An ode to days spent being a little rascal, in the god-dammit-next-to-my-house market.
Mischief is my first name, Trâmblemaker.
For my 21st-year project, I decided to take a trip down memory lane—straight back to the noisy, chaotic Vietnamese market that practically raised me. My house was right next to the market where my parents worked, so naturally, I was the little 'Trâmblemaker' causing mischief around every corner. The market was my playground, my classroom, and sometimes my hiding spot when I got into trouble (which was often). This photoshoot is my ode to that wild, lively place. It’s all about capturing the hustle, the colors, the noise, and, most importantly, my playful, borderline-crazy personality. Expect a lot of bold fashion, exaggerated expressions, and poses that scream 'kid from the market!' It’s like a love letter to my younger self, mixed with a dash of humor and a lot of nostalgia.
This year, I’m taking it back to where it all began—District 11, Ho Chi Minh City. My house was right next to a traditional Vietnamese market, full of chaos, noise, and energy (the good kind). Growing up in a blue-collar family in that wild environment made me who I am today: Chem. The market wasn’t just a place; it was my playground and my biggest source of inspiration. This project is a reflection of all that. I’ve always been influenced by street culture, hip-hop, and fashion ( I'm a fashion mtfk). The market setting isn’t just a backdrop, it’s my origin. The streetwear, crazy poses, and random expressions show off my bold and playful side. It’s a tribute to my roots, showing everyone exactly who Chem is and where I came from.
I spent a few days scouting Nguyen Huu Hao market, a gritty residential area, to capture its raw, chaotic energy. It wasn’t just about finding great spots; it was about highlighting the everyday life of the market. Along with my photographer, we discussed other potential locations around Ho Chi Minh City, like Thanh Da residential area and the markets in Districts 5 and 10, which have strong Chinese influences. After weighing our options, I researched poses that would work with the setting, finding ways to play off the market’s charm and chaos while staying true to my creative vision.
For the shoot, I chose a Vintage Stussy Gucci Parody Monogram Shirt, a key piece in streetwear history that fits the crazy vibe. I paired it with bottoms from my favorite Vietnamese brand and Onitsuka silver sneakers for a dynamic touch. My signature wolf-cut black-and-white hair, which I’ve had for almost four years, stayed in place. Accessories included my everyday cap, a bandana (because I have 50 bandanas), and a Ye mask to bring in hip-hop culture and my favorite artist. For makeup, I went with a "tired and crazy" look, channeling a rascal who’s been messing around all day.
