Anna Hoàng (centre) with models in her latest áo dài designs of Việt Nam-UK Colours collection. Photos courtesy of Anna Hoàng

LONDON – UK-based Vietnamese teenager Anna Hoàng has launched a new áo dài (Vietnamese traditional long dress) collection to promote Vietnamese culture and diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and the UK.

Fifty áo dài sets of Love Collection brand for adults and children have been displayed at a fundraising event for UNICEF and the Southeast and East Asian Centre (SEEAC) at St Andrew's university.

Themed Việt Nam-UK Colours, the collection is meant to celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and the UK and convey the 13-year-old designer’s love to both nations.

Patterns inspired by the iconic symbols of the two countries, such as the lotus, Tudor rose, and famous destinations like Hà Nội, Hội An, Huế, London, Tower Bridge, and Big Ben, are used to decorate 25 designs for adults. Furthermore, 25 designs for children all have blue colour that symbolises sustainability and a bright future, matching the key theme for this year’s special anniversary of the UK-Việt Nam relation - Building For The Future.

The collection celebrates the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and the UK and the 13-year-old designer’s love for both nations.

Anna’s áo dài designs opened Segment ONE of the House of iKons Fashion Week 2023 on February 18, drawing the attention of designers and fashion magazines in the United Kingdom.

The House of iKons Fashion Week was held within the framework of the prestigious London Fashion Week in February and September annually. This season attracted the participation of 500 models and 28 designers from various countries, including Việt Nam, the US, Italy, Finland, the UK, Thailand and the Philippines.

The young fashion designer has also been invited to attend the UK Festival in Việt Nam in September. She wishes to continue introducing Vietnamese traditional long dress in particular and culture in general at more events not only in the UK and Việt Nam but also in other countries such as the US and Canada.

Love Collection was founded in 2019 by the duo Anna Hoàng and Emily Nguyễn to honour and promote Vietnamese culture through the traditional costumes of Vietnamese women. The designers wish to spread and inspire love globally with the name Love Collection. VNS

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