Hoàng Lan🌸the Orchid
Those of you who have gotten to know me may have understood that I consider a woman's thirtieth birthday to be the apocalypse of her youth. I have been known, when shown various apparel and accessories not to my taste, to describe them as being for "old women" (i.e. for people who were over thirty). Alas, yesterday I crossed this threshold myself and bade farewell to my twenties and, in my mind, my youth.
To celebrate (commiserate?) the occasion I wanted to make the last photoshoot of my twenties extra special and put together two gowns that for me, represent this crucial moment in my life.
The first one I actually bought about 5 years ago. As soon as I saw it on @temperleylondon runway show, I knew I had to have it no matter what. In my previous post, I told you that Lan, my first name, means orchid in Vietnamese and as you can see it's covered in them.
If you look closely you can see that it actually has the whole blooming cycle of orchids cascading from the soft yellow leopard print of seeds at the shoulder growing to buds at the waist and blooming to delicate pastel pink flowers at the hem.
This dress represents my life's journey to this point, from birth to childhood and into my young adulthood and symbolizes the innocent beauty of youth.
My second dress is also from @temperleylondon but it was a last minute buy before the shoot. I was originally only planning to do the shoot with one dress but when this one came out, it completed the story I wanted to tell so perfectly that I had to get it.
You see, as I approached my thirtieth birthday, I came to understand that a woman's beauty doesn't disappear with age but it transforms. As time passes no doubt certain physical characteristics change and, when you have as many photos as we do, you can certainly see them.
There are other changes too though: the youthful innocence is gradually replaced by experience. The education you receive doesn't teach you who you are or how to live, instead you're left to find out for yourself. Somewhere along the way, as my experience grew, so did my self-confidence and realization of who I am and who I want to be.
As with my life, so it is with the dress. This one is also covered with orchids only this time they are all in full bloom. Unabashed, vibrant violet orchids with yellow-green stems on an elegant black silk dress like a grown woman: bold, proud, confident and beautiful.
📸🎞️ @thesophiepton
HMU @makenzilaine
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#filmphotography #fashionblogger #fashionstylist #fashioninspo #orchid
You know, for the longest time, turning thirty felt like this huge, daunting milestone. Like many of us, I had these preconceived notions about what it meant to leave my twenties behind. But as I reflect on this journey, especially looking back at the photoshoot that marked this transition, I realize it's less about an ending and more about an incredible new beginning. The two dresses, one with its delicate pastel pink orchid prints, and the other a bold black dress adorned with vibrant violet orchids, truly became more than just garments; they were symbolic chapters in my evolving story. In those early images, lounging on a blue velvet couch in the white dress, there’s an undeniable youthful innocence. It’s a beautiful reflection of where I was, full of dreams and a certain naiveté about the world, captured perfectly by the soft hues and flowing fabric. But life, much like an orchid, goes through different stages of bloom. As I stepped into that black dress with its deep V-neck and those magnificent fully-bloomed orchids, I felt a profound shift. It wasn't about losing something; it was about gaining self-assurance, a deeper understanding of who I am, and the confidence to express it without apology. This transformation isn’t just about age; it’s about experience, growth, and learning to truly love every facet of yourself – the imperfections, the wisdom, and the evolving beauty that comes with each passing year. For anyone else standing on the precipice of a new decade, whether it's turning 30, 40, or beyond, I want to share this: embrace the change. Our style evolves, our perspectives deepen, and our beauty transforms. It’s in these transformations that we find new strength and a richer sense of self. Don't be afraid to let your fashion choices reflect that inner growth. Just as these orchid dresses told my story, your wardrobe can be a powerful tool for self-expression. Think about pieces that resonate with your current self – perhaps a statement accessory, a bold color you once shied away from, or a silhouette that makes you feel utterly fabulous and in command. It’s also about more than just clothes. It’s about cultivating habits that nourish your spirit. For me, that meant dedicating more time to things that truly bring me joy and peace, and letting go of expectations that no longer serve me. It’s about building a life that feels authentic, not just looking the part. The journey to self-discovery is ongoing, and each year brings new lessons and new opportunities to bloom. It's about celebrating the woman you are becoming, with every vibrant hue and every newfound sense of self-love. Remember, true elegance isn't about being ageless, but about gracefully owning every age you are.
