The event, led by renowned designer Minh Hanh in collaboration with the Center for East Asian Studies at Columbia University, was part of activities to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States.

Over 200 Ao Dai designs were introduced, transforming Columbia’s stately campus into a living gallery of Vietnamese tradition.

The programme featured five collections, inspired by lotus flowers, Bao Loc silk, Zeng brocade, Kim Son sedge, and paintings by artists like Dinh Cuong and Be Ky that not only showcased the craftsmanship of Vietnamese fashion but also highlighted how art can serve as a bridge between national identity and universal human connection.

Beyond fashion, the event emphasized the Ao Dai’s role as a cultural ambassador. Minh Hanh, known for elevating the Ao Dai on the international stage through her Ao Dai–Painting series, has brought Vietnamese designs to cities such as Rome, Milan, Paris, and Moscow. At Columbia, she underscored that the Ao Dai is more than just attire - it is a living expression of Vietnamese identity.

The Ao Dai breathes and tells stories, said the designer, adding when someone wears an image from a Dinh Cuong or Be Ky painting, they’re not just wearing silk, they’re carrying history, art, and cultural heritage through the streets of New York.

The success of the event has paved the way for a special cultural exchange between Columbia University and Vietnam’s Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam) in Hanoi, scheduled for early November. This initiative aims to deepen educational and cultural ties between the two countries, furthering the role of heritage in international dialogue.

700 women in Ao Dai set new Vietnamese record

VOV.VN - As many as 700 women have worn Ao Dai (traditional long dress) and Non La (palm-leaf conical hat), forming the iconic Hanoi Flag Tower, recognised as the largest of its kind in the nation by the Vietnam Records Organization (Vietkings).