V.A.LE: Timeless Elegance, Contemporary Edge

VALE AW25 Photography: @kayden0044

In a city where fashion week takes over more than just catwalks — spilling into side streets, pop-ups, and parties — V.A.LE stands out as a name steadily building momentum. Founded by Viet Anh Le in 2020, the label is rooted in classic couture traditions while looking firmly ahead. Elegant and dramatic without being overdone, V.A.LE sits comfortably in the space between timeless and now.

Fresh off the back of his Autumn/Winter 2025 collection showing, Le talks to us about his journey, his inspirations, and how he’s carving out space for thoughtful, expressive fashion in a fast-moving world.

FINDING FASHION

Le didn’t grow up with fashion on the brain. His early years were more about sketchbooks and fine art. “It wasn’t until GCSEs, when I chose textile design, that I started researching fashion properly,” he says. “I was fascinated by the craft — especially couture”. That fascination eventually led him to study Fashion Design at the University of Salford, where he graduated with a BA in 2023 and is now completing his Master’s. His time at university taught him more than just design skills — it introduced him to the realities of the fashion industry: from sustainability and supply chains to the social impact of what we wear.

THE BRAND: V.A.LE

Named after his full name, Viet Anh Le, the brand is more than a label — it’s a personal project rooted in identity, femininity, and structure. “V.A.LE is about elegance and sophistication, but not in a rigid way. I want my pieces to feel real — wearable but elevated. Feminine, but strong.”

The clothes reflect that tension: clean lines meet rich fabrics, soft shapes are balanced by bold silhouettes, and embellishment is handled with precision rather than excess.

THE WORK: 'ELEGANCE IS AN ATTITUDE'

V.A.LE FW23 Photography: @melony.lemon   

Le’s FW23 collection, titled Elegance is an Attitude, was a quiet but powerful reflection on female resilience. “It was about women using their strength to push back, to inspire, and to persevere,” he explains. “To me, elegance isn’t just a look — it’s a way of being.”

There’s an emotional thread running through everything Le makes. He talks about fashion not just as clothing, but as a vehicle for expression. “When you talk about couture, you talk about dreams. But dreams come from somewhere — they're personal. That's what interests me.”

AW25: LA MOTHERHOOD

His latest collection, La Motherhood, is a tribute to Princess Diana. It’s a look at motherhood not through nostalgia, but through presence, love, and public pressure.

“Diana redefined what it meant to be a royal, and especially a mother in the public eye,” Le says. “She was vulnerable but powerful. Empathetic but rebellious”. The collection blends softness with structure, featuring evening wear that balances luxury and meaning — a recurring theme in Le’s work. "Motherhood is joy, but it’s also complicated. I wanted the collection to reflect that".

V.A.LE AW25 Photography: @louiseelizabethwe & @bethsutopia

On Style, Craft, and What’s Next

V.A.LE’s aesthetic is bold but controlled. Think: dramatic eveningwear, couture-level detailing, and a sharp eye for silhouette. Influences include Balenciaga, Giambattista Valli, and even American photographer Slim Aarons — whose images of high society and jet-set life resonate with Le’s love of storytelling through style. He’s also clear about the values that will shape his next chapters: sustainability, diversity, and community. “I want my work to become more inclusive — not just in who it’s for, but in how it’s made.”

In the next five years, Le sees himself expanding V.A.LE into bridal, styling work, and more collaborations across the fashion industry. “I want to stay curious — meet new people, work with agencies, and keep learning.”

Advice for the Next Generation

Le’s advice for fashion students? Keep your feet on the ground. “Build a portfolio, know your strengths, and don’t get distracted by comparisons. Be a nice person — no egos. People remember how you made them feel, not just what you made.”

It’s the mix of humility and intention that defines both the designer and his work. In a time when fashion can often feel disposable, V.A.LE is a reminder that good design still starts with meaning — and style can still say something.

Follow what V.A.LE is up to at colabo.co.uk

Written by COLABO