Ao Dai Remains Timeless Elegance

Ao dai is not simply a type of national costume; It also contains a rich history of cultural traditions, philosophy, concepts of aesthetics, art, consciousness and national spirit of the Vietnamese people. The following is shares from Writer Elena Pucillo Truong about Ao Dai.

When did you fall in love with Ao dai?

Maybe when I met my husband - writer Truong Van Dan.

Many years ago, we first met each other since he was a Vietnamese student studying abroad in Italy. He told me a lot about Ao dai. He showed me pictures of high-school students in white Ao dai walking leisurely while holding their bikes after school. These pictures, which were taken by my husband when he was a university student in Vietnam, touched my heart.

I had my first Ao dai when I got married to him in Vietnam in 1985. I also saw my friend wearing Ao dai on her wedding day in Italy. She had ordered the Ao dai on a trip to Vietnam. Ao dai in white or with beautiful patterns always makes wearers look formal and attractive.

Although I have lived in Vietnam for many years, I am still a fan of Ao dai.

In your opinion, what are the features of Ao dai?

Ao dai is Vietnam’s traditional costume. The white ao dai makes a transformation from a little girl to a young lady, while the red one on wedding day marks the beginning of family life.

On important occasions or at banquets, ladies in ao dai like “Queen” as the traditional long dress has the richness of embroidery and many colors based on fabrics. Especially, two pieces of it swaying in the wind looks like a dance of lights.

At first glance, Ao dai seems similar to other traditional costumes from other Asian countries, but when its two pieces that fit women’s bodies move in the wind, the women’s  appearance is more elegant and lightsome, which is one of the unique features of Ao dai.

If Ao dai becomes world’s heritage, what do you expect?

I visited the museum of Ao dai in HCMC where I can see how the traditional costume has changed over time.

Although fashion changes, Ao dai remains its gorgeous beauty and is always appreciated by people around the world. I have attended a wedding ceremony in Italy where the bride wore Ao dai decorated with pearls. So, I believe that Ao dai not only is a costume but also represents the timeless elegant beauty of Vietnam.

Thank you for your sharing.

Saigon New Day

Từ khóa : Áo dài, trang phục dân tộc, lịch sử truyền thống văn hóa, Nhà văn Elena Pucilo Truong