Models wear an Ao Dai collection, entitled “Vietnamese Brocade” at the event (Photo:VietnamPlus) Hanoi (VNA) – Ao Dai and Kimono, the traditional costumes of Vietnam and Japan, were showcased at an event in Hanoi on October 12 to honour the beauty of the two nations.
The event, entitled “ Beautiful Colours of Vietnam and Japan”, featured two collections by Vietnamese designer Nguyen Lan Vy and Japanese Kimono expert Junko Sophia Kakizaki.
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum (VWM) and the Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club co-hosted the event, aimed at celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Japan. The event was also timed for the occasion of the 93rd anniversary of Vietnamese Women’s Day and 24th anniversary of Hanoi’s recognition as a “City for Peace” by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Nguyen Lan Vy’s Ao Dai collection is inspired by Vietnam’s traditional stories. (Photo: VietnamPlus) In her remarks at the event, Nguyen Thi Minh Huong, vice chairwoman of the Vietnam Women’s Union, affirmed the close relationship between the two countries Vietnam and Japan, saying during the struggle for national unification, Japanese women had held many activities to support Vietnam such as the "1 Yen Support Vietnam" movement.
She went on to say that good relations between the two countries continue to be nurtured by their women through cooperation programmes and practical activities to assist women in poverty reduction, economic development, preservation of traditional culture, cultural exchange activities, and promote gender equality.
Nguyen Lan Vy’s Ao Dai collection is inspired by Vietnam’s traditional stories (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The two collections, entitled “Vietnamese brocade” and “Japan’s four seasons” brought a feast for the eyes to audiences and provided them with new ways to view the traditional costumes from the two countries.
The Vietnamese designer’s collection featured 10 Ao Dai made from brocade and silk. These designs were inspired by Vietnam’s traditional stories on sacred animals - dragon and phoenix, and iconic bronze drum.
Lotus, the national flower of Vietnam was also featured in the Ao Dai collection in soft and creative patterns.
Designer Lan Vy is a native of the ancient capital of Hue. She is the founder of the "Ao Dai Show" - an art and cultural programme which tells the story of the traditional culture of Vietnamese from the past to the present. The show has a combination of traditional and modern themes, aiming to introduce to visitors the development of the Vietnamese Ao Dai, the traditional dress that is nearly 300 years old.
“Japan’s four seasons” collection showcases Japanese traditional dyeing and embroidering skills (Photo: VietnamPlus) Meanwhile, the Kimono collection included 10 designs assessed as artworks spotlighting Japan’s natural beauty and uniqueness.
The collection also showcases Japanese traditional dyeing and embroidering skills via patterns of waves, flamingoes and the beauty of seasonal flowers such as chrysanthemums and cherry blossoms.
As part of the show, the Japanese expert presented a Kimono set that carries high artistic and cultural values to VWM. This is also a souvenir passed down by her grandmother and mother. It was originally a gift for the coming of age ceremony, a traditional holiday in Japan that celebrates young Japanese men and women entering adulthood at 20.
Junko Sophia Kakizaki is known for actively promoting Japanese culture abroad, such as the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and especially Kimono (Photo: VietnamPlus) Junko Sophia is known for promoting Japanese culture abroad, such as the tea ceremony, flower arrangements, and especially the coveted Kimono. She has traveled to 55 countries around the world to present lectures about Japanese culture.
The Japanese expert said she was very impressed with Ao Dai of Vietnam and wanted to introduce the beauty of Japanese Kimono costumes to Vietnamese./.
