THE HANOI TIMES — On August 9, the Hanoi Opera House will host the official launch of the Vietnam Ao Dai Cultural Association, a dedicated community uniting Vietnamese and global enthusiasts in their mission to preserve and celebrate the cultural significance of the iconic ao dai.
Building upon the legacy of the Vietnam Ao Dai Heritage Club, the association continues impactful initiatives such as the “Youthful Silhouettes” program, which has gifted nearly 2,000 pristine white ao dai dresses to 12th-grade students in underserved communities.
These endeavors aim to integrate the grace and cultural essence of the ao dai into both everyday life and educational contexts.
Founding Committee of the Vietnam Ao Dai Cultural Association convenes for the 2025 Lunar New Year meeting. Photo: Baovanhoa.vn
The association’s inaugural congress will focus on adopting its charter, electing a leadership team, and setting strategic goals for the 2025-2030 period.
In a pre-event statement, Dr. Dang Thi Bich Lien, former Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, emphasized that the ao dai transcends its role as traditional attire, embodying the spirit and cultural resilience of the Vietnamese people.
“This emblematic garment has been a constant companion to Vietnamese women throughout history, from the nation’s formative years to its current era of global integration,” she remarked.
Khuc Thi Dau, Chair of the founding committee, expressed her vision for fostering a cultural hub where ao dai enthusiasts can converge, exchange ideas, and propel its influence from daily wear into artistic and creative domains, both within Vietnam and among diaspora communities worldwide.
Looking ahead, the association aims to spearhead the nomination of the ao dai for UNESCO recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Additionally, it seeks to cultivate ao dai-centric cultural spaces that intertwine with education, artistic innovation, and creative expression.
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