HCM CITY — More than 3,000 women in áo dài (Vietnamese traditional dress) yesterday joined a parade along Nguyễn Huệ walking street in downtown HCM City, showcasing the beauty of the most elegant and graceful dress for Vietnamese women.

Participants, including city authorities, beauty pageant winners, celebrities and local residents, wore áo dài made of different designs, patterns and materials. 

They formed the shape of a giant tree to promote the national costume and the development of a green, clean and beautiful city.

The event was the highlight of the sixth annual Áo Dài Festival in HCM City, which is being held from March 2-17.

Hundreds of artists and models showcased 17 new collections of áo dài by renowned designers during the opening ceremony held on Saturday night.

A total of 123 individuals, including 100 women and 23 men, and nine teams competed in the final round of the “Charming Áo Dài HCM City 2019” contest that took place yesterday night.

Nearly 500 people took part in the contest, which kicked off on January 15.

During the festival, 26 designers and 16 ambassadors will introduce new áo dài collections featuring diverse styles and materials, and promote the charm and elegant beauty of the áo dài.

Ambassadors for the festival include Miss Universe H’Hen Niê, the second runner-up of Miss Universe 2015 Đặng Thị Lệ Hằng, singers Nguyễn Phi Hùng, Kyo York, and Chí Thiện, veteran artists Kim Xuân, Trịnh Kim Chi and Quế Trân, and MC Quỳnh Hoa.

MC Quỳnh Hoa said that she felt lucky to wear an áo dài made by famous designers and noted that she had worn more than 1,000 áo dài in shows and events at home and abroad.

“I feel a glow of national pride whenever I wear an áo dài,” she said.

The festival, whose theme is “Charming Áo Dài HCM City”, will also feature a series of activities, including exhibitions and seminars on áo dài fabrics.  — VNS