Collections of áo dài by Vietnamese designers are showcased on stage at the opening ceremony of the HCM City Áo Dài Festival 2026 on March 6. Photo courtesy of the HCM City Department of Tourism

HCM CITY — Nearly 400 áo dài designs of 37 designers and 600 actors, models, ambassadors from various fields are participating in the 12th HCM City Áo Dài Festival that opened in HCM City on Friday.

Jointly organised by the HCM City Department of Tourism and the HCM City Women’s Union, the annual event themed “Golden Threads – Weaving Aspirations” features 17 main activities throughout March.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, vice chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Trần Thị Diệu Thúy, said the festival had become the city’s established cultural and tourism event.

It promotes the image of the city as dynamic, creative, and globally integrated, according to Thuý.

As the city’s distinctive cultural and tourism product, the festival celebrates the cultural depth of the Vietnamese áo dài and helps boost tourism.

It will continue to play a role in promoting sustainable tourism, increasing experiential value, extending the length of stay, and enhancing the competitiveness of the destination.

Beyond a fashion showcase, the event has embedded the áo dài deeply in social life, from offices and schools to community and diplomatic activities while promoting the image of a dynamic, creative, and culturally rich city.

The highlight of the festival is folk dance performances with áo dài and áo dài parades at various areas in the city with the participation of more than 50,000 people.

An exhibition showcasing Vietnamese áo dài designs is being held at Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street, featuring artistic installations and display areas linking the áo dài with tourism, cuisine, and handicrafts.

The Export Showroom at 92 - 96 Nguyễn Huệ Street is designed as a free áo dài experience space where visitors can try on áo dài, take photos, and learn about the historical development of áo dài through different periods from March 6 to 8.

The áo dài designs are displayed at Bến Thành Metro Station and Opera House Metro Station, allowing visitors to take photos and experience the beauty of the áo dài in the city downtown. —VNS