Obligatory since the 15th of this month, motorbike helmets have suddenly become the new canvas of commercial design, with decals and custom paint jobs leading the fad.
Young people are reportedly keener on decals for their prices and convenience, favoring cartoon characters, flowers, the sun and moon: 15 minutes and VND15,000-30,000 (some US$1.50) and you’re done.
According to one helmet design shop owner named Minh, his shop sells 50-70 decal design jobs a day. And, since the business much more profitable than his shop’s prior services, like decorating cell phones, motorbikes or laptops, he has naturally switched its focus to helmets.
People seeking a helmet with a unique or luxurious-looking design tend to painting jobs instead for the greater artistry and variety allowed.
One paint shop owner said any helmet can become a piece of art after a little smoothening, spray painting and hand brushing.
A helmet paint job takes several days and fees vary from VND300,000 to VND1 million (some US$37) depending on design. In other words, the decoration costs more than the helmet itself.
Less expensive but still artistic works can be had with a bit of “rice cooker” calligraphy costing VND50,000-200,000 (over US$10).
Helmet producers have also begun to get with the game, introducing helmets with more colorful, eye-catching designs.
