From 12 to 20 September, the Museum of Fine Arts in Ho Chi Minh City hosted the first solo exhibition of fashion veteran Đỗ Mạnh Cường, titled “Những mùa hoa trong ký ức” (Seasons of Flowers in Memory). The show displayed 45 paintings, part of a larger collection of 75 works the designer has created over the past two years, marking his transition from runway to canvas after nearly two decades in fashion.
Cường, who described the shift as moving from “riding a horse to watch flowers” to a professional pursuit of painting, expressed nervous excitement about audience reception. Critics noted his thick brushwork, bold contrasts and layered colors that render blooming gardens, lakesides and arranged bouquets with palpable emotion.
The opening attracted a host of Vietnamese entertainment figures. Actress Tăng Thanh Hà purchased a piece, praising the artist’s dedication and saying the works reflect his journey. Actress‑model Diễm My (1990s) admired the colour coordination, while former Miss Hà Kiều Anh and beauty queen Giáng My spoke of the vivid, memory‑evoking palettes. Other guests, including Thanh Thanh Huyền and Kiều Loan, added to the star‑studded atmosphere.
Beyond the celebrity crowd, the exhibition resonated with young visitors. University students Đinh Trần Gia Hân (Văn Hiến University) and Lê Ngọc Hân (An Giang University) highlighted the soothing ambience, the fragrant floral theme, and the venue’s appeal as a photo‑friendly, cultural showcase. Lê Ngọc Hân even brought an overseas friend to introduce Vietnamese art abroad. Overall, Cường’s floral series offered both artistic appreciation and a relaxed, immersive experience, signaling a promising new chapter in his creative career.