Hanh Truong

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Hanh Truong ("HT") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

HT : I was trained as an architect, someone who would design beautiful and functional buildings tailored to each owner. Later, when I became a jewelry designer, I discovered a fascinating similarity between the two professions. In both fields, I not only apply artistic knowledge within the framework of strict functional requirements, but I also integrate cultural elements—those we absorb every day or tailor specifically for individual clients—to give each creation its own vitality, its own soul embodied in a tangible form. Throughout my studies and professional work, I was taught how to construct and refine physical objects based on specific requirements, as well as how to approach problems strategically to achieve goals for myself and others involved. These experiences continue to guide me, opening pathways whenever a new idea begins to take shape.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

HT : I first began designing jewelry for myself—more specifically, for my wife. The pieces displayed in stores were beautiful, but I felt they didn’t fully meet my personal expectations or desires. That was the initial reason I started creating jewelry. Fortunately, my knowledge and skills as an architect allowed me to take those first steps and craft my initial pieces without too much difficulty. Over time, I came to realize that jewelry still holds untapped potential—values and stories that have yet to be fully explored. I believe I can contribute, even in a small way, to enriching this field with more depth and meaning. This conviction has become my primary motivation to pursue jewelry design as a long-term career.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

HT : I tend to view things from a positive perspective, so I never felt there was any reason that “forced” me into this profession. To me, life is not just about two clear extremes; it is full of values that exist in between or alongside them. While there were certainly circumstances that encouraged my path toward design, there were far more reasons that made me actively choose jewelry design. My love for art, gemstones, and fine craftsmanship—and my desire to create jewelry that enhances human beauty—are the main inspirations and motivations that led me to embrace this career.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

HT : I currently focus on designing traditional jewelry pieces such as rings, earrings, and necklaces. However, I believe there are many everyday objects around us that could be made more beautiful, more refined, and highly personalized. My perspective aligns with that of applied arts designers—I see design as a way to elevate both form and function in the objects we use. In the future, I hope to expand my work into other fashion items, personal accessories, and even home décor pieces, with the goal of making them more beautiful, more meaningful, or at the very least, offering people a unique alternative.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

HT : Although I have been fortunate to receive a prestigious award from A’ Design, I still see myself as a newcomer on the journey of jewelry design. In my view, the most important quality a design legend should have is a pure and powerful love for creative artistic design. This love can be nurtured by good health, family happiness, self-awareness, and an open-hearted empathy toward the people around you. Beyond that, a solid foundation in art knowledge and the accumulation of life experiences day by day provide fresh and insightful perspectives. These are what help guide my work and allow each piece to become more refined and meaningful.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

HT : We all know that the artistic beauty of a piece is the most important factor in evaluating a good designer. However, to become a great designer, their creations themselves must be truly great. To me, a great design is one that carries intangible values—philosophies, stories, or hopes that hold deep meaning for its owner or those who appreciate it—forming the very soul of the artwork. These intangible values often outweigh the material value, sometimes by far. Another essential element is the hand of the artisan, which serves as the precious bridge between the material form and the soul embedded within the piece.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

HT : In my opinion, a good design is one that fulfills the fundamental objectives of creating the piece—such as functionality, durability, and beauty according to common aesthetic standards. A truly good design, however, goes beyond simply meeting these expectations. It provides an exceptional user experience throughout its lifetime, sometimes even exceeding the original expectations of the owner.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

HT : A good design ensures reliable functionality, lasting durability, and aesthetic beauty—qualities that can be explained by the designer or gradually discovered by the owner over time, making the piece truly valuable. Beyond these tangible aspects, good design also carries intangible values that connect deeply with its owner—serving as a constant reminder of meaningful goals or cherished memories. You might like or even love a beautiful design at first glance, but once you understand its deeper meaning, you truly fall in love with it. With values like these, should one invest in good design? I believe the answer becomes clear on its own.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

HT : At the moment, most of my time is fully occupied with ongoing work—whether it’s for clients or developing annual product lines. However, if I had more time, I would love to continue developing some unfinished projects that explore new jewelry solutions. These projects aim to enhance the user’s experience of what “jewelry” can mean—approaching it from different perspectives and expanding the way we understand and connect with these wearable pieces.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

