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Celebrating AAPI Heritage: An Interview with Tommy Nguyen on Fashion, Identity, and Authenticity

Lifestyle

Celebrating AAPI Heritage: An Interview with Tommy Nguyen on Fashion, Identity, and Authenticity

May 18, 2026

As AAPI Heritage Month unfolds, Hibbett is proud to spotlight voices from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community who are shaping culture in meaningful ways. We sat down with Tommy Nguyen, a Vietnamese American whose personal style is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity. Tommy shared with us how heritage, self-expression, and authenticity come together in his approach to fashion.

Tommy Nguyen in black hoodie and shorts

The Influence of Cultural Roots on Personal Style

Tommy credits his Vietnamese upbringing for instilling a deep respect for presenting oneself well. “Being Vietnamese American, I was raised in a household where looking presentable was important because it reflected respect for yourself and your family,” he explains. Even on casual days, Tommy prefers a clean and put-together look, finding balance between simplicity and pride in appearance. American culture, with its diverse trends, also plays a role in shaping his style. “My style is honestly a mix of both cultures,” he says, blending the best of both worlds.

Honoring Tradition Through Clothing

For Tommy, certain garments carry profound meaning. “One piece of clothing that has a lot of meaning to me is the áo dài, which is traditional Vietnamese clothing usually worn during holidays, weddings, or important celebrations,” he shares. Beyond just fashion, the áo dài represents family, tradition, and cherished memories. Colors and patterns from Vietnamese culture also remind him of his heritage, creating a tangible connection to his roots.

Tommy Nguyen in black outfit

Balancing Tradition and Modern Trends

Navigating between tradition and modernity comes naturally to Tommy. On ordinary days, he enjoys following contemporary trends and keeping his look casual. But when it comes to special occasions like Lunar New Year or family gatherings, he finds joy in wearing traditional clothing or weaving cultural elements into his outfit. “I like being able to appreciate both sides of who I am instead of feeling like I have to choose one or the other.”

Moving Beyond Stereotypes and Pressure

Tommy acknowledges that there’s sometimes pressure to represent his culture through fashion, particularly when it comes to expectations or stereotypes about Asian Americans. “I’ve learned that culture looks different for everyone, and I don’t think there’s one ‘right’ way to represent being Vietnamese,” he notes. For him, authenticity means staying true to himself and not dressing solely to meet outside expectations.

Tommy Nguyen in adidas outfit

Authentic Representation in the Fashion World

When it comes to cultural representation, Tommy believes fashion should be about genuine appreciation, not appropriation. “It’s important that people from that culture are included and recognized, especially in the design and storytelling process,” he says. Representation only feels authentic when it involves the voices and talents of those who live the culture.

AAPI Inspiration and the Future of Fashion

Tommy draws inspiration from AAPI designers like Vera Wang and Phillip Lim, who have built successful careers while embracing their heritage and creativity. He admires how their work feels personal, modern, and meaningful—proof that fashion can honor identity and innovation at once.

Tommy Nguyen in Jordan outfit

A Call for Genuine Support in the Industry

Looking ahead, Tommy hopes the fashion industry will celebrate AAPI voices beyond heritage months and special campaigns. “Representation should feel genuine and consistent, and cultural stories should be told by the people who actually live them,” he emphasizes. Year-round opportunities for AAPI designers, models, and creators are key to building a more inclusive and authentic future in fashion.

Tommy’s journey is a reminder that style is more than clothing—it’s a powerful reflection of heritage, individuality, and respect. This AAPI Heritage Month, and every month, let’s honor the diverse stories that make fashion truly meaningful.

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