Regent Phu Quoc, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ sparkling jewel on Vietnam’s “Pearl Island,” has successfully staged its inaugural Regent Taste Studio, a one-of-a-kind, interactive dining experience that brought together leading local talent from the worlds of art, design, fashion and gastronomy in a four-day creative showcase.This exclusive multi-sensory dining journey ran from 19th to 22nd April 2023 – to coincide with the resort’s first anniversary – and immersed guests in the essence of its exotic destination. Titled “The Dialogue Between the Land, the Sea and its People,” this unique culinary occasion took the form of a theatrical play divided into seven acts, each of which paid homage to Phu Quoc’s cultural heritage. For this special collaboration, Ms. Devon Nguyen, fashion designer and abstract artist, created the “Capsule Collection” of one-of-a-kind gowns, inspired by the Regent Taste Studio, and Phu Quoc’s natural wonders.
Act 1 of the evening, “Symbiosis,” was staged at The Gallery and featured a reimagined Artist’s Studio with a live demonstration of pearls from Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm and a jewelry-making workshop. This opening act set the stage for the rest of the evening, which drew inspiration from the connections between the land and sea and how these two worlds are interpreted through art and gastronomy. The first gown from Devon Nguyen’s collection was also presented in the re-imagined Gallery.
Diners were also treated to the first two parts in Devon’s “Capsule Collection”: a floor-length gown with a mermaid silhouette, and a strapless gown with intricate lace detailing.
Act 4, “Essence of Life,” allowed The Anh, Executive Sous Chef, to demonstrate the Phu Quoc Forest, a creative composition of yellow ant’s eggs, kaffir lime, edible flowers and rose myrtles.
Act 5, “Spectrum of Contrasts,” saw Chef Andy Huynh present Japanese Wagyu Beef Two Ways, which highlighted Phu Quoc’s unexpected beauty, unique textures and tastes, creating a true spectrum of contrasts.
The culinary symphony came to a crescendo with Act 6, “The World of Art: Limitless,” as Duyen Nguyen, Regent Phu Quoc’s Executive Pastry Chef, created an original dessert of Peppered Strawberries, which used local ingredients to merge the worlds of art, fashion and cuisine.
Throughout these acts, Devon’s “Capsule Collection” continued as models revealed a forest-inspired gown with organic woven patterns in Act 4, a vivid contrasting red and white dress in Act 5, and finally, a dramatic, full volume ballgown in Act 6.
Devon Nguyen Collection Inspirations
In Her Own Words
The connection between fashion and gastronomy is multifaceted and complex. Both industries are concerned with aesthetics, creativity and the senses. With a focus on innovative and complex flavor combinations of Regent’s Taste Studio Menu, I created a unique and sophisticated Capsule Collection. Luxurious and indulgent evening gowns using intricate embellishment fabrics, focus on quality, sophistication and originality by taking inspiration from flavors, textures and colors of the Taste Studio gourmet dishes. Fashion has long been used as a means of self-expression and social commentary, while food has the power to bring people together and foster cultural exchange. Together with Regent Phu Quoc Chefs, we strive to create experiences that delight and inspire audiences, whether through visually stunning clothing or beautifully plated dishes.
The Regent Taste Studio’s final act, “Ocean Calling,” saw Devon present an original abstract artwork, inspired by the infinite depths of the ocean, the land, the people and the symbolic flower of Phu Quoc, rose myrtle. This surprising scene was staged in a secret venue that provided an exhilarating culmination to an unforgettable evening.
“We are honored to celebrate a year of unique hospitality since we opened the doors of Regent Phu Quoc in April 2022. To mark this milestone, we are revealing a series of signature hallmarks throughout the year – starting with the debut of the Regent Taste Studio. In collaboration with local artisans, musicians, and tastemakers in fashion, our Executive Chef Bruno Anon showcased a multi-sensory epicurean evening for our most discerning guests,” shared Sriram Kailasam, Regent Phu Quoc General Manager.
Following the official on-property debut of the Regent Taste Studio in Vietnam, this original concept will traverse the globe with pop-up activations across Australia, Singapore, France, the UK and USA.
