The sight of the city on the Sài Gòn River inspired the 'Ngọc Viễn Đông' (Pearl of the Far East) collection. — Photo courtesy of HCM City Áo Dài Festival

HCM CITY — One of the most eye-catching features of this year's HCM City Áo Dài Festival which opened on the weekend was the collection of áo dài (traditional long dress) by designer Đỗ Trịnh Hoài Nam, who drew inspiration from the Sài Gòn River's natural beauty.

The collection, which is titled Ngọc Viễn Đông (Pearl of the Far East), was created especially for the festival with the goal of promoting tourism along the Sài Gòn River to local and international audiences.

Apart from the imagery of the city on the Sài Gòn River, Nam added that the lotus flower inspired the collection.

The lotus, which has long stood for tradition, now illuminated in colours that were fresh and modern.

Hundreds of artists from traditional embroidery villages in Thường Tín District, Hà Nội, spent thousands of hours of hard labour bringing this collection to life using sophisticated hand-embroidering methods.

The mosaic-inspired designs and intricate handiwork of the velvet and silk fabrics used in this collection provided the impression of luxury and elegance.

The collection was created especially for the festival with the goal of promoting tourism along the Sài Gòn River. — Photo courtesy of HCM City Áo Dài Festival

Together with preserving cultural heritage, the fusion of contemporary and historical methods resulted in stylish, cutting-edge áo dài.

Designer Nam also took on the role of áo dài ambassador, working with the organiser to carry out promotional activities for the national garment within the framework of the 2023 HCM City Áo Dài Festival.

Designer Đỗ Trịnh Hoài Nam during the collection showcase. He took part in this year's Áo Dài festival as a designer and áo dài ambassador. — Photo courtesy of HCM City Áo Dài Festival

The festival will take place in HCM City throughout March with a wide range of cultural activities

One of the highlights of the event will be a seminar entitled “Beauty of Vietnamese Áo Dài-Conservation and Development” which is designed for female Consul Generals, spouses of Consul Generals and officials working at diplomatic missions, friendship associations and non-governmental organisations in the city.

Many activities relating to the festival will be held at historical and cultural relic sites and tourist destinations, aiming to promote HCM City as a safe destination with fascinating daily life. VNS