HT : Yes, absolutely—I do have a design project that I consider very special, which I haven’t had the time to fully develop yet. It’s a jewelry collection that carries completely new messages and introduces a fresh way of wearing and experiencing jewelry. I believe it’s something women will find truly intriguing and delightful to try. I sincerely hope I’ll have the opportunity to unveil it on A’ Design in the near future.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

HT : I don’t have any special secret for achieving what I have today—just the things I’ve already shared with you. But perhaps, on a personal level, I’ve been fortunate in ways that have helped me a lot during the creative process. One thing I often do is engage in creative work whenever I feel truly relaxed and happy. I believe that creating in this state of mind helps breathe life into my designs and gives them an energy that others can feel.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

HT : I know there are many renowned brands and designers around the world, and there’s certainly a lot to learn from them. However, I aim to create my own unique style and develop fresh design solutions. To do that, I seek inspiration from life itself—rather than from any one individual. It’s through observing everyday moments, emotions, and experiences that I find the creative spark I need.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

HT : I have a fondness for—and collect—silver ballpoint pens from Tiffany & Co. I admire this brand because it is both iconic and longstanding, with talented designers and a wide range of products that span various market segments and applications in everyday life. What I appreciate most about these pens is the user experience. The mechanical details are durable and smooth, and the silver casing offers a sense of elegance and longevity, even after extended use. In terms of design, they are simple enough, yet still retain the sophistication of a prestigious brand. All of these elements combined make me truly admire the design—and genuinely enjoy using it every day.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

HT : The design I consider most valuable is a solution that connects a necklace to the straps of a bra on both sides, rather than wrapping it around the neck. This approach helps relieve the neck from friction, especially when wearing heavy chains or pendants. It's particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or delicate skin that may be easily irritated by physical contact. This design is still in development, but I hope to have the opportunity to present it on A’ Design in the near future.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

HT : I wouldn’t dare to give advice on how someone should become a better creative designer—but I do believe that beyond technical skills, we shouldn’t forget to seek inspiration from the life around us. To do that, it's important not to overlook your own well-being—take care of your health, and cherish the happiness you find in family, friendships, and all the other aspects of your life and work. These are the foundations that quietly nourish creativity.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

HT : I have a deep appreciation for applied arts, having been trained in the field and worked in related areas for over 20 years. So it’s quite hard for me to imagine doing anything outside of design. If I hadn’t become a jewelry designer, I would probably still be an artworker—perhaps working in another field like home décor, where I could continue to create and bring beauty into everyday life.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

HT : To me, design is the process of transforming invisible needs—often expressed only through words—into tangible creations that can be held, admired, and used. The value of a “designer” lies not only in addressing those initial needs but also in delivering aesthetic beauty and deeper emotional meaning—whether drawn from the designer’s own perspective or, even better, from a deep understanding of the client’s style and innermost desires. In my view, a successful applied design consists of three elements: technical precision, artistic expression, and something intangible—an invisible magic that reflects the unique soul of the designer.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

HT : That would be my wife. She has stood by my side and supported me in every aspect of life and work—through nearly every stage and across nearly every area of the brand we’ve been building together.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

HT : That would also be my wife. I forgot to mention earlier—she’s not only my greatest supporter, but also the inspiration behind The Galaxie Collection and many of our other designs.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

HT : Designers usually know from the very beginning who their work is intended for—or at least who is most likely to care about it. That’s why the first step should be to present the work to experts and to the people who might actually use or appreciate it. This helps the design gain early recognition, feedback, and evaluation. As for how to present it, that depends on the nature of the work itself, as well as the personality and style of the designer. Each creation may call for a different approach.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

HT : I have many design concepts in development, and I plan to gradually bring them to life in the near future. It would be a great honor for me to introduce them through A’ Design.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

HT : At the moment, I haven’t set a specific benchmark or destination for my brand. I’m still deeply focused on designing, and my biggest aspiration right now is to share my design inspirations and jewelry creations with as many interested people as possible.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

HT : As a customer, I would expect to place a great deal of trust in the designer—based on their reputation, previous works, and the explanations or background information I can explore to better understand their vision. Beyond that, I would hope the designer can truly understand my needs and provide thoughtful design consultation, especially when it comes to creating custom-made pieces.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

