“Female diplomats with Vietnamese Ao Dai”: Spreading identity, fostering cultural soft power

Delegates attending the program "Female Diplomats and Vietnamese Ao Dai"

The program took place in a solemn and warm atmosphere, coinciding with the celebration of Vietnamese Women's Day on October 20th.

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang; former Deputy Minister and President of the Network of Vietnamese Women Diplomats – Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga; Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Xuan Anh; Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy Le Thi Hong Van, along with female ambassadors, representatives of unit leaders, and a large number of female officials and staff.

Representing the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association were Dr. Dang Thi Bich Lien – former Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and President of the Association; Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam – Deputy Director of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Preservation Support Fund and Permanent Vice President of the Association; the Vice Presidents; and over 100 members.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang delivered a speech at the program.

Ao Dai - a cultural symbol in contemporary diplomacy.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang extended congratulations to female leaders, officials, and staff on October 20th, while emphasizing the enduring role of Vietnamese women in all historical periods, from nation-building and defense to national development.

According to the Deputy Minister, the contributions of female diplomatic staff "have lasting historical value and will endure over time," and are an important part of the story of Vietnam's cultural soft power on the international stage.

"We always cherish, appreciate, and thank the contributions of generations of female diplomats. I believe that you, ladies and gentlemen, will continue to write the story of Vietnam, the story of peace for the country and for the world," the Deputy Minister said.

Dr. Dang Thi Bich Lien, President of the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association, delivered a speech.

From a heritage-creative perspective, Dr. Dang Thi Bich Lien expressed her emotion upon witnessing the image of female diplomats in the ao dai: the ao dai is not just clothing but a "vibrant cultural work, embodying the harmony between tradition and modernity, between identity and integration."

According to her, each ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) is a gentle message, "sending to international friends about an elegant, confident, and proud Vietnam."

Representing the female staff, Director Le Thi Hong Van emphasized that women in diplomacy serve as both bridges of peace and friendship and "cultural ambassadors," contributing to spreading the image of Vietnam as a country rich in identity, friendly, and integrated. She expressed gratitude for the attention and guidance of the Ministry's leadership, the support of the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association, and the designers and artisans who helped make the program a bridge connecting fashion, culture, and diplomacy.

Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy, Le Thi Hong Van, delivered a speech at the program.

Showcasing three collections: Heritage Storytelling in Silk

The highlight of the event was a performance combining fashion and cultural diplomacy. Three collections were presented: “Heritage in Hanoi” by designer Anh Thu (Ngan An Ao Dai), “Vietnam in Brocade” by designer Nguyen Lan Vy, and “Mountain Colors” by designer Han Phuong (Viet Phuong Ao Dai).

Against a backdrop of soft music, female officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confidently strode alongside professional models, creating an inspiring runway show right in the ceremony space.

“Heritage in Hanoi” evokes a leisurely stroll between the ancient traditions and the contemporary rhythm of the capital city: Bat Trang ceramic motifs, old town window frames, stone bridge arches… are subtly incorporated onto soft silk, emphasizing elegant, discreet, and luxurious silhouettes.

"Vietnam in Brocade" takes the audience on a dance of colors from brocade, silk, and satin, a combination of traditional patterns arranged exquisitely to accentuate the figure of Vietnamese women while maintaining the necessary elegance of diplomatic attire.

Showcasing a collection of traditional Vietnamese dresses (áo dài) by renowned designers.

"Mountain Colors" carries the essence of the mountainous region: warm, muted tones, stylized patterns from brocade, mountains, hills, and terraced fields… creating a coherent emphasis on the message about regional cultural diversity.

The combination of models and female diplomats is not only an interesting experiment in event organization, but also a way for those involved to tell their own stories through the language of the ao dai: standard – graceful – professional.

Each turn of the skirt, each welcoming smile, is a cultural expression, reminding us that the ao dai is always present in important diplomatic moments, from receptions and ceremonies to participation in multilateral forums.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang and other delegates visited the exhibition space showcasing ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) by various designers.

From clothing to soft power

During the Q&A session, Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga shared insights into her professional experiences with the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) at international forums: the elegance and grace of the ao dai help establish an "aesthetic balance" at the dialogue table; the fundamental differences rooted in tradition become a cultural advantage, making friends view Vietnam with respect.

The ao dai, therefore, is not just clothing but a "symbol of conduct": it emphasizes politeness and humility, while affirming individuality and identity.

On a broader level, the program demonstrates how cultural diplomacy operates through small, persistent, and highly persuasive gestures: a well-organized show; a story about ethnic patterns; a gentle bow in a flowing dress…

All of this contributes to strengthening the "Vietnam brand" – a nation that cherishes peace, respects cultural diversity, and values creativity built upon its heritage.

Delegates pose for a commemorative photo at the event.

Connecting the creative community

Besides the fashion show, the exhibition space showcasing ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses) by various designers attracted the attention of delegates and audience members.

There, the materials are explained as "pages" about the history of the craft, about dyeing, weaving, and embroidering techniques, and about the participation of artisans from the craft villages.

The collaboration between the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy in a specialized event affirms the principle of linking "State - artisans - designers - community," thereby increasing the sustainability of the Ao Dai value chain: preservation - creation - inspiration.

The image of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs leaders presenting flowers to designers, representatives of the Association, and female officials also sends an encouraging message: all actors in the ao dai ecosystem deserve recognition, because they simultaneously fulfill many roles – creators, cultural ambassadors, and guardians of heritage.

Honoring to spread the message

"Female Diplomats in Vietnamese Ao Dai" is not ostentatious or overly technical on stage; its appeal comes from the clarity of its message and the meticulous attention to detail.

From the choice of color palette, the length of the dress, the neckline, to the rhythm of the performance – everything was geared towards the common language of the diplomatic field: sophisticated, standard, respectful of conventions, yet open and approachable.

That is also the spirit of the ao dai in contemporary life: embracing creativity, but without losing its essence.

To conclude the program, Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee Nguyen Xuan Anh presented flowers to congratulate the female officials, representatives of the Association, and designers.

These memorable moments, captured against the backdrop of silk, serve as a gentle reminder of our long-standing mission: to honor the beauty of Vietnamese women, preserve and promote the value of the ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), and continue to spread Vietnamese cultural identity on our journey of integration.

The events in Hanoi demonstrate that when culture plays its proper role in diplomacy, seemingly familiar images can transform into new energy.

The ao dai, with its characteristic elegance, continues to demonstrate enduring vitality – not only on the runway, but across all spheres of cultural exchange: where traditional beauty harmonizes with modern life, and where Vietnamese female diplomats shine with their intelligence, strength, and unmistakable identity.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/nha-ngoai-giao-nu-voi-ao-dai-viet-lan-toa-ban-sac-boi-dap-suc-manh-mem-van-hoa-175947.html