Recently, the launching event of the third season of Vietnam Heritage Áo dài Fest took place in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring 50 renowned áo dài designers. One of the highlights of the event was the display of the ‘Đăng quang’ áo dài, worn by the late singer Phi Nhung, designed by Trần Tâm Tâm. This design drew inspiration from the image of a sacred flame, symbolizing the transmission of legacy to future generations. The distinctive feature of this design lies in its hand-embroidery and hand-painting techniques.
The designer, Trần Tâm Tâm, shared that he had also created another áo dài piece called ‘Tằm vương tơ’ for Phi Nhung, using real silkworm cocoons, but unfortunately, it remains unfinished. This áo dài serves as a priceless keepsake, reminiscing about the talented singer Phi Nhung.
This event is part of the Vietnam Heritage Áo dài Fest, an initiative under the larger umbrella of the Lễ hội Thời trang Áo dài di sản Việt Nam (Vietnam Heritage Áo dài Festival). The festival is guided by the UNESCO Center for Preservation and Development of Cultural Education in Vietnam (UNESCO-CEP). The primary objective of this festival is to contribute to the preservation and honor of Vietnam’s traditional culture.
According to Mr. Huỳnh Minh Hòa, Director of VIETMISSION and Deputy Head of the festival’s organizing committee, the highlight of this year’s festival is the gathering of 50 artisans and áo dài designers. A fashion show is scheduled for October at a museum in Ho Chi Minh City, with the theme “Kiệt tác sóng đôi – Di sản đi giữa lòng di sản” (Masterpiece Duo – Heritage Walking Among Heritage).
The first two seasons of Vietnam Heritage Áo dài Fest were previously held at a 100-year-old tea factory and at the Văn miếu Trấn Biên (Trần Biên Temple of Literature). For this year’s event, models Vũ Thu Phương, nghệ sĩ Kim Tuyến, and Miss Global Vietnam 2025, Kiều Thị Thúy Hằng, will serve as image ambassadors.
In conjunction with the festival, nearly 1,000 people wearing traditional áo dài ngũ thân (five-panel áo dài) and cổ phục (traditional costumes) participated in a parade through the central streets of Ho Chi Minh City. This event demonstrated the appreciation and preservation of Vietnam’s traditional cultural heritage.
