The fusion of the ao dai and kimono.

On the afternoon of October 12th, the Vietnam Women's Museum, in collaboration with the Vietnam Ao Dai Heritage Club and several other organizations, held the "Vietnam-Japan Autumn Colors" event, showcasing and promoting the exchange of Vietnamese Ao Dai and Japanese kimono.

The event aims to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (1973-2023); the 93rd anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam Women's Union (1930-2023) and Vietnamese Women's Day; and the 24th anniversary of Hanoi being honored by UNESCO as a "City for Peace" (1999-2023).

Designer Nguyen Lan Vy and kimono expert Junko Sophie Kakizaki showcased their collection at the event. (Photo: Le An)

In her opening remarks at the event, Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Huong, Vice President of the Vietnam Women's Union, stated that over the years, the Union has organized numerous activities and programs to honor the Vietnamese ao dai, affirming it as a Vietnamese cultural heritage.

According to Ms. Huong, it's even more wonderful that the Vietnamese ao dai (traditional dress) is paired with the Japanese kimono to tell a cultural story through the skillful hands and heartfelt appreciation for national heritage of designer Nguyen Lan Vy and kimono expert Junko Sophie Kakizaki. They are cultural ambassadors contributing to spreading national values ​​and essence in a special way.

The Vice President of the Vietnam Women's Union also expressed her delight that the Vietnam Women's Museum has always received much love, respect, and support from individuals, organizations, and units to jointly fulfill its mission of spreading cultural values ​​and building a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Huong believes that the event will continue to open up opportunities and possibilities for future cooperation with meaningful exchange programs to follow.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Huong, Vice President of the Vietnam Women's Union, delivered the opening speech at the event. (Photo: Le An)

"Autumn Colors of Vietnam and Japan" showcases the graceful, elegant, and vibrant beauty of traditional Vietnamese ao dai and Japanese kimono, modeled by professional models.

Designer Nguyen Lan Vy's two collections of Vietnamese brocade and silk ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses) feature 10 ao dai designs made from brocade and silk fabrics. Inspired by these luxurious materials, the dresses are adorned with delicate, artistic floral patterns created by the talented artists of the Ao Dai Show.

The designs are inspired by traditional Vietnamese culture, sacred mythical creatures like the dragon and phoenix from ancient legends, and the image of the golden bronze drums of Vietnam. In addition, the lotus flower, the national flower of Vietnam, is also incorporated into each ao dai design by the designer.

Kimono expert Junko Sophia Kakizaki's Four Seasons of Japan collection comprises 10 kimonos that are works of art reflecting the natural beauty and distinctive colors of Japan.

The costumes showcase unique traditional dyeing, painting, and embroidery techniques passed down through generations of Japanese people, featuring motifs of waves, cranes, and the beauty of seasonal flowers such as chrysanthemums and cherry blossoms.

During the Q&A session, designer Nguyen Lan Vy and expert Junko Sophia Kakizaki shared their inspiration for creating designs and their journey in honoring the traditional cultural heritage values ​​of the nation.

Notably, the event also included a ceremony to receive kimono costumes donated to the Vietnam Women's Museum by expert Junko Sophia Kakizaki.

The kimono, chosen and gifted by the Japanese expert, possesses high cultural and artistic value, having been created, passed down, and preserved within the family of expert Junko Sophia Kakizaki for many generations.

Here, guests can also learn about kimonos, experience wearing yukata, immerse themselves in the stunning autumnal beauty of Vietnam and Japan, and capture many memorable moments in the vibrant and colorful check-in space.

During this period, the "Autumn Colors of Vietnam and Japan" exhibition will be open to the public until October 20th.

Here are some beautiful photos from the event :

A performance in Japanese by Vietnamese students. (Photo: Le An)

Kimono collection by expert Junko Sophia Kakizaki. (Photo: Le An)

A collection of traditional Vietnamese dresses (áo dài) by designer Nguyễn Lan Vy. (Photo: Lê An)

Traditional Vietnamese ao dai and kimono dresses showcased their beauty at the event. (Photo: Le An)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/sac-thu-viet-nhat-cuoc-giao-luu-giua-ao-dai-va-kimono-245883.html