Diplomatic fashion

In recent years, fashion has become an important part of diplomatic cultural events. From the outfits of wives and diplomats to the runway collections, all aim to connect and introduce culture, art and the quintessence of Vietnamese handicrafts to international friends.

Russian model shows off Vietnamese ao dai

During the 10-day Vietnam Cultural Festival 2025 in Russia (from July 25 to August 3) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Russia diplomatic relations, Ao Dai fashion was performed and exhibited in a solemn private space. The highlight that moved overseas Vietnamese present at Red Square in Moscow was when Russian girls wearing traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai stepped onto the stage to perform. Designer Vu Viet Ha said he brought two special collections to Russia. The Hanoi 12 Flower Seasons collection recreates visual experiences through each month of the year, each month is a typical flower associated with memories of the people and culture of Hanoi. The Ao Dai with the 1930s style is not only fashion but also carries the quintessence of embroidery and weaving villages...

"I feel honored, uplifted and filled with gratitude for having the opportunity to promote traditional ao dai to the world," said designer Vu Viet Ha. He hopes that through ao dai, he can connect hearts that love art, beauty and nature; together sharing values ​​that transcend language and geographical boundaries. In addition, there is a collection of more than 10 ao dai designs worn by the wife of General Secretary To Lam, Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, in a series of events. Choosing a straight-cut ao dai with many different colors, the lady cleverly combined the outfit with handmade accessories such as carved silver bracelets, delicate jade necklaces, etc. The designer said that each of these ao dai designs was carefully calculated from color to pattern to suit each space, location and nature of the event where the lady appeared. This trip gave him the opportunity to learn from the lady about the suitability of the outfit and the space. When going international, the Ao Dai is not only a simple costume but also a cultural symbol, expressing pride and love for the country. The Ao Dai is the message about the dignity, intelligence and position of Vietnamese women when appearing anywhere.

Madam Ngo Phuong Ly presented an ao dai to Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO, at an event held in Hanoi in June 2025.

PHOTO: NTKCC

Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly and designer Vu Viet Ha introduce Ao Dai to international friends at the 2025 Vietnamese Cultural Festival in Russia

PHOTO: NTKCC

Champa Flower Ao Dai by designer Vu Viet Ha performed at the 80th Anniversary of Vietnam National Day in Pakse, Champasak province (Laos)

PHOTO: NTKCC

Cultural bridge

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh once surprised everyone when he wore a silk shirt with printed patterns when attending a conference held in Malaysia (May 2025). Recently, the designer revealed that the design of the shirt worn by the Prime Minister has a hidden meaning of diplomacy. The shirt is made of silk fabric, the pattern on the shirt is stylized from traditional Malaysian patterns.

In early October 2025, designer Minh Hanh brought 5 Ao Dai collections to the US to perform at the event "Ao Dai on the Heritage Road" (Journey Connecting Heritages). The program was held at Columbia University, part of a series of activities celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the US. More than 200 Ao Dai pieces were made from Bao Loc silk, Zeng brocade, Kim Son sedge, using motifs from paintings by artists Dinh Cuong, Be Ky... not only for fashion but also to open a bridge of culture and ethnicity. "Ao Dai is still the identity to recognize Vietnam in the modern world. When wearing costumes with images of paintings by Dinh Cuong or Be Ky, you are not only wearing silk but also carrying on you the history, paintings and heritage of Vietnam", said designer Minh Hanh.

Russian model wearing Vietnamese ao dai at Red Square in Moscow, Russia

PHOTO: NTKCC

Fashion show "Ao Dai on the Heritage Road" at Columbia University (USA)

PHOTO: Organizing Committee

Ombre dyed ao dai performed with a silk scarf painted with the image of the Golden Temple Wat Arun (Thailand) by designer Trung Dinh

PHOTO: Organizing Committee

When using fashion to tell stories about culture, heritage, art and craftsmanship, designers must have special sensitivity and sophistication. Artisan - Designer Trung Dinh said that when he accepted the invitation to bring the Vietnam Mountains and Rivers collection to perform at the 80th Anniversary of Vietnam's National Day in Singapore, he decided to create two new, carefully crafted works to convey the message of "Vietnam's mountains and rivers, prosperity and peace" because he realized the importance of the event. Choosing the image of the Turtle Tower representing the capital Hanoi, he painted this motif on a silk scarf instead of on the Ao Dai as usual. Previously, in the Humanity Colors collection introducing 60 famous cultural sites, he also received many compliments for his thoughtfulness. Famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower (France), Sydney (Australia), the Statue of Liberty (USA), Venice (Italy)... are all painted on the ao dai, while architectural works with religious elements such as Angkor Wat (Cambodia), Wat Arun Golden Temple (Thailand) are painted on silk scarves, performed in combination with ombre-dyed ao dai...

It can be seen that the role and position of fashion are increasingly promoted in diplomacy and cultural exchange. Fashion has become a way to bring Vietnamese culture to the world, a bridge to bring the name of Vietnam closer to tourists and international friends. Before the outstanding diplomatic programs held this year, there were many events that made a big splash with fashion as one of the outstanding activities such as the Vietnam National Day event at the World Exhibition EXPO 2021 Dubai, cultural festivals and Vietnam Day events in many countries around the world.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thoi-trang-ngoai-giao-18525110120151803.htm