Cuong Nguyen

As a gay Vietnamese-Australian designer, my work draws heavily from my experiences as an outsider in Vietnamese, Australian, and gay communities. These perspectives have shaped my values and aesthetics, with a focus on body positivity, inclusivity, and self-expression. My menswear graduate collection for the RMIT Bachelor of Fashion (Design) will tackle themes like masculinity, beauty standards, and body dysmorphia, using parody and humour to highlight these serious issues. Growing up as an immigrant, I felt excluded from societal norms, which persisted even after coming out as gay. My designs aim to challenge traditional masculine ideals and promote diversity and acceptance.