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For Le Trong Nghia, the journey into fashion began not with formal arts training, but with an interest in strategy and business.

Before enrolling at Nottingham Trent University’s Fashion School, Nghia studied finance and economics, a background he later viewed as an advantage in the competitive fashion industry.

This spring, Nghia was selected to appear in a showcase film highlighting notable graduate projects from Nottingham Trent University’s Class of 2026. The university’s fashion school is regarded as one of the leading art and design institutions in the U.K.

Nghia said his portfolio gradually developed beyond visual aesthetics into a more structured design approach shaped by research, planning and strategic thinking.

Before university, he had already developed an interest in archival fashion and avant-garde design. However, he believed the fashion industry relied not only on creativity, but also on finance, operations and brand strategy.

Instead of immediately pursuing an arts degree, he chose to enroll in the Finance and Economics program at British University Vietnam.

“Every industry eventually comes back to finance and economics,” Nghia said. “If you want to build something sustainable, the foundation has to be strong first.”

During his studies, Nghia explored the connection between creativity and management through extracurricular projects and industry experience.

According to Nghia, BUV’s academic structure, which alternates study terms with extended breaks, allowed him to accumulate nearly two years of practical experience in Vietnam’s fashion industry before graduation.

As creative director of the university’s fashion club, he led multidisciplinary projects and participated in initiatives such as the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2024, where fashion and design activities were introduced into public cultural spaces.

Another milestone came during BUV’s International Experience program in the U.K. in 2023. Nghia said the trip exposed him to British creative culture and international design perspectives, encouraging him to pursue postgraduate studies abroad.

After graduation, he faced the challenge of building a competitive master’s application portfolio without a formal arts background.

Nghia spent several months refining and reorganizing his work to present a cohesive creative identity for applications to art schools in the U.K.

According to him, a turning point came when he recognized that his background in economics, project leadership and creative operations could become a distinguishing factor rather than a limitation.

His portfolio ultimately highlighted not only artistic direction, but also skills to systems thinking, audience analysis, execution and sustainability, areas increasingly emphasized in creative education and industry practice.

When he received the scholarship offer from Nottingham Trent University, Nghia said the result was difficult to imagine when he first began studying outside the arts.

“The International Office at BUV helped connect me with the university and guided me through the application process,” he said. “That support allowed me to focus on improving the creative quality of my portfolio.”

Now studying in the U.K., Nghia said his finance background continues to influence his approach to fashion and creative work.

Through discussions with lecturers and industry professionals, he said he has gained a deeper understanding of how creative businesses, from startups to luxury fashion brands, rely on financial management, operational systems and long-term sustainability.

Nghia arranging his product board. Photo courtesy of BUV

For Nghia, the transition from finance to fashion was not about leaving one field behind for another, but about combining creative thinking with business strategy.

“Passion alone is not enough,” he said. “It needs a structure strong enough to survive reality. Sometimes the longer route gives you a stronger foundation for the dream you truly want.”