Theatre artists are taking part in the special project, Việt Phục (Vietnamese Royal Costumes), that replicates traditional Vietnamese clothes worn by royalty of various dynasties. Photo courtesy of the producer

HCM CITY — Theatre artists are taking part in a special project that replicates traditional Vietnamese clothes worn by royalty of various dynasties.

The project, Việt Phục (Vietnamese Royal Costumes), introduces traditional costumes in the later Lê Dynasty (1437 to 1471) and Nguyễn Dynasty (1802-1945). It was created to help Vietnamese people, particularly youth, at home and abroad learn more about the country’s history and culture. 

It was launched by fashion designer Lê Long Dũng and his partners.  

Famous artists in cải lương (reformed opera), the 100-year-old traditional art in the south, including People’s Artist Bạch Tuyết, were invited to join the project. 

Photos of the artists in traditional costumes made by experts will be introduced to the public through a series of exhibitions and photo books this year. 

“Our project is not about Vietnamese clothes. It’s about culture. Through our photos, we hope to introduce Việt Nam, its history and culture to the world,” said the project’s leader and fashion designer Dũng.

People’s Artist Bạch Tuyết, a guru of cải lương (reformed opera), is in royal dress that she once wore on stage. Photo courtesy of the producer

Dũng and his staff have researched many Vietnamese and Asian documentaries, books, paintings and sculptures. They have also worked with cultural researchers and historians. 

They spent two weeks making a dress for a eunuch and two months for a coat for the Queen. Each costume is worth around several million đồng. 

Shooting is ongoing and 200 photos are expected to be captured. 

“I’m very happy to join Dũng’s project. I hope his project will enhance young people’s love and knowledge about Vietnamese culture,” said cải lương guru Bạch Tuyết, who has more than 40 years of experience in the industry.

Tuyết wore royal costumes that she once used in famous historical plays. She spent several weeks on the photo shoot. 

The project, Việt Phục (Vietnamese Royal Costumes), which introduces traditional costumes in the later Lê Dynasty (1437 to 1471) and Nguyễn Dynasty (1802-1945), was created to help Vietnamese at home and abroad learn more about the country’s history and culture. Photo courtesy of the producer

According to Dũng, the performance by Tuyết left a strong impression on his staff. “Her photos are beautiful and lively. Viewers can see cải lương performers in costumes as well as learn more about the art."

Dũng and his staff are working to display a part of their photos in May in HCM City, including dozens of royal clothes used for the project. VNS