Ao dai (traditional long robe) collection inspired by Thang Long Royal Citadel has been introduced in Brunei on the occasion of the celebration of the 77th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2022) and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Brunei (1992-2022). 

Amateur models perform the ao dai collection. Photos: Tra My

The celebration and fashion show took place on September 7 with the participation of diplomats of the two countries including Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof.

Designer Vu Thao Giang introduced the ao dai collection named Thang Long Royal Citadel-Golden hallmark and won people’s hearts.

Giang said she found inspiration from Thang Long Royal Citadel - UNESCO World Heritage Site with cultural and architectural values that are sticked to Vietnamese tradition and history.

Selected as an excellent collection to perform on the stage of this grand diplomatic event, with the participation of diplomats and a large number of officials from many other countries are a highly appreciation for the ao dai collection in particular and the success of designer Vu Thao Giang in particular.

“Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a historical site of our capital, associated with a place “settling the soul of mountains and rivers for thousands of years” that any Vietnamese person is proud of. So, this is not only a fashion and artistic creation but also my pride with the millennial history and culture of Vietnam,” said designer Giang.

The typical patterns and motifs of the ao dai designs in the collection combine images of dragon, phoenix, lotus, Bodhi leaf, ceramics. They remind of Vietnamese people’s legendary origin, history and cultural values of Thang Long Royal Citadel. The collection urges people to find out about Vietnamese culture in general and Hanoi culture in particular.

The most special highlight in the collection is a long dress imprinted an image of Thang Long Dragon, a metaphor of Hanoi capital and a symbol in Vietnamese art. Thang Long means rising dragon. According to the legend, in 1010, when King Ly Thai To moved the country’s capital from Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh province to Dai La (former name of Hanoi), he saw a dragon rising, so he renamed Dai La to Thang Long.

Thang Long dragon since then represents prosperity and becomes a symbol of power, wisdom and the country's cultural identity.

Regardless of the dynasties, the image of Thang Long Dragon has different creative characteristics, but it is always a noble and beautiful image, symbolizing origin, strong vitality and permanence of the nation. Designer Vu Thao Giang tried to bring that meaning and spirit to the ao dai collection.

At the celebration of the 77th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Brunei, the ao dai collection was performed by Vietnamese artists and businesswomen. The performance expressed the hope that the beauty of Vietnam's cultural heritage will be widely promoted and come closer to international friends.

Through the collection, designer Vu Thao Giang not only shows the national pride, but also encourages and inspires the young generation in preserving and promoting the unique characteristics of the Vietnamese beautiful traditional culture, following Ambassador Tran Van Khoa’s statement: “Hopefully this event will create a colorful Vietnamese cultural space, imbued with traditional imprints, contributing to promoting and introducing Vietnamese culture closer to the Bruneian public.”

Actress Mai Thu Huyen and designer Vu Thao Giang.