Lu’u Dan recently hosted its annual “Sheisty Asia games” during its showroom days, a tradition that has become a staple for the brand. This year, a group of men were spotted playing a dice game and betting with freshly printed Lu’u Dan dollars, adding to the atmosphere of glamour and prosperity that the brand is now embracing.
In the past, Lu’u Dan collections often portrayed darker, downtrodden characters, but this season, titled All Bets Are Off, designer Hung La has shifted the narrative to focus on celebrating winning and success. The wardrobe still exudes a main gangster energy, but with a twist of glamour and prosperity. Prints inspired by Versace and a red rhinestone-covered tracksuit added a touch of ostentation to the collection, while more understated looks in all black showcased La’s signature “hourglass” silhouette in a refined manner.
La also included some unexpected pieces in the collection, such as an oversized striped polo reminiscent of Tiger Woods and a sardonic take on G-Star denim. By confronting the styles that make him cringe, La is pushing the boundaries of his design aesthetic and challenging the traditional norms of menswear.
One standout piece from the collection was a double-breasted suit in butter yellow, showcasing La’s expertise in tailoring that he honed at Balenciaga and Celine. A full-length leopard coat in pony hair combined all his skills into a single statement piece, demonstrating his ability to blend luxury and streetwear influences seamlessly.
In a more personal touch, La shared that his father, who inspired the Lu’u Dan name meaning dangerous man in Vietnamese, is currently in hospice care. The model he cast for the show bears a striking resemblance to his father, adding a deeper layer of meaning to the collection. La sees this collection as a tribute to his father’s legacy and a celebration of his beautiful life.
As menswear trends towards more polished dressing, Hung La’s unique interpretation of gangster style offers a fresh perspective on traditional menswear. By infusing elements of glamour, prosperity, and personal storytelling into his designs, La is carving out a niche for himself in the fashion world.
