Austin artist promqueen is inviting the community to experience a weekend of music, fashion and storytelling with Modern, a two-day festival celebrating Vietnamese American culture and the upcoming release of her third studio album.
The event, presented with mHart, will take place next weekend and feature an original concert, an intergenerational fashion show and one-of-a-kind collaborations between local models and designers.
promqueen joined Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner in the studio to share more about why this festival is so personal.
promqueen joined Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner in the studio to share more about why this festival is so personal.
A Festival Inspired by Identity
For promqueen, Modern is deeply personal.
The festival serves as the launch of their third album, which explores what it means to grow up as a Vietnamese American in Texas.
“This album is an exploration of what it means for me to be Vietnamese and American,” promqueen said. “Growing up in Texas with immigrant parents from Vietnam.”
The first day of the festival will feature a live performance and sneak peek of the new album ahead of its October release.
promqueen’s “Modern” fest celebrates Vietnamese American Identity with music and fashion
Fashion That Tells a Story
The second day shifts from music to couture with an intergenerational Vietnamese American fashion show.
Rather than a traditional runway, the event pairs 10 Vietnamese American community members with four Vietnamese American designers from Austin, Houston and New York.
Each designer creates a custom look inspired by the model’s personal story and cultural identity.
“It’s almost like Project Runway,” promqueen said.
One of the festival’s most touching collaborations features the youngest model, a two-month-old baby named Juniper.
Her designer created a blanket using traditional Vietnamese áo dài garments worn by her mother and grandmother, weaving together multiple generations of family history.
The oldest model is a 78-year-old Vietnamese woman, highlighting the festival’s focus on honoring every generation.
Embracing Heritage
promqueen says their music project has evolved into a celebration of her Vietnamese American identity after years of feeling hesitant to embrace that part of them.
“My whole project, promqueen, has been embodying what it means to be Vietnamese American,” they said. “I very much shied away from it before, but now I’m embracing it.”
They hope the festival encourages others to reflect on their own family stories and cultural backgrounds.
“Perhaps my story can encourage others to explore their own stories.”
M-Hart Media and promqueen launch Modern Vietnamese American Festival
A New Musical Chapter
The upcoming album marks a new creative direction for the Austin artist.
While their previous release leaned toward darker rock influences, this project incorporates elements of R&B and a more reflective, vulnerable sound.
One of the featured songs, “Later Bloom,” explores making peace with past relationships and learning to move forward.
“It’s about making peace with the regrets in the past,” promqueen said. “It’s okay to bloom later.”
Everyone Is Invited
promqueen says Modern is designed for anyone who enjoys live music, fashion or learning about Vietnamese American culture.
The festival also supports the Asian American Resource Center, where the event will be held.
“Everybody should come,” they said. “If you’re wanting to explore and support local music, learn more about Vietnamese American culture, or check out a fashion show with one-of-a-kind pieces made just for this event, we’ll see you there.”
For tickets and more information, visit promqueen and mHart Media’s website and social media channels. Their third album SZN 3 is scheduled for release in October.
M-Hart Media and promqueen launch Modern Vietnamese American Festival