HT : Designers can contribute to a better society in many ways—by optimizing the use of natural resources, promoting environmental awareness, and showing respect for labor across all sectors. More importantly, through their creations, designers have the power to communicate meaningful messages about ethical values and higher spiritual ideals. In doing so, design becomes not just a visual or functional tool, but also a force for positive social impact.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

HT : I’m currently working on a fashion accessory project that excites me deeply—not only because of its artistic elements, but also because of the technical aspects I believe I can improve to make the product better. You know, someone may not fully align with my artistic point of view, and that’s completely fine. But when it comes to technical design, the improvements and advantages are often more objectively visible. That means I have the opportunity to offer value to a wider audience—which, for me, is both a joy and a great honor.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

HT : It was a women’s ring in a classic style, with raised round dots along the band and around the setting of the center stone. The centerpiece was a beautiful Australian crystal opal—one of the very first I ever collected. It was special because it was the first piece of jewelry I fully designed, created in 3D, and oversaw through production, using the very first jewelry-making knowledge I had acquired. Even more meaningful, I made it for my wife—and to this day, she still wears it every day. These are the pieces that truly excite me—the ones that go beyond visual appeal and engage the senses on a deeper, more emotional level.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

HT : I hope that virtual reality technology will play a greater role in the design industry in the coming years—both as a tool to support the design process and as a way for users to preview and experience products before they are even made. This would not only enhance creativity and precision for designers but also empower users to connect more deeply with the designs they choose.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

HT : I believe we’re continuing to move forward in every aspect of life—and design is no exception. As a result, future designs won’t just refine and reinterpret classical aesthetics; they will also explore entirely new forms of experience. Moreover, design will increasingly integrate advancements in science and technology—such as smart assistance, health monitoring, enhanced communication, and precise information delivery. This evolution will bring design closer to people’s lives, not only visually, but also functionally and emotionally.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

HT : Each of my projects usually takes several months to complete. During that time, the initial concept needs to be tested and combined with many other elements in order to achieve a well-rounded and effective design. “Can it be better?” is the question I constantly ask myself throughout the entire process—whether I'm refining the concept, producing the piece, or even revisiting it for future improvements.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

HT : For me, a new design project often begins with a simple desire: “It can be better.” And when that’s the case, there’s no better starting point than answering all the basic “Wh” questions—who, what, why, where, when, and how. At other times, a fresh idea may just appear out of nowhere—and in those moments, all you need to do is start with “Make it real!” From there, you just keep moving forward.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

HT : Sharing the inspiration of life is my greatest motto as a designer. It’s how others can truly understand the deeper meaning behind my designs. More importantly, it’s the most effective way to connect with people—because when we share authentic inspiration, we naturally attract those who resonate with it, whether they become supporters, collaborators, or clients.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

HT : I don’t think it’s possible to clearly separate the two, because this is a long-standing, mutual relationship where both constantly influence each other. There are certainly times when we can clearly see designers setting new trends. And at other times, life’s evolving trends create the perfect conditions for new designers to emerge and grow. It’s a continuous exchange between creativity and context.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

HT : I understand that modern technology allows me to express my ideas more quickly and visually—whether for communicating with collaborators or during the design and production process. Of course, there are times when I intentionally use more traditional techniques, such as hand-sketching or hand-making, especially for high-end handcrafted pieces. Both modern and classic approaches have their place, and I choose whichever best serves the soul of the design.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

HT : I use sketching software to begin developing concepts, followed by computer-aided design (CAD) programs to refine the details and prepare the designs for production. Finally, photo editing and presentation tools help me showcase my work in a polished and professional way—making it easier to share my designs with a wider audience.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

HT : Color, material, and ambient are among the most important elements in design. These are the designer’s primary tools—the ingredients that create the first and often the strongest connection between the designer and others. Through these elements, a piece can express meaning and emotion long before it ever needs to be explained through words or other forms. They are the silent language that speaks directly to the senses and the heart.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

HT : “Do you think this design suits me?”—that’s the question I hope people will ask after they’ve explored and connected with a design. In my opinion, suitability is a fundamental and rational factor for each individual to consider, after the initial emotions and impressions have settled. It helps distinguish between fleeting inspiration and something that truly resonates on a deeper level—ultimately leading to a lasting bond between the wearer and the piece.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

