Charming Vietnam to show off the nation’s signature garment
Thanh Nien Daily, Vietnam
In an interview to Thanh Nien, veterans Vo Viet Chung and Si Hoang and talented youngster Thuan Viet also spoke about their innovative new collections – in terms of new shapes and materials.
Phuong Saigon, Chung’s collection, inspired by the famous film Nguoi My tram lang (The Quiet American), uses homemade silks with designs and colors typical of the 1940s-50s.
Chung said his clothes combined classic and modern styles.
Si Hoang, hoping to make the ao dai more acceptable outside its homeland, has modeled them after jeans, T-Shirts, and chemises.
Themed Suc song moi (New vitality), Hoang’s collection seeks to make the point that, whatever it is worn with, the ao dai can adapt but still remain distinct.
Viet said his Hoa thuy tinh (Glass Flower) collection was inspired by afternoon rains and dews. His silk-and-lace dresses are decorated with crystals, pearls, and hand-made embroidery.
Charming Vietnam (Duyen dang Viet Nam), begun in 1994, aims to raise funds for the Nguyen Thai Binh Scholarship Fund for economically disadvantaged students.
Its 18th edition will be held in Singapore’s Esplanade Concert Hall on Aug. 18-19.
