Designer Hoàng Ly (left) is pictured with Beauty Queen of Vietnamese Áo Dài 2022, Lại Thị Hải Lý, in the áo dài. Photo courtesy of the designer

HÀ NỘI An áo dài (Vietnamese traditional dress) named Dấu Ấn Thời Gian, or The Imprints of Time, by the Hoàng Ly Fashion Company has set a national record for the highest number of intricate patterns. The design was awarded by the Vietnam Book of Records.

The organisation noted the 189m-long silk áo dài for being embellished with the highest number of intricate and ancient Vietnamese patterns and designs at 468, created with both crystals and 3D printing techniques.

The highlight of this record-breaking design are the ancient patterns inspired by 17th-century architectural engravings combined with mother-of-pearl inlays on high-quality silk.

Fifteen designers and artisans from Hà Nội’s Thường Tín District have made the áo dài over the last five months.

After putting together the base of the dress, the artists began drawing ancient Vietnamese patterns to be printed on it. They then embroidered and embellished the patterns with crystals. This is the most time-consuming part of the process as it requires meticulous attention to detail.

According to designer Hoàng Ly, the áo dài was her biggest challenge to date. "For five long months, we had to mobilise our collaborators to work together to bring this project to life," she told dantri.vn.

“The record-breaking ái dài, with a length of 189 metres, is not simply lifeless fabric, but is adorned with many intricate and ancient Vietnamese patterns and designs, along with sparkling crystals, creating a brilliant shine.”

"It aims to honour the beauty of Vietnamese cultural heritage and traditional identity," she added.

With such meaning, Ly has selected Lại Thị Hải Lý, the Beauty Queen of Vietnamese Áo Dài 2022, as the first model to present the creation to the public.

The design will be showcased at tourist attractions in Việt Nam after setting the record to promote the cultural heritage of the country to domestic and international visitors. VNS

The 189m-long silk áo dài sets the national record for being embellished with the highest number of intricate and ancient Vietnamese patterns. Photo courtesy of the designer