Admire Japanese Junihitoe royal kimonos at Kimono-Ao Dai Fashion Show

The Kimono-Ao Dai Fashion Show is co-organised by Be-Japon, a non-profit organisation based in Tokyo, together with the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam and the BRG Group.

The Kimono-Ao Dai Fashion Show is the first event in a series of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (1973-2023)

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio emphasised, "There is not only a special political trust between Japan and Vietnam, but also exchanges between generations. I think the foundation of the Japan-Vietnam relations that are developing strongly and rapidly today is understanding and empathy among people."

The ambassador hopes that this Kimono-Ao Dai Fashion Show event will give viewers the opportunity to rediscover the similarities in traditional costumes and aesthetic conceptions of the two countries.

During the programme, designer Kobayashi Eiko, director of the non-profit art organisation Be-Japon, will introduce more than 20 antique kimonos that were sewn more than 100 years ago and six innovative ao dai that were produced using natural materials from ancient kimonos, all combined with Japanese music and makeup art.

Before entering the main event, guests will also visit a unique exhibition with many rare kimonos and ao dai.

Eiko said, “Kimonos and ao dai have a great similarity that exalts the graceful beauty of Asian women, and at the same time, use hand-embroidered techniques to create a delicate beauty for the dress. I was very excited and put significant effort into making the ao dai from kimono fabric. I consider these to be enormous assets in my career.”

The Japanese designer added that this is a rare occasion for the public to enjoy the Junihitoe royal kimonos, which are considered to represent the pinnacle of traditional Japanese fashion, with motifs, accessories, and colours that are meticulously and delicately designed by the talented hands of artisans.

Designer Kobayashi Eiko introduces an ancient Japanese kimono

Junihitoe can be translated as twelve layers of clothing. Weighing up to 20kg, it is one of the most expensive, most elaborate, and most beautiful of the traditional dresses from the land of the rising sun. Today, Junihitoe can only be seen at museums or during important movies and festivals.

The show has attracted the presence of many Japanese and Vietnamese models, including Akemi Fukumura, Cecil Tanaka, Maki Kiriyama, Emi Nakagawa, Rio Taniguchi, Maki Matsunaga, Erina Hanawa, Thu Thao, and Tu Duong, in addition to traditional Japanese koto artist Miwa Naitou.

Nguyen Thi Nga, chairwoman of BRG Group said, “The offering will become a unique cultural event because there is nothing more wonderful than enjoying a Japanese kimono and Vietnamese ao dai – symbolic cultural assets ​​of the two countries. This is a meaningful activity marking the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations and is held on the occasion when the whole world honours women.”

During the past 30 years, the BRG Group has always focused on sustainable development and cooperated with like-minded partners.

The Kimono-Ao Dai Fashion Show will take place on March 4 with two shows at 2pm and 7pm at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel and will be streamed on BRG Group's platforms.