Fashion designer Thuy Le pays tribute to the patron saint of tailoring.

According to elders, the founder of the tailoring profession was Mrs. Nguyen Thi Sen. Legend says that Mrs. Nguyen Thi Sen was born and raised in Trach Xa village, Hoa Lam commune, Ung Hoa district, Son Tay province (a village founded by Quy Minh Dai Vuong, a general under the Hung Kings). At that time, she was appointed as the Fourth Consort Empress by King Dinh Tien Hoang. In the royal palace, she was in charge of the Imperial Clothing Tailoring Department. Notably, she trained a large team of tailors and embroiderers. She taught the palace ladies every stitch, developing the tailoring profession in the royal palace in a way that had never existed before.

In the year of Ky Mao (979), King Dinh Tien Hoang died. Saddened by the court falling into war and power struggles, she took her children and left the royal palace to return to Trach Xa village, her hometown. There, she taught the villagers the sewing skills she had learned in the palace, and from then on, the sewing craft developed from generation to generation, lasting for more than a thousand years. She passed away on the 12th day of the 12th lunar month.

To ensure that future generations will remember the merits of their ancestors, the people of Trach Xa village have erected a temple to honor her as the patron saint of tailoring and organize a festival to commemorate her on the 12th day of the 12th lunar month every year.

Fashion designer Thuy Le and members of the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Club visited Trach Xa village to respectfully offer incense to the patron saint of tailoring.

To pay tribute to the founder of the craft, fashion designer Thuy Le, along with the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Club, returned to Trach Xa village to respectfully offer incense. The anniversary of the founder's death is not only a time to remember and express gratitude for the contributions of the founder of the tailoring profession, but also a spiritual and cultural aspect of Vietnamese life; it is an opportunity for fashion professionals to express their love, pride, and responsibility in preserving the national cultural heritage.

"This is a special occasion for those in the garment and fashion industry to pay tribute to the founders of the craft, to remember and honor those who built the traditional garment making profession," said designer Thuy Le.

Fashion designer Thuy Le attended the Ancestor Worship Day celebration with fashion designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam (second from the left).

On this occasion, designer Thuy Le also did not forget to express her gratitude to her mentor, designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam. “I have been involved in the fashion industry for nearly 40 years, but my connection with the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) began when I met designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam. Thanks to him, I participated in his ao dai training course, which opened up many new opportunities and a new perspective on the profession.”

"Besides professional knowledge in tailoring and designing ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), I learned a lot from Mr. Nam about management thinking and business operation. Therefore, in every achievement I have made, I always express my respect and gratitude to designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam," she said.

Fashion designer Thuy Le with members of the Vietnamese Ao Dai Culture Club in Trach Xa village.

Continuing the tradition, designer Thuy Le has spent nearly 40 years persistently exploring and creating in fashion and with the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress). She has left a strong mark through numerous programs, awards, and collections showcased on stage.

Designer Thuy Le (wearing a blue ao dai) with her collection "Thang Long Imperial Citadel Motifs" was awarded first prize by the Vietnam Women's Union.

Most notably, in 2020, designer Thuy Le won first prize in the "Proud of Vietnamese Ao Dai" design competition organized by the Vietnam Women's Union with her ao dai collection "Thang Long Imperial Citadel Patterns". Following that success, Thuy Le once again incorporated the idea of ​​ancient artifacts from the Thang Long Imperial Citadel onto ao dai in her collection titled "Preserving the Legacy of a Thousand Years". Drawing inspiration from the Thang Long Imperial Citadel complex, the artifacts preserved there with invaluable cultural value, and the magnificent architecture associated with the glorious dynasties of Vietnam, the designer incorporated patterns and motifs from the Kinh Thien Palace steps and dragon and phoenix imagery, symbolizing the prosperity of the Thang Long capital dynasties.

The collection is titled "Leaving a Legacy for a Thousand Years" by designer Thuy Le.

The Lotus Autumn collection, showcased at Hang Mua, Ninh Binh in August 2022, is also a highlight that she cherishes. While exploring the familiar theme of the lotus flower, the designer has researched and experimented to create something different, both sophisticated and highly practical for the wearer.

Designer Thuy Le showcased her Autumn Lotus collection at Hang Mua, Ninh Binh.

At the 2023 Hanoi Autumn Festival, organized by the Hanoi People's Committee and held in the Ho Guom pedestrian area, designer Thuy Le continued to honor the theme of traditional culture. Each design in the collection bears the distinct personal touch of the designer. From intricate floral patterns to modern, stylized motifs, everything is expressed in a subtle and harmonious way.

Designer Thuy Le's collection of ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses) was showcased at the Hanoi Autumn Festival 2023.

Designer Thuy Le believes that while the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) is already very familiar, the difference lies in the cutting and embroidery techniques, the use of color, composition, and decoration, which allow designers to express their own unique style and aesthetic sense. “Many people design ao dai, and each has their own techniques and creativity. For me, whenever I design, I always keep in mind that the Vietnamese ao dai is not just a traditional garment, but has become a cultural symbol, embodying both the material and spiritual civilization of the Vietnamese people. When wearing an ao dai, it's not simply about wearing a beautiful and dignified outfit; it's also a reminder that we are Vietnamese citizens, carrying the beauty of Vietnamese culture,” she said.

Designer Thuy Le also believes that in the era of the 4.0 revolution, the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) is facing many challenges in terms of innovation to suit the modern space. If the garment and design thinking are not renewed daily, the traditional attire will not be able to survive. However, no matter how creative or innovative, it must adhere to traditional cultural values. Regardless of the era, the ao dai must bring a gentle and modest beauty to women. Both the wearer and the ao dai are honored and complement each other. Therefore, each outfit is a labor of love and dedication that I pour into it.

Designers Thuy Le and Kim Hanh.

Currently, in addition to her design work, she also holds the position of Vice President of the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Club, which connects and creates a platform for ao dai enthusiasts to express their passion, thereby promoting culture and tourism to friends both domestically and internationally.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/ntk-thuy-le-tri-an-to-nghe-may-17225011306164032.htm