HT : Respect—both for the design and the designer—is the first feeling that comes to mind. After that comes curiosity. I’m always eager to learn more about the piece and the mind behind it. It’s a way for me to understand the work on a deeper level and also to enrich my own knowledge and perspective as a designer.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

HT : I’m currently an independent designer, and the partners I work with usually support the design process in various ways—by providing design briefs, offering feedback, or helping with final production. I deeply respect and trust all of my collaborators, no matter what role they play. For me, connection and shared creativity are far more important than simply showcasing myself.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

HT : I know there are many talented and well-known designers from whom one can learn a great deal. But as you may know, I focus on drawing inspiration from nature and the everyday needs of life. Additionally, I aim to build a design style that is uniquely my own. That’s why I try not to repeat what already exists. The elements I choose to carry forward are usually the most timeless and universal values—those rooted in classical foundations, rather than specific individual influences.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

HT : It was an old book about opals written for professionals. What struck me most was how it conveyed both the author’s passion and solid expertise in such a concise and accessible way. The book was suitable for both beginners and experienced readers, and its greatest value to me was how it opened my eyes to the magical beauty of nature—through the vibrant, colorful world of opals. That experience had a lasting impact on how I view gemstones and design.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

HT : For me, hands-on experience and real-world practice have been the best ways to develop as a designer. Feedback and interaction play a crucial role in helping refine and elevate my skills—even in the areas where I thought I was simply expressing myself. Each response offers insight, and over time, that process becomes the foundation for growth and mastery.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

HT : I would love to meet and learn from the veteran designers of Tiffany & Co.—those who created so many iconic designs that powerfully express aesthetic and cultural values, enriching the lives of individuals around the world. Their creations are timeless, cherished across generations, and celebrated globally. To me, that represents the greatest value a brand can offer.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

HT : Proud, of course. I’m truly happy to have found such deep resonance and appreciation for my work. These awards and recognitions also allow more people to discover what I do—which is a value that’s hard to measure. Achieving this certainly hasn’t been easy, but it also hasn’t been too difficult—because what I’ve done is simply express what I believe in and bring to life what I’ve been able to create.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

HT : I love the color Very Peri—the color of the year 2022—with its elegant blue tone blended with a touch of mysterious violet. It’s also wonderfully versatile and pairs well with many other colors. I’m especially drawn to majestic natural landscapes, where I can truly feel the beauty of creation and be reminded that, even though I may be small, I’m still a unique part of it all. There’s nothing quite like being in such a place on a crisp autumn morning, enjoying a hot cup of coffee that I brewed myself.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

HT : One of the most memorable moments I’ve had as a designer was the first time a female client reached out her hand to me so I could survey her finger for a custom ring design. In that simple gesture, I felt a deep sense of trust and a beautiful connection between designer and client. It was a small moment—but one that reminded me how meaningful and personal this work truly is.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

HT : It’s a great day for me as a designer when I discover a breakthrough solution for one of my projects. Sometimes, even a kind comment or thoughtful feedback can lift my spirits for the entire day. Or when I finally find a new gemstone to add to my collection after many days of searching and waiting—that’s a special kind of joy. To keep myself inspired each day, I might spend time admiring my gemstones, listening to music, or meeting with friends who are painters or artists from other fields. They often give me fresh perspectives or unexpected ideas that can spark something valuable for my work.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

HT : I don't think I showed any clear signs as a child—I grew up quite naturally, just like the other kids around me. However, my father was an architect, and I believe that may have had an influence on the path I eventually took and the outcomes I’ve achieved today.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

HT : I don’t have any specific opinion about what will happen a thousand years from now. The mystery of the future is, in fact, one of life’s greatest wonders. However, I do hope that alongside the powerful advancement of science and technology, we will continue to create art and explore the beauty of the human spirit. I wish for a future where intangible values—those that enrich the soul—are cherished just as much as material progress.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

HT : I always hope that people will take the time to truly explore and understand my designs, rather than purchasing them based on a fleeting emotion. To me, the greatest value lies in the deep connection and long-term harmony between the piece and its wearer. That lasting bond is what I always strive to create through my work.