Fans of Queer Eye would be no stranger to Say I Do – Netflix’s newest American reality television series.
The trio of wedding saviours, Jeremiah Brent, Thai Nguyen and Gabriele Bertaccini help make a couple’s wedding dream come true. Over a series of 8 episodes, with Brent acting as the interior designer, Nguyen as the fashion expert and Bertaccini working as the chef, the professionals lend their expertise to eight couples.
Despite the prominent Asian cast from Crazy Rich Asians to Netflix’s Never Have I Ever, Asian representation in Hollywood is not there yet. Nguyen’s position in this show, is one step closer to promoting diversity.
Beyond the Netflix series, Nguyen is a designer who specialises in custom wedding gowns. After years of hardship, he was finally able to build his own brand, Thai Nguyen Atelier, where he is currently the Founder and Creative Director.
Say I Do was made for Nguyen.
“To me, a wedding gown is not just a gown. It’s a symbol of everlasting love.”
Born in South Vietnam, Nguyen discovered his passion for fashion at the age of 9, where he first learned to sew. In the early 1990s, his family immigrated to the U.S., which is where Nguyen continued to pursue his dreams in the fashion industry, despite his parents’ concerns.
After graduating in 2002, Nguyen joined BCBG Max Azria, a women’s fashion and designer clothing, as an associate designer. Two years passed, and his desire to start his own line was higher than ever. This led to the creation of Thai Nguyen Atelier. Thai Nguyen Atelier produces custom womenswear and menswear, for clients worldwide.
His designs have been featured in Vogue, Italia, Vanity Fair, and have met the red carpets of the Met Gala, the Oscars, the Grammy Awards. He has an extensive list of clients including Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Cindy Crawford and Nicole Scherzinger to name some.
Nguyen remains a key figure in the fashion industry as one of few Vietnamese American designers. Like many Asian Americans in a Western society, Nguyen’s road to success was not easy. In a heartfelt Instagram post that was shared before the premier of the show, Nguyen said:
“Finally, I’ve been noticed. Finally, I have a voice. I am forever grateful and promise to use this platform to share my experiences and my journey as a Vietnamese-American fashion designer who lived my dreams by staying authentic to myself.”
It is evident that this show has meant a huge deal to Nguyen’s career as he shared photos and videos of countdowns to the show.
He may have reached many milestones in his career, but one thing Nguyen hasn’t accomplished is something rather personal and close to home. Nguyen hopes to marry his fiancé, his partner of over a decade. However, he is unsure about when or whether the day will come, as he is waiting for his parents to accept his decision to marry a man, as revealed in the show’s final episode.
“We wanted to have this celebration three years ago, but I’m willing to give my parents time. I will always want them to be there for me, especially on my special day.”
For now, he will live his special day by working with brides and grooms.
“It’s an outlet for me to live life, be optimistic, and hopeful. I dream through these brides.”
Netflix’s Say I Do became available on Netflix earlier this month, on the 1st of July. Check out the official trailer.
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