Fashion In The Land Of The Thunder Dragon

Video by Khanh Nguyen for Đẹp Magazine

I came across this well produced video produced by Khanh Nguyen for the well known Vietnamese fashion magazine, and decided to post it here to highlight my strong interest in the intersection of travel and ethnic fashion photography. 

I've traveled to Bhutan a number of times (2000, 2006, 2008 and 2009) either solo or leading a group expedition/workshop, and it's a magnificent country with hospitable people. It's a singular pleasure to view Nguyen's video and easily identify the landmarks where the model is photographed and videographed.

Paro Taktsang (also known as the Taktsang Palphug Monastery) and the Tiger's Nest is one of the country's top destinations which attracts almost everyone who visits Bhutan. Wangdue, Chamkar, and all of the stops on our itinerary are here in this video.

However, I am surprised that the producers did not time their visit/assignment to coincide with Bhutan's Tshechus; the many religious Bhutanese festivals held in each district of the country which are based on the lunar Tibetan calendar. Scenes of the model in resplendent dresses would have been spectacular alongside the masked and costumed tshechu dancers.

Viewing this video a number of times, and while it's never too late, I wish my travels to Bhutan could've coincided with my somewhat recent interest in ethnic fashion. It would have been a blast!