HCM CITY — More than 100 popular artists and numerous models showed off at least 300 different designs and creations as the eighth Áo Dai Festival opened last night on Nguyễn Hue Street in District 1.

All the designs from 15 new collections by famous ao dai designers like Sĩ Hoang, Đỗ Trịnh Hoai Nam, Lien Hương, and Võ Viet Chung were featured.

The collections highlighted the origin, heritage, aspiration and integration aspects of the dress, focusing on the theme: HCM City - the city I love.

Performances focusing on patriotism, women and the national dress were presented by singers and dancers. 

Phan Thị Thắng, deputy chairwoman of the city People’s Committee, said the Áo Dai Festival “aims not only to attract tourists but also to contribute to preserving, honouring and promoting the traditional cultural values and the beauty and grace of ao dai.”

Thắng noted that since its 2004 debut, the festival had become the city’s signature culture and tourism event.

This year’s event also marked a strong comeback of the city’s tourism sector, she said.

The month-long festival will include an ao dai design contest, painting on ao dai contest, and a beauty contest called Charming Áo Dai. 

Dozens of photo and picture exhibitions on women in ao dai will be held at cultural centres and museums around the city as part of the festival.

The Museum of Southern Women will host an exhibition “Áo Dai Xưa Va Nay” (Áo Dai in the Past and Present), showcasing 60 documents on ao dai and designs for women from the early 19th century until now.  

The organisers are also encouraging tailor shops and fashion houses to give discounts of 5-50 per cent on the ao dai.

All attractions in the city are offering admission fee discounts for visitors wearing the ao dai. — VNS