Phan Huy: From Hue's valedictorian to Gen Z designer behind Huong Giang's dress at MU25

After the Miss Universe 2025 Semi-finals, young designer Phan Huy attracted attention when a series of dresses for Huong Giang spread across social networks. Few people know that he has a "huge" education, having performed twice in Paris and being the valedictorian of the Fashion Design major.

From a boy from Chuyen Quoc Hoc High School to an unexpected turn to fashion

Born in 1999 in Hue, Phan Huy grew up in a disciplined environment that valued academics. Few people expected that the designer behind the gorgeous dresses was once a "true IT person". While studying at Hue National High School for the Gifted, he won the Second Prize in the Provincial Excellent Student in IT. This was the foundation that helped him possess sharp logical thinking, the ability to systematize and coordinate techniques - factors that later became secret weapons when he entered the fashion industry.

Despite his outstanding ability in the field of technology, Phan Huy has a sensitivity to color, material and aesthetic beauty. For him, turning to fashion is both a risk and a "switch" for the dormant artistic part of himself.

Entrance runner-up – Exit valedictorian: Profiles that "startle" netizens

In 2018, Phan Huy entered the Fashion Design Department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture and became the second-highest student, officially entering the creative world he always longed for. Throughout his university years, he stood out thanks to his clear design thinking, good material handling techniques and the ability to combine Vietnamese culture with a modern spirit.

The milestone that made the audience know him was his graduation project "Peaceful Vietnam". The series of designs inspired by the peace of his homeland spread widely on social networks, helping him become the Valedictorian of the Fashion major with a score of 9.3/10.
Not only does he have a great education, he also made it to the Top 5 of TikTok Fashup 2021 - a playground for finding young talents in the fashion industry. These achievements give him an impressive profile that even many experienced designers pay attention to.

Entering the profession as an assistant – learning everything about how showbiz works

During his university years, Phan Huy was a design assistant for designer Le Thanh Hoa – the “gorgeous dress wizard” of Vbiz. This was an environment that helped him directly interact with the strict work schedules of artists, the standards of tailoring techniques, how to handle deadlines, and how to work with celebrities.

From his backstage position, Phan Huy gradually understood more about the pace of showbiz, especially the ever-changing fashion tastes. This was the foundation for him to confidently launch his personal brand and build the Glamorous Romance style - both luxurious and splendid, but also poetic and characteristically ethereal.

Two shows in Paris – the 25-year-old designer's unbelievable breakthrough

2024 marked the most important milestone in his career. In March 2024, Phan Huy launched his first show "Lost in the Cavern" in Paris. With the participation of Filipino superstar Heart Evangelista, the show immediately attracted attention and brought his name beyond the borders of Vietnam.

Just a few months later, he was invited to present his Spring Summer 2025 collection in Paris – a feat for a young designer. The collection included 44 designs, inspired by "paradise" and "the idea of departure". Unique details such as teardrop-shaped stones, hand-dyed tiny flowers or moving 3D effects affirmed his skillful craftsmanship.
Almost no Vietnamese Gen Z designer has achieved two consecutive shows in the fashion capital at the age of 25 - something that surprises both experts and audiences.

Glamorous Romance style - the mark that makes Phan Huy brand

For more than a year after graduating, Phan Huy has continued to make his mark with the Glamorous Romance style. He chooses soft materials, elastic mesh, fine thread, small stones and meticulous embellishment techniques to create a gorgeous but unobtrusive beauty.
Thanks to his distinctive style, he has become the choice of many Vietnamese stars: Ho Ngoc Ha, My Tam, Chi Pu, Thanh Hang... In particular, many of his designs have been worn by Thanh Hang in international schedules, helping the name "Phan Huy" appear with major jewelry brands such as BVLGARI or Swarovski.

Media explosion: The person behind Huong Giang's 5 outfits at Miss Universe 2025

The media explosion point came at Miss Universe 2025. A total of 5 of his designs accompanied Huong Giang - from promotional photos, parties, semi-finals to side events.
The semi-final evening gown – despite causing fierce controversy – still helped him cover the entire social network in just a few hours. Some praised the sophistication, others criticized the lack of "wow", but everyone admitted: Phan Huy's style is clear, bold and different.

The fact that a Gen Z designer was trusted by Huong Giang – who is known for being picky about outfits – in the biggest beauty arena on the planet is a testament to his talent and courage. This companionship not only brought him the spotlight but also officially put his name among the most promising young designers in Vietnam.

Handsome appearance and private lifestyle - what makes people more curious

Not only is he good at his job, Phan Huy also has a bright appearance and a calm, gentle demeanor. However, he almost never appears in the media and rarely shares his private life. It is this mystery that makes beauty queen fans always curious and pay special attention to him.

In a competitive fashion market, maintaining creativity and privacy is not easy. But Phan Huy did it – and that is the reason why he has become a young face expected to bring Vietnamese fashion beyond Asia.

The Journey from Unknown to Miss Universe Designer: A Testimony to Perseverance

From an excellent IT student in Hue, to the second-highest student, to the show in Paris, and then becoming the designer behind Huong Giang's dress series, Phan Huy's journey is a story of perseverance and constant effort.

His career shows one thing: talent is just the starting point, passion and aspiration are what help a young designer step out into the world.