Models show off different collections at the opening ceremony of the eighth HCM City Áo Dài Festival. — VNA/VNS Photo by Mỹ Phương

HCM CITY — More than 100 popular artists and numerous models showed off at least 300 different designs and creations as the eighth Áo Dài Festival opened last night on Nguyễn Huệ Street in District 1.

All the designs from 15 new collections by famous áo dài designers like Sĩ Hoàng, Đỗ Trịnh Hoài Nam, Liên Hương, and Võ Việt Chung were featured.

The collections highlighted the origin, heritage, aspiration and integration aspects of the dress, focusing on the theme: HCM City - the city I love.

Well-known Vietnamese áo dài designers present their new collections at the ceremony. — VNA/VNS Photo by Mỹ Phương

Performances focusing on patriotism, women and the national dress were presented by singers and dancers. 

Phan Thị Thắng, deputy chairwoman of the city People’s Committee, said the Áo Dài Festival “aims not only to attract tourists but also to contribute to preserving, honouring and promoting the traditional cultural values and the beauty and grace of áo dài.”

Thắng noted that since its 2004 debut, the festival had become the city’s signature culture and tourism event.

This year’s event also marked a strong comeback of the city’s tourism sector, she said.

The month-long festival will include an áo dài design contest, painting on áo dài contest, and a beauty contest called Charming Áo Dài. 

Dozens of photo and picture exhibitions on women in áo dài will be held at cultural centres and museums around the city as part of the festival.

The Museum of Southern Women will host an exhibition “Áo Dài Xưa Và Nay” (Áo Dài in the Past and Present), showcasing 60 documents on áo dài and designs for women from the early 19th century until now.  

The organisers are also encouraging tailor shops and fashion houses to give discounts of 5-50 per cent on the áo dài.

All attractions in the city are offering admission fee discounts for visitors wearing the áo dài. — VNS  

From the “Di Sản” (Heritage) collection. — VNA/VNS Photo by Mỹ Phương

From the “Nam Phương Làng Việt” (Southern Village) collection. — VNA/VNS Photo by Mỹ Phương

From the “Dấu Xưa” (Traits of the Past) collection.— VNA/VNS Photo by Mỹ Phương