Preserving identity and spreading Vietnamese heritage through the Ao Dai

On August 9, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association was officially launched, marking a new step forward in the effort to preserve, promote and spread the value of the ao dai.

The Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association was launched to contribute to preserving, promoting and spreading the value of Ao Dai. Photo: HUAN TRAN

Speaking at the event, Dr. Dang Thi Bich Lien, President of the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association, stated that Ao Dai is not only closely associated with Vietnam's cultural, artistic and historical life, but also reaches beyond borders, becoming a "cultural ambassador" on fashion shows, beauty pageants and international events.

In the context of integration, the ao dai both preserves traditional values ​​and constantly innovates to keep up with the times.

Launching of the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association. Photo: HUAN TRAN

Ms. Bich Lien said that the ao dai is now rich in style, material and creativity, but still has a strong identity, which needs to be preserved and developed in line with trends.

The Association will focus on in-depth research, connecting cultural industries with technology, attracting female entrepreneurs, supporting designers, manufacturing enterprises, silk weavers, etc. to form creative value chains.

Some ideas have been proposed, such as coordinating with relic sites to organize " Ao Dai wearing days"... to both promote tourism and create income for artisans.

Ao dai performance at the launching ceremony of the Vietnam Ao Dai Association. Photo: HUAN TRAN

Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam said that the establishment of the association will create a new position for Vietnamese designers in the international arena, while opening up opportunities for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to gradually become regional "fashion capitals".

The Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association aims to become a bridge bringing together artisans, designers, researchers and the ao dai-loving community.

The core tasks of the association include: researching and preserving the historical and artistic values ​​of the ao dai; promoting the image of the ao dai at home and abroad; connecting creative forces to form a "creative cultural ecosystem" associated with the ao dai; advising on policies to support, honor and bring the ao dai into education, communication, and cultural diplomacy; building a repository of documents serving research and education.

Previously, on the afternoon of August 8, the first Congress of the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association, term 2025 - 2030, elected an Executive Committee of 41 members and a Standing Committee of 11 members.

Dr. Dang Thi Bich Lien, former Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, holds the position of President of the Association; Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam is the Permanent Vice President; the Vice Presidents include Ms. Khuc Thi Dau (also General Secretary), Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Vy, Ms. Hoang Thi Ngoc Mai, Ms. Phung Thi Thu Thuy and designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam.

The Association was established under Decision No. 579/QD-BNV dated June 9, 2025 of the Ministry of Home Affairs, operating as a legal entity, with its own seal and account, with financial autonomy, complying with current regulations and laws, under the state management of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

MAI AN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/gin-giu-ban-sac-lan-toa-di-san-viet-qua-ta-ao-dai-post807588.html