Designer Pham Ngoc Anh, founder of the fashion brand La Pham, will officially debut her latest collection, “Eternal River,” at New York Fashion Week 2026 (NYFW 2026). This marks La Pham’s third appearance at one of the world’s four fashion capitals, following notable showcases in London and Paris.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 14: Rachel Isenschmid walks the runway for LA PHAM during the Flying Solo NYFW Fashion Show on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Flying Solo)
Inspiration and Message Behind “Eternal River”
“Eternal River” is inspired by the rivers that have accompanied the designer throughout her life – from her childhood by the Red River in Hanoi to her years in Europe along Switzerland’s Aare and Limmat rivers. The collection captures the essence of water: graceful yet resilient, endlessly renewing itself – mirroring the eternal cycle of life and nature.
With a color palette echoing the river’s shifting hues – from crystalline greens to the deep blues of glaciers – complemented by fluid draping and wave-like patterns, designer Pham Ngoc Anh explains: “A river’s color is never fixed. It is a living palette, constantly shaped by riverside vegetation, minerals beneath its bed, the terrains it flows through, the play of light, weather, and even the rhythm of the seasons. In the morning, it may be as clear as crystal; at noon, the sunlight makes it shimmer like silver; and by dusk, it deepens to green or glows red with silt. Even within a single day, the tones shift endlessly, reflecting the trees, mirroring the sky. A river is a canvas in motion: the fresh green of spring waterfalls, the tender jade of its source, the profound blue of its depths, or the solemn dark of winter glaciers. No two stretches are ever alike: one bends gently, another rushes with force; some are shallow and luminous, others plunge into unseen depths. Submerged rocks or bridge piers stir sudden whirlpools, adding unpredictability, diversifying its hues, and altering its rhythm. At waterfalls or in the open sea, the water takes on colors so unique they never repeat themselves. It transforms with wind, light, and space – sometimes tranquil, sometimes infinite, at once thrilling and elusive. This very unpredictability reflects the spirit of fashion – always in motion, endlessly creative.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 14: Rachel Isenschmid walks the runway for LA PHAM during the Flying Solo NYFW Fashion Show on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Flying Solo)
“Eternal River” embodies freedom and elegance, using fabrics with natural drapes to evoke fluidity and vitality. Flowing pleats suggest waves, handcrafted details mimic ripples, while soft tailoring is anchored by strong structures – balancing flexibility with stability. The collection highlights silk’s diverse expressions from delicate and fluid to structured, from sheer to weighty, from luminous to raw. Especially striking is the interplay of silk and brocade: two contrasting materials that, when combined, create a powerful yet refined effect – at once modern and primal.
Expressing freedom and the cyclical flow of life, the collection captures transformation itself: every ending becomes a new beginning, every experience leads to renewal. “Eternal River” celebrates Vietnamese heritage through traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern functionality. The designs harmonize with contemporary lifestyles and celebrate the beauty of all skin tones and body shapes.
“From childhood, rivers have always been part of my life from the Red River in Hanoi to the Aare and Limmat in Switzerland. Walking beside them, I felt their constant rhythm: soft yet strong, always carrying a timeless essence. To me, rivers are not only part of nature, but they are breath, rhythm, and memory that connects people to time,” said designer Pham Ngoc Anh.
“Fashion, for me, is not just clothing, but it is a way of storytelling. The story I bring to New York this time is about freedom, memory, and the eternal flow of life, expressed through each design,” she emphasized.
Vietnamese Identity and the Philosophy of Sustainability
At NYFW, through “Eternal River,” La Pham reaffirms its identity with Vietnamese-sourced materials and a philosophy of sustainable fashion: Bao Loc silk from Nhat Minh Silk, Pa Co beeswax brocade, Nga Son water hyacinth bags by Comay Craft, natural fabrics from Les tissus, and recycled textile jewelry by Le’s Atelier. Traditional craftsmanship is paired with contemporary design thinking, creating harmony between heritage and innovation.
Over the past five years, La Pham has also partnered with Empower Women Asia (EWA). This collaboration supports ethnic minority women in building more stable livelihoods, encouraging them to continue their crafts while safeguarding and revitalizing traditional artisan villages at risk of fading. It is not only economic support, but also a humanistic journey of empowerment and heritage preservation.
About Designer Pham Ngoc Anh and La Pham
La Pham is a luxury fashion brand founded by Pham Ngoc Anh, built on a philosophy of sustainable fashion. The brand blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, offering designs that are elegant, functional, and distinctly Vietnamese.
After more than 20 years living and working in Switzerland as an environmental researcher, Pham Ngoc Anh returned to Vietnam in 2016 to establish La Pham. The brand is committed not only to celebrating cultural heritage but also to protecting the environment and supporting local artisans.
La Pham has steadily built its international presence, representing Vietnam at the UN-DRESS sustainable fashion program in Switzerland (2022) and showcasing collections at major fashion weeks in Paris, London, and now New York, in addition to other global cultural events.
Renowned for its use of premium, eco-friendly materials sourced from Vietnamese craft villages, La Pham creates designs that carry both artistic value and practical appeal, while honoring cultural heritage. Its creations have been embraced by acclaimed artists and discerning fashion lovers in Vietnam and abroad, strengthening Vietnam’s presence on the global fashion stage.
Show Information
Date: September 14, 2026
Event: New York Fashion Week 2026
