Finding Balance in the Contrary: Vy Voi's Latest Collection Merges Vietnamese Heritage with Modern Design
In a fusion of traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship and contemporary design, New York and Sài Gòn-based studio Vy Voi unveils Rễ Cây, a lighting collection that explores the delicate balance between weightlessness and groundedness.
The collection, whose name translates to "root" in Vietnamese, made its debut at wanted/ICFF during NYCxDESIGN in May 2024.
At the heart of this collection lies an 800-year-old Vietnamese craft: Dó paper. Made from the bark of the Dó tree in Bắc Ninh, this historic material - once reserved for royal documents and folk art - now finds new life in contemporary lighting design. The paper's durability and unique texture, achieved through a meticulous hand-crafting process, creates lampshades that appear almost fabric-like, each telling its own story through visible bits of tree bark embedded within.
The five-piece collection—comprising the Sắn, Cà-rốt, Củ Cải, Khoai Môn, and Củ Đậu lights—explores the interplay of proportion and material contrast. Through these contrasting elements, each piece achieves a delicate balance between weightlessness and groundedness, creating a sense of contained comfort. Each piece features a hand-thrown porcelain base that anchors it firmly, crowned with an ethereal Dó paper shade that appears to float weightlessly above. Viewed from a distance, the lampshades seem to grow organically from their bases—like roots sprouting from the ground, true to their namesake. Up close, a visual synthesis of soft shapes and organic textures emerge.
Sắn Light
"The paper is truly the leading character in this design," explains Steffany Trần, founder of Vy Voi. "By featuring this historic material in a contemporary context, I hope to not only highlight Vietnamese heritage but also showcase its potential as a design material for future generations.”
The collection's versatility shines through in its adaptability. Each piece can stand alone as a statement or be grouped to create intimate vignettes, much like arranging a floral composition. Dimming capabilities allow users to craft their desired ambiance, from a subtle glow to full illumination.
Khoai Môn Light
Củ Đậu Light
Củ Cải Light
Cà-rốt Light
"This collection began as an exploration of contradictions, evolving into a composed yet contrasting visual language. Each design represents a different interpretation of tension—one that's refreshing and restorative, rather than the discomfort we typically associate with the word," says Steffany. "The Rễ Cây collection demonstrates how seemingly opposing elements can come together to enhance and elevate one another."
The Rễ Cây collection, handcrafted in New York using Dó paper from Vietnamese artisan families, bridges heritage and innovation. Each piece features a ceramic base fired in Vy Voi's gas kiln, with lampshades meticulously constructed from the handmade paper. Available through vyvoi.com, Galerie Half, and M.A.H. Gallery, the collection offers customization options for both scale and finishes.
Related Content
"Woodland Whispers," an evocative exhibition by no.29, transforms the entry room of Amelie, Maison d'Art's NYC location into a contemplative sanctuary.
Fusina is a sculptural fire pit designed by José Bermúdez, paying tribute to the architectural style of Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa, with an intriguing organic shape that enhances the connection between the object and the user.
Lodes presents Cono di Luce in collaboration with Ron Arad Available from January 2024