At the opening ceremony of the 10th Ao Dai Festival (Photo: VNA) ‘Ao dai’ has been also chosen by many headsof state, leaders, and diplomats of other countries and their spouses when theycome to Vietnam.
Most recently, foreign Consuls General andtheir spouses wore this costume while attending a seminar themed"Vietnamese ao dai and international integration", held within theframework of the 10th Ao Dai Festival in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tri Astuti Sofjan, wife of the IndonesianConsul General in Ho Chi Minh City, said that this is the third year she hasexperienced wearing ‘ao dai’. When wearing ‘ao dai’, a woman can show hercharisma and confidence, she added.
On this occasion, delegates had anopportunity to listen to the history of ‘ao dai’, attend an exhibition on ‘aodai ngu than’ (five-part long dress) and the steps of measuring and sewinghandmade ‘ao dai’, and see ‘ao dai’ shows.
During the current internationalintegration process, models with new design ideas and materials are moreimpressive, clearly demonstrating the spirit of integration.
Designer Duc Vincie shared he always wantsto spread the beauty of ‘ao dai’ to international friends through collectionsmade based on environmentally friendly materials, traditional materials, andnational characteristics. This time, he chose to make a collection from silk,ordered from craft villages such as Nha Xa and Bao Loc.
Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Director of the Ho ChiMinh City Department of Tourism, affirmed that through 10 years of the Ao DaiFestival, the city wants to make ‘ao dai’ become a special image in culturaldiplomacy, helping foreign friends understanding more about the Vietnamese landand people as well as bringing the country closer to the world.
Alisha Movent, a US tourist, said she andher friends were very excited to experience wearing ‘ao dai’ together when theycame to Ho Chi Minh City. When she returned to her country, she bought manysets of this costume as souvenirs for her family and friends./.
VNA
