On the evening of April 13th, the large-scale cultural event “Vietnamese Elegance,” organized by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Women’s Union, the Vietnam Ao Dai Club, and other collaborating organizations, took place at the Women’s Development Support Center in Hanoi.
The program commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South, the reunification of Vietnam (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025).
From the outset, the program was filled with emotion as Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam’s “Vietnamese Elegance” collection was presented.
Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam and the artists participating in the “Vietnamese Elegance” program. (Photo: Organizing Committee).
Inspired by the dove symbol in the logo of the Vietnam Women’s Union, representing peace, freedom, and love, each áo dài tells the story of Vietnamese women – gentle yet steadfast, preserving their identity while embracing integration.
The designs impressed with traditional hand-stitching techniques combined with modern 8D printing technology. Delicate dove motifs were intricately woven onto each garment, creating an exquisite visual experience.
The collection not only celebrates the beauty of the áo dài but also affirms the aesthetic prowess and modern design thinking of Vietnamese fashion.
Miss International Thanh Thuy participating in the collection showcase. (Photo: Organizing Committee).
Behind the success of the program lies the meticulous preparation of Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam. He shared that this was not just a fashion show, but also a launchpad for his large 2025 project, “Ao Dai – The Symbol of Vietnamese Women,” developed in collaboration with the Vietnam Women’s Union.
The project aims to spread love for the áo dài, establish a distinctive cultural symbol, and train áo dài tailoring skills for the community, ensuring the áo dài truly lives in daily life, not just formal events.
The “Vietnamese Elegance” collection impressed with its hand-embroidered and modern 8D printed designs featuring doves, symbolizing peace and integration. (Photo: Organizing Committee).
“I want every Vietnamese woman to own at least one áo dài. When that happens, the world will recognize that: The áo dài belongs to Vietnam,” Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam expressed his passion.
Over the years, Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam has leveraged his innovative “square-cut áo dài” design to open over 15 free vocational training courses for tens of thousands of women across all 63 provinces and cities. These courses are organized in partnership with reputable organizations.
Responding to practical needs, he chose to empower women by teaching skills rather than giving handouts. Courses that previously cost hundreds of thousands of dollars are now offered for free or at a nominal fee.
This has given many students the opportunity to learn a trade, confidently start their own áo dài design and tailoring businesses locally. Many have become renowned designers, organizing fashion shows, or taking orders for major events like International Women’s Day and Vietnamese Women’s Day.
This has not only improved their incomes but also restored their confidence and affirmed their worth through their craft. Some áo dài designs by the students are worth tens of thousands of dollars.
“I do this not to prove anything about myself, but because I believe true value does not need to be proven. The more we give, the more we receive things that money cannot buy,” Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam shared.
Designers from the “Start-up from Ao Dai” program showcasing their collections rich in national heritage. (Photo: Organizing Committee).
In essence, instead of keeping his knowledge to himself, Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam chose to share it, fostering the community, spreading his passion, and elevating the value of Vietnam’s fashion industry. For him, the greatest value lies not just in the áo dài itself, but in the transformation of women’s lives as they find opportunities and a place in their traditional craft.
“Whatever you do, especially áo dài design, you must honor cultural values, personal values, and community values. Don’t do it just for yourself. When you create value for others, society will give you lasting success,” advised Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam.
Source link: https://dantri.com.vn/giai-tri/huong-sac-viet-nam-dau-an-moi-tu-nha-thiet-ke-do-trinh-hoai-nam-20250416091223872.htm
