Đoàn Thị Trúc Linh, co-founder of the zero-đồng Áo Dài Store, carefully selects and arranges donated áo dài at her shop in Thủ Đức City. — VNS Photo Xuân Đăng

Xuân Đăng

HCM CITY — In Việt Nam, áo dài is more than just a traditional long-sleeved tunic worn with loose trousers – it is a symbol of beauty, grace, and resilience.

Recognising its deep cultural significance, sisters Đoàn Thị Nguyệt and Đoàn Thị Trúc Linh founded the zero-đồng Áo Dài Store in Thủ Đức City (HCM City) to ensure that every woman, regardless of financial circumstances, can wear this cherished national garment with pride.

Located at 155 Đặng Văn Bi, Trường Thọ Ward, Thủ Đức City, the store is open every Thursday, from 9am to 7pm, offering a welcoming space where áo dài are donated, refurbished, and given a second life, allowing more women to embrace their heritage.

According to Linh, the idea for the store came before the COVID-19 pandemic, when she and her sister, both experienced in tailoring, noticed that many women struggled to afford an áo dài, while others had unused ones sitting in their closets. However, due to pandemic-related challenges, it wasn’t until 2022 that they were finally able to open the shop and turn their vision into reality.

The store collects used áo dài in various styles, sizes, and colours from generous donors. Each garment is carefully restored before being offered – free of charge – to women facing financial hardship, including lottery ticket vendors, manual laborers, and others in need.

Nguyệt, Linh, and their team of volunteers work tirelessly to clean, repair, and organise the donated áo dài, ensuring that each dress is in excellent condition before being given away.

The shop has received contributions from a wide range of donors. Some have donated their treasured wedding áo dài, passing on cherished memories to others. Additionally, an interior designer volunteered to provide shelves and cabinets, helping to display the dresses beautifully.

In just two years, the store has shared more than 10,000 áo dài with women not only in HCM City but also across many other provinces.

The initiative has deeply impacted the lives of many.

Nguyễn Thị Hà, a visitor from Củ Chi District, expressed her appreciation.

She said: “This is such a meaningful place. Thanks to this initiative, many people, including myself, have the opportunity to wear a beautiful áo dài.”

Similarly, Trần Thị Phượng, who discovered the shop through a friend, shared her gratitude, adding: “I came here for the first time after being introduced by a friend. This store is truly special because it allows more people to experience the beauty of our traditional áo dài.”

Through kindness and community spirit, the zero-đồng Áo Dài Store continues to empower women, preserve cultural heritage, and spread joy – one áo dài at a time. — VNS