Designer Cong Tri arrested, revealing little-known, decades-long relationship with My Tam

The news that famous designer Nguyen Cong Tri was arrested for drug use has shocked the Vietnamese entertainment industry. Immediately, many stars who have worked with and worn his designs were named.

Designer Cong Tri and the accusations related to banned substances: Latest developments

According to information from the Ho Chi Minh City Police Investigation Agency, on July 23, 2025, Nguyen Cong Tri (47 years old, from Da Nang) and Tran Phu Long (born in 1989) were prosecuted and detained for investigation of the act of buying, selling, organizing and illegally using banned substances.

Initial information said that the case was expanded from another case on June 12, when the police discovered a sophisticated drug trafficking ring operating through encrypted messaging applications such as Telegram and Signal.

During the investigation, the authorities seized many exhibits at the scene, including ceramic plates, rolled bills, and plastic cards - items commonly used to use illegal substances, further strengthening the accusations against Cong Tri and his accomplices.

Before getting into trouble with the law, Cong Tri was widely known as a leading designer with great influence in the Vietnamese fashion industry. He was famous for his couture and ready-to-wear designs, which were not only favored by famous domestic artists but also reached international level.

My Tam and Cong Tri: The "image-upgrading" relationship that has lasted for decades

Cong Tri is also considered the "wizard" behind the outstanding success in terms of image of many Vpop stars. Among them, the cooperative relationship with singer My Tam is a typical example of absolute attachment and trust.

This collaboration is most evident in the My Soul 1981 music program series, especially the two gala nights held in Da Lat in 2022. All of the "brown-haired nightingale's" performance costumes were designed and made by Cong Tri himself.

At that time, his designs focused on white, cream, and beige, creating absolute harmony with the romantic mountain scenery and the typical cold weather of Da Lat. From long flowing dresses to stylized hooded jackets, each outfit not only flattered My Tam's figure when performing but also helped her stay warm on stage, demonstrating the designer's sophistication and thoughtfulness.

My Tam once publicly expressed her deep gratitude to Cong Tri for "thinking about the weather", especially the hats that were tailored to match her coat, helping her keep warm and create a stylish highlight. At that time, the singer of "Don't Ask Me" also generously gave these hats to the audience to "avoid the dew together", a small act but became a symbol of the bond and understanding between her and the designer.

For his part, Cong Tri also revealed that he had invested a lot of effort and meticulousness in designing each outfit to flatter My Tam's figure and demeanor when performing in the show's signature sitting singing position. He shared: "I want 'her' to still stand out, even when she's just sitting and singing."

After the My Soul 1981 concert series, audiences and experts unanimously acknowledged that My Tam's image had clearly "upgraded" when combined with Cong Tri. Each outfit was meticulously invested in, contributing to portraying the singer's sophisticated, luxurious and classy style, affirming her position as the "big sister" of Vpop.

Besides My Soul 1981, My Tam's affection and trust for Cong Tri is also clearly shown through the way she often chooses and uses his outfits in many other big shows and important events throughout her career. This relationship goes beyond a simple collaboration, becoming a harmony in style and artistic vision.

At the height of his personal image and career, Cong Tri’s drug-related prosecution shocked and saddened the public. This was not only a black mark on the career of a talented designer, but also a warning about the pitfalls in the entertainment industry.

"PR boss" arrested with designer Cong Tri reveals his formidable background Minh Lợi21:45:16 23/07/2025On July 23, the public was shocked by the news that designer Nguyen Cong Tri and Tran Phu Long (born in 1989) were arrested for their involvement in a drug trafficking and illegal drug use ring.