Elegance and aesthetics: An áo dài design by Trịnh Hoàng Diệu, younger sister of the late composer Trịnh Công Sơn. – VNS File photo

HCM CITY – As a response to the third HCM City Áo Dài Festival, relatives of composer Trịnh Công Sơn are hosting a one-week festival which kicked off on Monday at Nguyễn Văn Bình Book Street in downtown HCM City, honouring a collection of áo dài designs inspired by songs of the composer.

The “Áo Dài Week-Cultural Bridge” are exhibiting 10 women’s traditional robes designed by Trịnh Hoàng Diệu, the younger sister of the late composer. Each one was inspired by a song.

“The áo dài is not only a kind of costume, but also a work of art that requires elegance and aesthetics,” Diệu said. “My heart always stirs whenever I paint on áo dài.”

Diệu has chosen to paint her designs on brocade and silk. Her paintings mostly honour conjugal affection.

Also on show is an exclusive issue of Thư tình gửi một người (Love Letter to a Person), a book of letters and images Sơn sent to Ngô Vũ Dao Ánh, the leading female character in most of his songs composed in the 1964-1989 period.

Visitors can also view paintings of the composer by a Canadian painter at the festival, and listen to Sơn’s well-known songs performed by singers Đức Tuấn, Thanh Bùi, and others at an evening of music on Friday. – VNS