Miss Thuỳ Dung, together with many models and businesswomen, participated in the catwalk session. VNS Photo An Phương

Many designs inspired from Lemur Áo Dài by artist Nguyễn Cát Tường were introduced by designer Sĩ Hoàng at the event. VNS Photo An Phương

The launching ceremony for the Institute of Vietnamese Costumes was held on October 14 at the HCM City Museum. VNS Photo An Phương

HCM CITY – The Institute of Vietnamese Costumes has officially launched with a mission to honour and preserve the beauty of Vietnamese clothing.

The opening ceremony, held at the HCM City Museum, was attended by many cultural experts, lecturers, businesspeople, and popular artists.

According to Prof. Nguyễn Khắc Thuần, head of the institute, the institute’s establishment aims to promote traditional clothing via many activities including compiling, translating and collecting in-depth documents on Vietnamese costumes and ethnic minorities, and restoring and developing innovative outfits based on traditional values that are suited to modern life.

The institute will also work with other cultural institutes and universities with fashion faculties and invite their students to intern and do research at the institute.

Speaking at the event, the institute's Deputy Head, designer Sỹ Hoàng, emphasised that a piece of traditional clothing can tell a lot about certain period in history.

He introduced a collection of áo dài called “Sắc Lemur”, which marked an era in which the áo dài had a modern take inspired by bold Western details.

This trend was once pioneered by artist Nguyễn Cát Tường, he said, adding that he and his team were trying their best to restore Tường’s designs with the help of Nguyễn Trọng Hiền, Tường’s son, who lives in the US.

“I hope that from now on, with future events, all the women participating will not forget the Lemur áo dài which can showcase your beauty in the most graceful way,” he added.

In addition to the launching event, the Institute of Vietnamese Costumes earlier held a seminar on the apparel of Đàng Trong (Inner Land of Việt Nam). VNS