To mark the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification, beauty professionals Quan Nguyen and Pu Le launched a meaningful tribute project honoring the Heroic Vietnamese Mothers.

With a spirit of quiet gratitude, the team visited, offered gifts, and captured artistic portraits of heroic mothers across districts of Ho Chi Minh City, including Go Vap, Cu Chi, and Binh Chanh.

Over the course of two weeks, the team visited each mother’s home, setting up photo sessions and capturing portraits of 40 women. During these intimate visits, the mothers shared wartime stories - memories of sacrifice, pain, and deep national pride.

“We’re not trying to transform them, but to let their natural beauty shine - simplicity, honesty, and resilience - through each photo,” said makeup artist Quan Nguyen (born 1992), emotionally.

Embracing the natural, serene grace of these women, the artists gently styled their hair, added a light touch of lipstick, and carefully arranged scarves and outfits to ensure a polished appearance that still honored each mother’s individuality.

Through the lens of photographer Milor Tran, with only a simple gray backdrop and soft lighting, the portraits reveal these women as “silent witnesses,” preserving the spirit of resilience in their eyes, smiles, and time-etched faces.

Hair stylist Pu Le (born 1993) shared: “We feel honored and deeply moved to collaborate with the Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Union for this meaningful journey. Being able to care for these mothers ourselves and preserve their beauty and indomitable spirit through portraits is an unforgettable experience.”

This tribute is one of many community-centered initiatives the duo has undertaken over the years.

Once completed, the photo series will be featured in the exhibition “The beauty of Vietnamese women and Belarusian women,” held at Nguyen Van Binh Book Street (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Union.

The exhibition will showcase 20 portraits of Belarusian women, 23 of Vietnamese women, and 38 of Heroic Vietnamese Mothers.