Spain - Chula Fashion

Spanish-Vietnamese fashion fusion combines style with sustainability

Chula Fashion is a small, family-owned clothing company established just over a decade ago. It focuses on sustainable fashion.

Key facts

• Founded in: 2007
• Headquarters: Hanoi, Vietnam
• Employees: 68

Company profile

Spaniards Laura Fontan and Diego Cortizas set up Chula Fashion after visiting Hanoi in 2005. The company's products reflect Vietnam's cultural traditions, while incorporating Laura and Diego's European heritage. Diego designs the clothes, which are then hand-made in their factory in Hanoi. The brand is clearly identifiable on the Vietnamese market. It promotes socially responsible labour policies and sustainable fashion production.

Chula is firmly rooted in Vietnam, with stores in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Saigon. It has recently also opened a store in Bangkok and in Madrid.

How the trade agreement could help

Making it easier to export to the EU

The new rules of origin in the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement will make it easier for Chula to export to the EU.

Making it cheaper to buy EU textiles

The free trade agreement will remove Vietnamese tariffs of 7.5% on EU textiles as soon as it enters into force. This will enable Chula to use high-end European cotton and linen in addition to the textiles it sources from Asia.

We're passionate about corporate social responsibility. Three quarters of our workforce have a physical disability. The free trade agreement would make it easier for us to expand into European markets. With the agreement in place, we'll be able to start thinking about using more European fabric in the clothes we make, as well as opening more stores in Europe.

Laura Fontan and Diego Cortizas,
Owners, Chula Fashion