A model in áo dài designed by Sĩ Hoàng performs at the Việt Nam-Japan Cultural Exchange programme about áo dài and the traditional Japanese craft of Tsumami Zaiku, one of several cultural activities held during the Áo Dài Festival. —VNS Photo Thu Hằng |
HCM CITY — More than 100,000 visitors attended various cultural and art activities held in HCM City during the annual Áo Dài Festival that wrapped up on Sunday.
The festival was organised by the city’s Department of Tourism in coordination with the city’s Women’s Union, starting from March 2.
This year, 26 renowned áo dài designers and 16 ambassadors who are artists, Vietnamese beauty queens and celebrities joined to inspire the public with the love of the national costume.
During the two weeks of the festival, 15 activities and programmes took place at different tourist attractions, schools and public places.
More than 4,000 entries were submitted to the photo contest, Ảnh Đẹp Áo Dài (Beautiful Images of Áo Dài) from February 15 to March 10.
The “Charming Áo Dài HCM City 2019” contest held from January 15 to March 3 attracted more than 2,600 Vietnamese and foreign candidates.
More than 400 áo dài tailors and fashion shops offered discounts during the festival.
A total of 5,000 áo dài dresses and fabrics were given to members of HCM City Women’s Association and female workers in the city during the festival.
Since its inception in 2014, the festival has increased tourism and honoured and preserved the beauty and grace of áo dài, the most elegant and graceful dress for Vietnamese women. . —VNS