VI
EN
On the evening of January 5th, at the Thai Hoc courtyard of the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam National Special Historical Site, an art program and ao dai fashion show with 3D mapping light effects took place with the theme "Where I Was Born".
"Where I Was Born" is a unique art program showcasing the Vietnamese ao dai (traditional dress) combined with musical performances praising the homeland and country. The program is organized by the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám Cultural and Scientific Activities Center in collaboration with designer Minh Hanh, and features the participation of 18 renowned designers from across the country.
The organizers announced that 18 designers and ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) brands are participating in the "Where I Was Born" program, including: Thanh Thúy, Cao Minh Tiến, Trịnh Bích Thủy, Duy Nguyên, Silky Viet Nam, Chế Quyết Tiến, Giang Đoàn, Phương Thảo, Ngọc Hân, Laura - Chula, Trần Thiện Khánh, Viết Bảo, Huệ Thi, Nguyễn Thúy, Trung Beret, Minh Hạnh, Công Huân, and Cao Duy. Through their personal stories told on the ao dai, the designers shared many interesting insights about their homeland, the place each of them is connected to in different ways.
The story of the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) was told in the artistic space of music and light.
Each designer brings their own story about "Where I Was Born" to this place.
For designer Trinh Bich Thuy, quilted jackets represent the warmth of a mother's embrace. As someone born and raised in Hanoi, memories of Hanoi's winters are deeply ingrained in her mind. For Bich Thuy, Hanoi's winter evokes fond memories. When the somber winter brings chills that seep through the trees and streets, it's also the time when children are dressed in quilted jackets by their mothers. For Bich Thuy, quilted jackets represent childhood, joy, and excitement – jackets that carry the warmth of a mother's arms.
Fashion designer Diep Anh (second from the right) and her design.
Designer Thanh Thúy tells the story of Dien Bien Phu through her designs. The image of the bauhinia flower, symbolizing the land and sky of Northwest Vietnam, and the Thai ethnic woman, representing the soul of the flower, will be the central theme on the ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress). "My grandfather often told me about tanks and padded jackets, about the heroes of the 56-day and 56-night war against the French, digging tunnels in the mountains, sleeping in bunkers, enduring rain and eating meager rations, all contributing to a glorious victory that shook the world. Therefore, I want to tell the community about the heroic and courageous Dien Bien Phu of the past and the peaceful and prosperous landscape of today, as a tribute and expression of gratitude to the land that gave birth to me."
Hanoi, as depicted in the designs of designers Cao Minh Tien, Trinh Bich Thuy, and Phuong Thao, evokes emotions and memories of all four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter, in every street corner and tree. Designer Cao Minh Tien chose "Sketches of Hanoi" to capture the most beautiful aspects of the city. For designer Trinh Bich Thuy, it's about childhood memories, about quilted cotton jackets, connecting generations, tradition, and the present. Phuong Thao's designs portray images of street vendors and moss-covered old streets.
Designer Hue Thi shared that her ao dai designs tell the story of her hometown, Quang Nam.
Although he has grown up and left his hometown, for designer Duy Nguyen, the image of dragonfly wings always evokes a vivid picture of his homeland, a source of inspiration for his collection in the handcrafted product line of Thach Xa. Meanwhile, designer Silky Vietnam draws inspiration from Chuong village - Thanh Oai, beside the peaceful Day River...
Introducing the azure blue sky of Hue and the gentle pink hues of autumn sunshine in the ancient capital, the collection by designers Tran Thien Khanh and Viet Bao features shades of blue and pink, and imagery of imperial palace architecture...
Designer Chế Quyết Tiến's ao dai collection is a source of pride for the traditional Bat Trang pottery village. Designer Giang Đoàn draws inspiration from the distinctive features of Thanh Ha, Hai Duong, particularly the lychee tree. Designer Ngọc Hân is fortunate to have encountered Kim Hoang paintings – a famous Tet painting style that had been lost for quite some time.
"Where I Was Born" is a unique art program that primarily showcases the beauty of the traditional Vietnamese ao dai dress, incorporating musical performances praising the homeland and other activities.
Designer Laura-Chula's collection depicts Laura and Diego's journey from their two beloved homes, Spain and Vietnam. Chula shared that these are "shirts that, for the first time, travel through iconic churches and parks of Spain, including Santiago De Compostela, The Alhambra, Park Güell, The Sagrada Familia, and the Great Mosque of Cordoba."
Designer Minh Hạnh said: "I was born in the misty city of Pleiku. My memories are filled with the vibrant colors of brocade fabrics and the gentle, deep eyes of the ethnic people. The city is high in the mountains, close to the sky. The streets are not far apart, so it's a city of close friendship. Pleiku, then and now, remains the same for me: peaceful, quiet, and full of the warmth of its people."
Organizing Committee and designers
Designers Hue Thi, Nguyen Thuy, Trung Beret, Minh Hanh, Cong Huan, and Cao Duy showcased designs that reflected the rustic beauty and cultural diversity of ethnic minorities, the green of the mountains and hills, and the cherry blossoms of Quang Nam, Dak Lak, Pleiku, and Ho Chi Minh City.
A highlight of the evening's performance was the 3D mapping light show combined with a traditional ao dai fashion show, offering the audience a range of emotions. The program featured many artists, singers, and figures dedicated to the art of ao dai fashion for many years, creating a magnificent and beautiful evening of color and music. Many layers of the rich cultural heritage of various regions of Vietnam were explored and expressed.
