Connecting heritage through the language of ao dai of the young generation

Speaking at the program, Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Tourism Nguyen Tran Quang emphasized: “Each collection is not only a fashion work, but also a story, a way to reread tradition in the language of the young generation. Through the competition, we not only find new talents for the design industry but also sow in the hearts of young people a love for national heritage.”

After many months of implementation, the Organizing Committee has received hundreds of applications from students of universities in Hanoi. Through the preliminary round, 10 best collections were selected to perform in the final night, representing schools such as Hanoi National University, Hanoi Open University, University of Economics and Technology, Hoa Binh University, Hanoi University of Architecture...

As a result, the first prize of “Heritage Essence” went to the collection “Thousand years of flowing water, life flourishes” by students of the University of Industrial Economics and Technology. Other collections were highly appreciated for their creativity, applicability and profound cultural messages, clearly demonstrating the spirit of innovation while still preserving the traditional features.

Photo caption — Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Tourism Nguyen Tran Quang spoke at the final night of the 2025 Ao Dai Design Contest.

According to the rules, the entries must be original, honoring Vietnamese cultural values through materials, shapes, patterns and creative stories. Contestants are guaranteed intellectual property rights; at the same time, they are responsible for preserving traditional customs and national identity in each design.

Closing the final night, the Ao Dai not only shone on the catwalk but also opened a new journey, a journey to preserve the soul of heritage with a modern breath, where Hanoi youth contributed to continuing the story of Vietnamese Ao Dai in the new era.