The third Vietnam Heritage Áo Dài Fest, recently held in Ho Chi Minh City, has reaffirmed its status as a premier cultural and fashion event, drawing widespread attention from the public and those deeply committed to the traditional Vietnamese long dress. Marking the 10th anniversary of “The Beauty of Vietnam” project, this year’s festival was a powerful statement on promoting Vietnamese identity and heritage both domestically and globally.
The distinguishing feature of the 2025 festival was its ambitious leap beyond a simple fashion runway. Organizers successfully transformed the áo dài into a multidimensional heritage space. The dress was utilized as a “silk canvas” upon which a richer story of Vietnamese cultural essence, intricate craftsmanship, and history was woven.
A key highlight was the deliberate integration of Vietnam’s rich tangible and intangible heritage. Collections went beyond traditional silk and brocade, subtly incorporating elements like ceramics and meticulously restored royal regalia such as kim tòng (gold hairpins) and kim bài (gold plaques). Long-forgotten craft details, including embroidered voile fans and intricately carved silver torque made by artisans from ancient villages, were revived and presented artistically on stage.
Crucially, this event ensured that cultural elements were not static museum pieces. Intangible heritage was seamlessly integrated into the performances. Traditional arts like the Coin-clapper Dance (Múa Sênh Tiền), Múa Bài Bông, and Múa Bóng Rỗi were set within contemporary choreographies. The air resonated with the classic melodies of Hue Royal Court Music (Nhã Nhạc Cung Đình), Southern folk music (Đờn ca tài tử), and Quan Họ folk songs, creating a complete cultural and artistic ecosystem. The intent was for attendees to feel they were embarking on a journey back to their cultural roots.
Top Vietnamese designers showcased collections infused with deep cultural significance. Designer Triệu Vy’s Tinh hoa đất Việt (Quintessence of Vietnamese Land) collection used velvet, brocade, and silk in warm, muted tones to capture the resilient yet soft spirit of the Vietnamese woman. Meanwhile, Designer Việt Hùng collaborated with young talent Ngọc Trang on Khoảnh khắc châu ro, emphasizing communal unity.
Designer Đặng Trọng Minh Châu presented “Hẹn ước” (The Promise), a sophisticated wedding áo dài collection. Featuring dominant white hues symbolizing purity, the garments included symbolic accents of red for eternal happiness and pastel pink for tranquility. Model Kiều Thị Thúy Hằng, an event ambassador, frequently served as the vedette, closing shows and lending elegance to the storytelling of these significant collections.
The festival was also energized by musical performances. Singer Tăng Phúc, the Áo Dài Ambassador of Ho Chi Minh City, delivered a crowd-pleasing performance of ‘Mình cưới nhau nha’ and passionately discussed the importance of preserving the traditional costume. Performers Đoàn Minh Tài and Quách Phú Thành modernized traditional folk songs, aligning with the organizer’s goal of making cultural values relevant to a modern audience.
Director Le Viet, Head of the Organizing Committee, concluded the event by expressing pride in its success, viewing the audience’s strong support as confirmation that the mission to spread love for the traditional dress is deeply resonant. He emphasized that this enthusiasm is the primary motivation for the Vietnam Heritage Áo Dài Fest to continue its cultural journey in the years to come.