Artist Dang Thi Thu An is one of the prominent faces among the promising generation of 1980s artists from Hue. With works deeply characterized by traditional culture, especially depicting women figures and áo dài, she has contributed to creating a unique impression in contemporary Vietnamese painting.

Inspired by the phoenix (“Linh phung” in Vietnamese), a symbol of eternal grace and happiness, the 12 ao dai collections showcased at the recent “Linh phung” Ao dai Festival have left deep impressions and emotions in the hearts of the public and audience.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has just issued a decision to recognize “The Knowledge of Making and Wearing Hue Ao dai” of Thua Thien Hue Province as part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This serves as an impetus for the Thua Thien Hue Garment Association to promote the introduction of the five-panel Ao dai into schools.

“The fact that “Knowledge of Tailoring and Wearing Hue Ao Dai” having just been enlisted as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage not only is an honor and pride, but at the same time, affirms that Hue Ao Dai always carries the traditional cultural values of the nation and has a strong vitality throughout history,” emphasized Mr. Phan Thanh Hai, Member of the National Cultural Heritage Council, Director of the provincial Department of Culture and Sports when sharing the story about the new recognition of it with Thua Thien Hue Weekly.

After more than four years of implementation, the project “Hue – The Capital of Ao Dai Vietnam” has more or less received the attention and positive response of the public through many activities and events. Besides, there have been policies that create favourable conditions for businesses operating in the tailoring industry, as well as encourage people to wear ao dai on important occasions and events, which has popularised the image of ao dai.

Throughout the S-shaped strip of the land of Vietnam, Ao dai can be found in every region. Specifically, in Hue, Ao dai has become a part of the cultural identity and unique beauty of the people here. An important milestone in Hue Ao dai costume was in 1744, after Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat ascended the throne in Phu Xuan, he promulgated many policies and mentioned the modification of costumes. Thereafter, during the Nguyen Dynasty, the court issued an order, creating an opportunity for Hue women in particular and Vietnamese women in general to wear Ao dai regularly. Accordingly, the tradition of wearing Ao dai gradually entered the daily life of people.

For Hue Ancient Capital, Ao dai is a unique cultural heritage that has been formed, developed, and existed for over 300 years. In recent years, Thua Thien Hue has launched and promoted the revival of the traditional ao dai (including both male and female versions) in connection with the implementation of “Hue - The capital of Ao dai Vietnam” project. Ao dai has been integrated into daily life, cultural festivals, sports events, and flag-raising ceremonies in offices.

On the afternoon of June 26, High School for Gifted Students of the University of Sciences, Hue University held an awarding ceremony for the contest “Designing 12 zodiac animal stamps on the Ao dai in 2024”. The contest aims to respond to the Ao dai Week 2024 activity, and, at the same time, create opportunities for members of the school's stamp club to learn about the traditional 12 zodiac animal stamps.

On the morning of June 25, Hue Monuments Conservation Center in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Culture and Sports organized a ceremony to offer incense and flowers, and a procession of gratitude to the ancestor on the occasion of the death anniversary of Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat, the person who laid the foundation of Vietnamese ao dai.

The Community Ao dai Week 2024, organized by the Department of Culture and Sports, officially opened on the afternoon of June 24th at 15 Le Loi Building, Hue City. This week-long series of activities and events aims to promote and spread the image of ao dai to the community.