When I was young, I got inspired by my older brother’s wardrobe, which included outdoor pieces that caught my attention. And that has led me to be on the search to own pieces that are of a good quality, functional and will be pieces that will last me for years.
GORE-TEX Studio: This one is getting harder and harder these days - but how would you describe yourself in 1 sentence max?
Lucka Ngô: Hmmmm – A storyteller.
GORE-TEX Studio: Tell us a bit about your city’s climate. What are your three favorite spots - in the summer, in the winter (outside)? What is your favorite method of transportation and why? How do you prep for bad weather if you spend time outside?
Lucka Ngô: I would say New York’s climate is very unpredictable, ha! One moment it’s hot and then one moment it’s super cold.
Three favorite spots in the summer – Bronx Botanical Garden, parks in Chinatown, Peekamoose Blue Hole. Three favorite spots in the winter – Ice skating rink in Queens, Isamu Noguchi Museum (garden), Chinatown.
I don’t really have a favorite method of transportation, but living in NY, the subway is really convenient. When spending time outside during bad weather, I always make sure I keep myself warm and cozy, so I always wear heatteach undergarments. Also, a scarf and a beanie are a must as well!
GORE-TEX Studio: Tell us a bit about your professional life and do you draw a hard line between private/professional? What were your most memorable moments professionally, your biggest achievements? Lucka Ngô: I am a Vietnamese photographer, wishing to connect different minds that come from different life journeys. Yes, I do like to keep my private and professional life separate. When I need to get work done, I get it done. When my mind needs rest, I separate myself from the world and meditate to keep my peace.
My biggest achievement in life is that I have found a way to express who I am and my purpose in life, which is through photography. Photography has taught me so many lessons both personal and professional. The little me would have never imagined I would be where I am today.
GORE-TEX Studio: What are you wearing today, why are you wearing it, did you have a particular weather scenario in mind when choosing this piece? What do you love most about your GORE-TEX product?
Lucka Ngô: Today, I am wearing Arc’teryx Beta LT pants. NY seems to be pretty windy entering the winter season, so I find this pair of pants perfect for it. What I love most about my GORE-TEX piece is how light they feel and yet still can protect me from any weather. Additionally, I really like the fit and the convenience of the full-length side zips.
GORE-TEX Studio: Where and when did you get this... Do you have any special memories connected to this item? If you could go anywhere, where would you like to take this piece?
Lucka Ngô: I purchased this piece at the Arc’teryx store not too long ago for an upcoming ski trip, so I plan to make memories super soon! If I could pick a place, I would go to the Alps.
GORE-TEX Studio: What are your thoughts on the “modern outdoor” and technical garments becoming highly visible in the fashion world? How are you involved in this? How do you define the term “comfort” in clothing, in particular technical apparel?
Lucka Ngô: This is an interesting question. In my opinion, the fashion world always seeks for something new and in that search they found appreciation for technical garments. When I was young, I got inspired by my older brother’s wardrobe, which included outdoor pieces that caught my attention. And that has led me to be on the search to own pieces that are of a good quality, functional and will be pieces that will last me for years.
To me, comfort means mobility, flexibility and again functionality.
GORE-TEX Studio: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects... what are you looking for in the next six months and what challenges do you see that you’re excited about?
Lucka Ngô: Currently I am working on a personal project called “Women Portraits”. My goal is to tell stories about women I have come across in my life whether it is a mother, an aunt, a sister, a friend or a stranger. This series is going to take me years to finish, which is why I am so excited about it.
In the future, I am looking forward to more learning and learning and not fear the unknown. One of the challenges I am looking forward to is how the audience will embrace my work. But as Rick Rubin says “No one in the creative process, other than the maker, truly understands the process. And often, even the maker doesn’t.”
