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The Italian Ambassador to Vietnam (middle) on the stage.
This is the first time Hanoi has held an Ao dai festival which aims to honour Hanoi’s cultural values and promote fashion-based tourism products.
Themed “The Quintessence of the Vietnamese Ao dai,” the festival saw the participation of famous fashion designers, artisans and artists nationwide, introducing to local people throughout the country and international friends the beauty of the traditional long dress of Thang Long–Hanoi in particular and Vietnam in general.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Ngo Van Quy, who is also head of the festival’s organising board, stressed that the event was among activities to implement Hanoi’s policies to turn tourism into a key economic sector for the capital during the 2016-2020 period and in the following years.
During the opening ceremony, the Doan Mon Gate (south gate) of the Imperial Citadel became a big stage with performances featuring ao dai from collections by famous designers from across the country, such as Minh Hanh, Lan Huong, La Hang, Trinh Bich Thuy, Nhi Hoang, Minh Minh and Duc Hai.
National Assembly Chairwoman and artists.
Professional models, famous artists and even foreign diplomats in Vietnam participated in the show, bringing to the audience Vietnam’s traditional culture as well as innovation of the designers in Vietnamese ao dai.
Held by the Hanoi People’s Committee in collaboration with the Vietnam Women’s Union, the event aims to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi and the 86th anniversary of founding of the Vietnam Women’s Union.
The festival is taking place from October 14-16, with a range of activities including an introduction on the history of the ao dai; exhibition of looms and textiles made from Van Phuc silk and Hoi An silk, as well as the flax-weaving of the Mong national minority people; a children’s competition on drawing ao dai; and a contest on arranging flowers on ao dai.
Artistic performances, an introduction to Vietnam’s cuisine, folk games and an exhibition of designers’ collections are being held. Visitors to the festival can also arrange to have their own ao dai made at booths at the event.
Some pictures taken at the festival:
Miss Vietnam Ngoc Han, who is also a model and a fashion designer, was the host of the opening ceremony.
Senior designer Minh Hanh - creative director of the festival.
Ethnic minority children from the northern mountainous provinces, who performed in the opening ceremony.
Designer Phuong Thanh introduced an ao dai designed by Minh Hanh to visitors.
Craftwomen who joined the festival.
Senior artists who performed in the opening ceremony.
Some photos of the opening night
The ao dai were performed by not only professional models but also artists and foreign diplomats.
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