Preserving cultural quintessence

Dang Thi Ngoc Han, who was crowned Miss Vietnam in 2010, chose to be an ao dai designer to promote its charms to the community. Over several years, Ao Dai Ngoc Han has become a favourite brand of the Vietnamese fashion world, bringing not only exquisite costumes but also creations imbued with national cultural identity.

Han shared that for her, ao dai is not only a costume, but also a part of the cultural beauty of the Vietnamese people. She hopes her designs can become a bridge promoting culture exchange and connecting the world, helping international friends love the beauty of Vietnamese culture and its people. This is the driving force that motivates her to weave her passion for art and fashion into her every ao dai model.

“Hanoi and many scenic spots of Vietnam have become my endless creative inspiration. I feel proud when many international friends have expressed their love and interest in the traditional cultural values of Vietnam when I wear ao dai at domestic and overseas events,” Han said.

However, the modern ao dai has many versions with different styles and designs, many of which are innovative designs that are not suitable for the fine customs and culture of Vietnamese people.

At the time of building her own ao dai brand, Han immediately thought of the need to preserve the beauty of the traditional ao dai and at the same time to spread it to international friends. Her designs feature elegant modesty and classic beauty, focusing on the design of the collar and sleeves to the embroidered motifs on each ao dai model.

“To be able to design a delicate ao dai that expresses national culture, it is necessary to have a great love and passion for ao dai as well as for the traditional beauty of the nation,” she said.

Han always wants her designs to be consistent with the trend of the times, but still have to keep the unique identity of the Vietnamese people. Therefore, she always pays attention to every detail such as fabrics, colours, and textures.

“The current trend is to return to traditional values. In contact with the fashion world and foreign cultural workers, I realised that when I put traditional cultural values into fashion, the creations will be more loved and appreciated,” Han said.

Traditional costumes revived for the festive season After being seemingly forgotten for a time, handmade traditional ao dai are making a comeback as a way for the young generation to express respect and honour with the traditional cultural values of the nation.

Special “ao dai” show honours cultural values of Vietnam A special “ao dai” (traditional long dress of Vietnam) show was held at Yen Tu historic and landscape site in the northern province of Quang Ninh’s Uong Bi district on April 23, aiming to honour the beauty of "ao dai" and promote the nation’s cultural values.

Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival 2022 taking place The Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival 2022 will take place at Hoan Kiem Lake's pedestrian streets from December 2-4 with a series of unique activities and events.