The need to rediscover national identity

In the context of fashion globalization and the increasing need to express cultural identity, traditional Vietnamese clothing, especially the ao dai, is witnessing a significant transformation.

Behind this trend lies not only the efforts of individual designers, but also the formation of professional communities such as the Hanoi City Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club.

A reporter from Thanh Nien newspaper had a conversation with designer Huong Beful, President of the Vietnam Ao Dai Heritage Club in Hanoi, to explain this trend from an industry perspective.

Designer Huong Beful in a traditional Vietnamese dress (áo dài).

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE SUBJECT

How do you assess the "rise" of traditional Vietnamese clothing in recent years? Is it a fleeting trend or a sign of a sustainable cultural movement?

I believe this is a sustainable trend. When young people start embracing traditional Vietnamese clothing like the áo dài, yếm, and áo tấc as part of their "lifestyle" rather than just for festivals, it means Vietnamese traditional attire is redefining its role in modern life. The clearest signs are the rise of traditionally inspired collections at fashion weeks, the frequent appearance of Vietnamese traditional clothing in music videos, and the proactive integration of ethnic elements into modern silhouettes by young designers. This isn't a short-term trend, but reflects the need to rediscover national identity in an age of information overload.

Vietnamese traditional costume show at Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

PHOTO: VIET PHUC HOANG THANH

So what is the biggest obstacle currently preventing Vietnamese traditional clothing from becoming a popular fashion trend?

Many people still view Vietnamese traditional clothing – especially the ao dai – as a symbol of the past, something to "display" rather than to "live with." This confines traditional designs to ceremonial spaces and stages. We once surveyed people and found that many love the ao dai but don't know how to wear it appropriately for everyday work.

The solution lies not in "innovation at all costs," but in intelligent application: using eco-friendly materials, reducing unnecessary details, and combining modern techniques while preserving the cultural essence. When practicality meets the right cultural sentiment, Vietnamese traditional clothing will naturally become an everyday choice.

Vietnamese traditional costume show in Hue.

PHOTO: ROYAL COSTUMES

As the President of the Hanoi Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club, how do you view the role of community organizations in this process?

In fact, the sustainable development of a cultural movement cannot rely on a single individual, no matter how renowned the designer, but requires the formation of an organized professional community. The Hanoi Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club is one such effort.

Vietnamese traditional clothing at the Imperial Academy (Hanoi)

PHOTO: DONG CREATIVE

We have nearly 100 members, including designers, artists, cultural managers, entrepreneurs, and more, all sharing a common goal: to create a creative ecosystem around Vietnamese traditional clothing. Here, members not only organize exchange programs domestically and internationally, but also practice and inspire through their own life stories – wearing the ao dai to work, for leisure, performances, teaching, and more.

The Hanoi Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club has become a space for experimenting with ideas such as: "Ao Dai for young students," "Ao Dai incorporating recycled materials," or "Vietnamese traditional clothing and 3D scanning technology." With a sufficient creative foundation and supporting ecosystem, Vietnamese traditional clothing can break free from the stereotype of being "only for the stage."

Thank you, ma'am.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhu-cau-tim-ve-ban-sac-dan-toc-18525071222492133.htm