Female ambassadors to go catwalk in Vietnamese ‘ao dai’

Hanoi (VNA) – Several female ambassadors and ambassadors’ spouses will go catwalk in Vietnam’s traditional long dress (ao dai) for the first time during a festival live broadcast in Hanoi on March 4.

They are Italian Ambassador Cecilia Piccioni, Italian Vice Ambassador Natalia Sangtitini, spouse of Haitian Ambassador Jovana Benoit, spouse of UK Ambassador Gill Level, and Director of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture Zubtsova Elena Robertovna.

The highlight of the ao dai show on the night of March 4 will also be the ramp walk of artists Tra Giang, Thanh Tu, Nhu Quynh, Minh Chau, Ngoc Lan, Thanh Loan, and Kim Tien.

Professional models, children and the disabled will also strut on the stage at Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), which was built in 1070 by King Ly Thanh Tong who dedicated it to Confucius. It is regarded as the first university of Vietnam.

Nineteen designers from across the country will present their latest collection of ‘ao dai’ inspired by various flowers, designer Minh Hanh told a press conference in Hanoi on March 1.

Audiences will see the collections designed for all people, including old women and men, children and the disabled, she added.

Meanwhile in southern metropolis Ho Chi Minh City, the third festival called “Ho Chi Minh City – Ao Dai City” will be held from March 5-20.

The opening ceremony will take place on March 8, attracting nearly 1,000 students.

The “Ao Dai City – Beloved City” will see students in the tunic ride bicycles from the Youth Cultural House to major destinations around the city to promote tourism.

Seminars on the history of the costume, its use and cultural value will be held.

Tailors, companies and shopping malls will offer discounts on ao dais and accessories during the festival.

Tourists can get ao dais done in short order.

There will be an ao dai decoration competition for local and foreign contestants on March 19-20.-VNA