The week is being organized to promote Vietnamese designs and outfits for women, and the fashion industry in general, according to designer Nguyen Cao Bang Tam, head of the organizing board.

"The fashion week is a rendezvous for designers to exchange ideas and show their creation," she said. "It's also an attractive cultural event for fashion lovers."

Nearly 20 trademarks with hundreds of outfits were paraded on the evening of April 20 at the Grand Plaza, 117 Tran Duy Hung Street, Hanoi. Among the models are Thu Ha (Top 10 Miss Vietnam 2010), Hong Nhung (Top 10 Miss Vietnam 2008) and Ha Hoang Anh (Miss Ao Dai at Miss World Vietnamese).

Fashionistas will see spring and summer season designs by Do Trinh Hoai Nam, Xuan Thu and Giao Linh, as well as trademarks such as Alcado, Woman Rock, Camello and Mittex.

Designer Linh will introduce a contemporary-classic collection named Paint Me Beautiful with canvas patterns and soft materials such as silk and lace.

Designers of Alcado will feature Summer's Colours.

The stage and catwalk would be decorated in a simple and modern style with white as the major colour, said Tam.