The ao dai has become a stepping stone for Vietnamese women starting their own businesses.

(Dan Tri) - According to designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam, the spread of ao dai over the past decade shows that cultural heritage can absolutely become an economic driving force.

At the conference summarizing the project "Supporting Women's Entrepreneurship in the period 2017 - 2025," designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam - Vice President of the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association - shared noteworthy insights about the journey to spread the ao dai more widely in the community.

At the same time, he affirmed that the ao dai is becoming a cultural force, a support system that helps women confidently build their careers.

Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam contributes to the strong spread of Vietnamese ao dai (Photo: Character provided).

He said that throughout his many years in the profession, what troubled him most was not the unfinished collections, but the life stories behind each ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress).

"I believe that when women have a profession, they open another door to freedom. The ao dai not only makes them more beautiful but also helps them stand firmer. I remember many women in rural and mountainous areas. They started with an old sewing machine, paying off debts while raising their children and sending them to school."

"Each completed ao dai is not just a product, but a new chapter in their lives. It is these chapters that prevent me from stopping," designer Trinh Hoai Nam shared.

Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam has organized many training classes on tailoring ao dai (Photo: Character provided).

According to the designer, the period from 2017 to 2025 is a crucial milestone in affirming that the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) is not only a cultural heritage but also a serious profession capable of creating sustainable livelihoods.

From small workshops to international runways, this journey sends the message that the ao dai can emerge from the artisan's home and shine in the world's spotlight.

"What I'm most proud of is that more and more women are daring to put their names on the products they make themselves, no longer standing silently behind the sewing machine," he said.

When discussing the role of tailoring traditional Vietnamese dresses (áo dài) for women in rural, mountainous, or disadvantaged areas, designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam believes it is a job that brings many practical benefits.

"In many localities, a sewing machine placed in the corner of a house can become a small business. It gives them the opportunity to work near their children and parents while still earning an income and being respected."

"When women feel useful, they stand tall and look at life with a different perspective. Therefore, we always hope to have more resources, more classes, and more opportunities for those who are most easily overlooked," he shared.

Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam (Photo: Provided by character).

Looking ahead to the 2026-2035 period, the designer believes that the ecosystem supporting women to start ao dai businesses needs to reach a new level. Not just stopping at teaching sewing, the bigger goal is to help women become economic masters of the products they create.

"Women today need to both preserve the Vietnamese spirit in the ao dai and know how to apply technology, social networks, fairs, and catwalks to bring products to the market. I hope the association will become a bridge between cultural values ​​and economic opportunities, helping Vietnamese women confidently overcome their limits," he said.

Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam also encouraged women who are or are about to start their business journey.

"Starting a business is not about proving yourself better than anyone else, but about living up to your own values. Choosing the ao dai as your career path is choosing a career that requires skillful hands and a steadfast heart. Don't be afraid to start late, don't be afraid to go slowly. If you take a small step every day without giving up, the ao dai will become a very solid support," he advised.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giai-tri/ao-dai-tro-thanh-diem-tua-cho-phu-nu-viet-khoi-nghiep-20251209225309832.htm