HÀ NỘI — A fashion show presenting iconic traditional costumes of Japanese and Vietnamese women, the kimono and áo dài, will take place in Hà Nội on Saturday.

Part of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and Japan (1973-2023), the Kimono–Aodai Fashion Show has been organised by the Tokyo-based nonprofitable organisation Be-Japon in collaboration with the Japanese Embassy in Việt Nam, and the Việt Nam’s BRG Group.

Speaking at a press conference about the event, Japanese Ambassador to Việt Nam Yamada Takio said that the current relationship between Japan and Việt Nam is at its best time, not only in terms of the economy but also in sharing cultural similarities.

“Alongside the reliable political relationship between the two countries, there is a strong exchange among generations, especially the young ones in the current developing context," Takio said. "I think what lies in today's fast-growing exchange is understanding and empathy between people.”

“I hope the Kimono–Aodai Fashion Show will help the audience to learn about the similarities in traditional costumes of Japan and Việt Nam, and through that, the aesthetic conception of the two countries,” the Ambassador added.

Designer and Executive Director of Be-Japon, Kobayashi Eiko (left), Japanese Ambassador to Việt Nam Yamada Takio (centre), and BRG Group Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Nga at a press conference on the Kimono–Aodai Fashion Show. — Photo courtesy of BRG

Famous Japanese designer Kobayashi Eiko, Executive Director of Be-Japon, said the Japanese kimono and Vietnamese áo dài shared many similarities.

The fashion show on Saturday will present several unique kimonos, including more than 20 original royal ones created more than 100 years ago.

Designer Kobayashi Eiko presents an áo dài creation at the press conference on Tuesday. — VNS Photo Thúy Hằng

The event will also showcase Vietnamese áo dài made from the fabric used to make Japanese kimonos. All these special áo dài result from designer Eiko’s hard work and devotion for half a year.

“I’ve put my heart into creating Vietnamese áo dài from kimono fabric," she said. "I spent about one month completing a set of áo dài, comprising the top and matching trousers.”

According to the designer, the biggest challenge when she created Vietnamese áo dài was to figure out how to present the fabric’s main decorative patterns on the áo dài’s long trains.

“To find the kimono fabric that has suitable thinness to make áo dài is also a matter during the process,” she added.

However, despite any challenge, the designer said that she is very excited and put all her heart into creating Vietnamese áo dài to present at the upcoming event in Hà Nội.

Commented on the show, BRG Group Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Nga said: “Conducted by talented and devoted designer Kobayashi Eiko, the show will be an extraordinary cultural event where guests can enjoy beautiful creations of kimono and áo dài – two symbolic and iconic images of Japan and Việt Nam. I believe that the show will further strengthen the friendship and cooperative relationship between Japan and Việt Nam.”

BRG Group Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Nga delivers a speech at the press conference. — Photo courtesy of BRG

The Kimono–Aodai Fashion Show will take place on Saturday, with two shows at 2pm and 7pm, at the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake. The event will be live streamed on the official Facebook pages of BRG Group and Tiền Phong (Vanguard) newspaper. — VNS