam, a comforting reminder of home that fuels her spirit.

Jumpsuit, A. Potts from Agentry PR. Jewelry, Pluma.

Since being honored as Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam’s Model of the Year in 2022, Oanh has charted new territories in her career. She chose to anchor herself in New York, dedicating 2023 to personal growth and introspection. This period of reflection allowed her to appreciate her journey, recognize her strengths, and address her weaknesses, setting the stage for future triumphs.

Dress, AKNVAS from Agentry PR. Heels, Authentic by John Ashford.

On her days of leisure, Oanh dances through life with a carefree elegance. She immerses herself in dance classes, strolls through parks with friends, explores art exhibitions, or finds solace in the pages of a book. Her travels have taken her to seven enchanting countries, with Norway holding a special place in her heart. The breathtaking natural beauty, fresh air, and kind-hearted people of Norway are etched in her memory, each city a chapter in the novel of her life.

Dress, Tiscareno from Confessional. Heels, Manolo Blahnik. Jewelry, Doves.

Born in Điện Biên Phủ, Oanh’s heart swells with pride and emotion as she recalls the 70th anniversary of the historic Điện Biên Phủ victory. Though she was working in London at the time, the updates from her family and friends enveloped her in the celebratory spirit. This poignant connection to her roots deepens her love for Vietnam and her hometown, a sentiment that grows stronger with each passing day.

Dress, Tiscareno from Confessional. Heels, Manolo Blahnik. Jewelry, Doves.

Dress, Melitta Baumeister.

Dress, Melitta Baumeister. Heels, Authentic by John Ashford.

Top, Issey Miyake.

Top, Issey Miyake. Boots, Authentic by John Ashford.

Dress, Quine Li. Heels, Authentic by John Ashford.

Top & pants, Jason Wu Collection. Heels, Dear Frances.

Dahan Phương Oanh trên đỉnh những toà nhà chọc trời ở  New York. Top & skirt, Kim Mesches. Heels, Authentic by John Ashford.

Dress, Sacai. Hat, Binata Millinery. Heels, Authentic by John Ashford.

Talent: Dahan Phuong Oanh @dahan.phuongoanh @newyorkmodels.
Producer/Photographer: Tom Marvel @tommarvelphotography.
Creative Director: Cannon @thecannonmediagroup at Ray Brown @raybrownpro.
Director of Video: James Weber @james_weber.
Lightning Director: Pierre Bonnet @pierrebonnet.
Digital Tech: Olivia Wohlers @wohliviaa.
Hair: George Grierson @geoxge.
Hair Brands: Aveda @aveda | Oribe @oribe | Harry Josh @harryjoshprotools.
Makeup: Nikki Jelin @nikkij_mua.
Beauty Brands: Estée Lauder @esteelauder | Danessa Myricks @danessa_myricks |
Patrick Ta @patrickta | Charlotte Tilbury @charlottetilbury | Anastasia Beverly Hills @anastasiabeverlyhills.

Shoes Stylist: John Ashford @johnashfordshoes.
Fashion Team: Winnie Noan @winnie_noan | Sydney Loera @sydneyloera |
Gabriela Jagodzinska @gjagodzinska_ | Malak Ismall @xxmalak |Larissa Partenio @larissapartenio.

Retoucher: Anne Nguyen @retoucher_anne.
Special thanks to Stephen Lee of New York Models.

Harper’s Bazaar Việt Nam