It’s easy to doubt whether an image is real or AI-generated these days. AI visuals—from stills to videos, even official music releases by icons like Wu-Tang Clan—are everywhere. The photos we’re spotlighting might scream AI at first glance, but they’re the real deal.
They’re not retro ‘80s shots of a dashing couple pulled from a forgotten album, either. These are fresh portraits by the brilliant Vũ Thụy Khuê, aka Kemmie The Cat, a photographer who shoots on film and edits with a nostalgic flair. She’s nailed the retro vibe dominating social media right now.
Her series Around You, Around Saigon channels Hong Kong’s cinematic heyday, especially Wong Kar-wai’s 1995 cult hit Fallen Angels, complete with a recreation of the ever-classic motorbike through the cross-harbor tunnel scene. It also nods to Kem’s parents’ wedding album, with models in bridal gear tearing through Saigon’s streets.
Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Kem puts Vietnam in the spotlight. Beyond nostalgia, her work paints a vivid picture of the country. Looking through her body of work, Kem captures not just nostalgic gems, but a diverse range of photography, from contemporary wedding photos, to culturally-represented portraits, modelled lifestyle shoots, lookbooks, and more.
Her stills alone could keep you hooked for days, but Kem’s social media takes it further. On Instagram at @kemmiedaily, she steps into the frame, sharing her daily life. Her photography hub, @kemmiethecat, is sprinkled with behind-the-scenes clips and workshop videos detailing her creative process. Kem’s stunning work has hooked fans from Korea to Taiwan, Thailand to Hong Kong, and beyond.
Check out more of her work beyond her Around You, Around Saigon series below, and if you’re in the mood for more eye candy from young Asian creative, check out our curated list of indie Asian animators here, who are creating works of art worthy of being shown at film festivals around the world.
All images via Instagram/@kemmiethecat.
