Cong Tri, one of the leading fashion designers in Vietnam, is something of a celebrity. Arriving at the opening of his exhibition at the old Central Saint Martins building, he is surrounded by an entourage of translators and fans.

His creates are jaw-droppingly over-the-top fantastical creations, with as much handwork as wow-factor.

“I wanted to do something for Vietnam,” says the self-taught designer. “I like to tell a story for each collection. I wanted to be a part of the International fashion Showcase so that I can how the rest of the world reacts to my work in the same way that I stared by looking at and admiring designers such as Jean-Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, and John Galliano.”

Curated by Gemma Williams, a graduate of London College of Fashion, the exhibition is divided into categories, picking up on themes in Tri’s work, such as mushrooms, which he find inspiring for their ability to grow in the harshest of conditions.