Chic and Hanoi are not two words usually seen together, but young hipsters in the capital are looking to change that.

Ha Noi isn’t exactly Paris when it comes to fashion, but a new generation of fashionistas hungry for something different are bringing a new style to the city – gypsy chic.

Gypsy chic is the antithesis to conventional printed t-shirts and tight jeans. This is a genre defined by Bohemian fashion: colourful patterns, chunky accessories and loose-fitting skirts and pants that are artfully crafted to still show off a curve here and there. Followers are dubbed gypsy chicks, Gypsyholics or Boho-chicks.

Where it’s at

You can’t be a self-proclaimed gypsy chick without visiting Chap va (Patchwork) boutique on Duong Thanh Street. At first glance, it is hard to tell exactly what the store specialises in – the window display looks like a cross between a furniture or clothes store and a contemporary art gallery, but step inside and prepare to shop.

Inside is not much different, with a grand piano and antique mirror accompanying the display of clothes and accessories with no obvious order. Despite the seemingly spontaneous presentation, all the pieces set each other off very well.

Chap va offers a wide range of tops and dresses with a large collection of accessories.

“We opened the shop to satisfy our passion for unique styles and to share our hobby with other like minded people,” Hanh says.

Although the four didn’t formally study art, their individual styles and flair for design shines through in both the ambience of the store and the pieces they create. The main theme of Chap Va follows a Bohemian style inspired by handicrafts.

When making their collection, the four girls collect second-hand clothing, then do each piece up using small pieces of coloured stone, beads or embroidery. More recently, they have started importing creations from Thailand and India.

All the clothes are loose fitting but flattering: hipsters, harem pants and long dresses take the fore. Patterns tend to be floral, or ethnic-inspired in print or embroidery. Their collection also includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and belts, which are all hand made.

Natural materials are favoured, especially wood and stone. Artificial flowers also feature heavily.

As well as innovations in fashion, the shop is trying out new bargain ideas with a “buffet packet” deal, which works a bit like a pick and mix. Customers are given a bag which they can fill with anything on offer and pay only VND400,000. It’s a good way to test your packing skills.

With all their new ideas, the girls faced a lot of challenges when they were starting out, Hanh says.

“It’s been difficult. We didn’t receive any encouragement in the beginning, people said we were crazy,” she says.

“We didn’t know how to do it, but we tried our best and now we are reaping the rewards.”

It seems the girls are living their slogan: “Cu mac ho, mac di” (”no worries, wear our clothes”). One style fits all, young or old, whatever nationality.

Not far from Duong Thanh is another popular hang out for gypsy chicks on the look out to add to their wardrobes – Hang Da Market. The market was recently rebuilt along Phung Hung and Cua Dong streets.

The venue is well-known as a top spot for second-hand bargain hunters. Clothes and accessories galore are displayed at tens of stalls, each with their own particular style. There are mountains of pieces on offer , so bargain hunters have to be careful that what they are buying is good quality.

Bargain

The hustle and bustle is a bit stressful, but the desire to find a good outfit can be enough to fuel young fashionistas for hours. Just when you begin to feel the dull ache of fatigue, there’s always an exciting piece to get you going again. Nothing beats the feeling of heading home with a couple of stylish new outfits in hand.

Combining second-hand clothes with the right accessories can give you a really unique and stylish look that’s cheap but doesn’t look cheap.

As the famous designer Savannah Miller said, a real bohemian is someone who has the ability to appreciate beauty on a deep level, is a profound romantic, doesn’t know any limits, and whose world is their own creation.

VietNamNet/VNS