Have you ever wondered what makes a memorable brand mascot? From Mickey Mouse who became Disney's global icon, to Tony the Tiger with his famous "They're grrreat!" phrase that has been linked to Frosted Flakes for decades – these characters go far beyond ordinary marketing concepts. They have become part of our collective memory and popular culture.

When creating a brand mascot, companies are crafting a story and a unique personality. They're looking for ways to talk with customers using a familiar and trustworthy voice, like an old friend.

For CHUS – a Vietnamese handcrafted gift brand, this challenge is especially unique: creating a character that deeply represents Vietnamese cultural identity while being modern enough to connect with the global younger generation.

This is the story of An Lac – a mascot born from a journey that honors roots while breaking through to the future.

An Lac – a mascot born from a journey that honors roots while breaking through to the future.

An Lac – a mascot born from a journey that honors roots while breaking through to the future.

We Needed a Voice – and An Lac Was Born

Every gift from CHUS carries a story of Vietnam. The patterns on ceramics. The stitches on embroidery. The fragrance of handcrafted candles. All whisper tales of skilled Vietnamese artisans. But every great story needs a skilled storyteller.

CHUS needed a "spokesperson" – not just a logo, but a character who could connect with customers like a friend. Enter An Lac – a Lac bird wearing the signature yellow conical hat. Not an ordinary mascot, An Lac is a "meme-ready" version of a thousand-year-old symbol.

The time came when CHUS needed a "spokesperson"

The time came when CHUS needed a "spokesperson"

Where Does An Lac Come From?

Have you ever seen a Dong Son bronze drum?

On these ancient artifacts, the Lac bird appears as a cultural symbol of Vietnam. For over 2,000 years, the Lac bird has represented aspirations, prosperity, and national pride. "We loved the idea of taking an ancient symbol and breathing modern life into it," shares a member of the CHUS creative team.

"In folk culture, birds are seen as messengers carrying good fortune and messages. What could be more fitting to represent a gift brand?" We didn't simply copy the ancient image. Instead, An Lac became a character who could "catch trends," be humorous and approachable – while still maintaining cultural depth. An Lac is the bridge between Vietnam's glorious past and bright future.

The ancient Dong Son bronze drums – cultural wonders from the Lac Viet era

The ancient Dong Son bronze drums – cultural wonders from the Lac Viet era

Who Is An Lac in the CHUS World?

Imagine this:

A curious and cheerful friend. Always eager to tell you stories about the gift in your hands. That's An Lac – your companion in discovering Vietnamese gifts. An Lac isn't just a cute mascot. This bird is a "cultural liaison" – delivering authentic handcrafted Vietnamese gifts to recipients worldwide.

When you see An Lac on a gift, you know it's not just a product. It's a piece of Vietnamese culture, created with the passion of skilled artisans. In today's modern world, An Lac represents a new approach to gift-giving:

  • Sophisticated
  • Meaningful
  • Emotionally authentic

In the CHUS brand, An Lac stands out with its yellow conical hat against the signature purple background. A color combination that's easily recognizable among countless brands today.

An Lac – a new cultural symbol that's both approachable and deeply authentic.

An Lac – a new cultural symbol that's both approachable and deeply authentic.

A Character Born to Be Lively

"We chose a sketchy hand-drawn style for An Lac for a simple reason," explains the designer. "CHUS is about craftsmanship, about the lovable imperfections of human hands. An Lac must reflect this spirit." Looking at An Lac, you'll notice:

  • Natural, unpolished strokes
  • A relatable feel that touches emotions
  • Nothing "industrial" or mechanical

To create variety, An Lac is often paired with hand-drawn abstract elements. These elements follow a unified style, creating a harmonious picture. Designers can find these supporting motifs using the keyword "hand drawn abstract elements." An Lac wearing a Santa hat for Christmas. An Lac in traditional ao dai for Tet. All these variations maintain the core identity.

CHUS is about handcrafting, about the lovable imperfections of human hands. An Lac needed to reflect that spirit.

CHUS is about handcrafting, about the lovable imperfections of human hands. An Lac needed to reflect that spirit.

Why An Lac – and Why Now?

In today's globalized world, we're witnessing an interesting phenomenon: the deeper we integrate globally, the more people long to connect with their roots and appreciate the distinctive values of each culture. That's exactly why CHUS created An Lac – a new cultural symbol that's both approachable and deeply authentic.

An Lac is the answer to the major challenge that many Vietnamese brands face: "How do we keep Vietnamese essence while matching the modern vibe?" Through this character, CHUS confirms that traditional and modern elements aren't opposing extremes but can blend wonderfully when approached correctly.

Creating An Lac is also a strategic move to put Vietnamese craftsmanship on the global map. Countries successful in exporting their culture often have easily recognizable symbols: Japan has the Maneki-neko cat, South Korea has the Haetae creature. An Lac – the Lac bird carrying Vietnamese gifts – has the potential to become a unique cultural symbol for Vietnam, instantly recognizable on the international stage.

who wouldn't like a cute bird bringing gifts who knows how to make you laugh at just the right moment?

Who wouldn't like a cute bird bringing gifts who knows how to make you laugh at just the right moment?

Have You Met An Lac Yet?

Every great culture needs talented storytellers to convey its values to new generations and international friends. An Lac was born with this mission – to become the storyteller for Vietnam's treasure of craftsmanship through each CHUS gift.

CHUS extends an invitation to you: Come explore the colorful world of handcrafted gifts with An Lac. A world where each gift has its own story, created by talented hands and passionate hearts.

From CHUS – with meticulous attention to every detail, playfulness in every design, and strong belief in the power of Vietnamese culture – we proudly introduce An Lac, your new friend on the journey to find and share meaningful gifts.

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