Ao dai collection “Returning to the Roots” by designer Thao Tran (Photo: VOV)

Designer Thoa Tran said each ao dai in her collection tells an historical story through its details and patterns. The collection integrates both tradition and a modern style to convey the spirit of national pride, to honor the country’s cultural heritage, and to connect young people with the Vietnam’s past.

Thoa Tran said: “Every year at the Hung Kings worship ceremony, I introduce an ao dai collection relating to the Hung Kings and the mythical tale of the Dragon and the Fairy. This year, my collection is inspired by the Hung Temple and I especially want to promote the beauty of my homeland. I also want to convey a message to all Vietnamese people living inside and outside the country to look back on our roots together, towards the annual anniversary of the Hung Kings on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, and work together to preserve Vietnam’s cultural heritage.”

The collection of 20 ao dai will be on display at the Hung Temple in Phu Tho Province as part of the art program to commemorate the death anniversary of the Hung Kings.

Historian Le Van Lan, Vice President of the Scientific Council of the Hung Kings Temple Relic, said: “The collection fully illustrates typical landscapes. The design of the fairy wings is an excellent addition which expands the performance space. The main color of yellow symbolizes the ancestral land. It’s background for images of the landscape and relic sites of the Hung Temple.”

The “Returning to the Root” ao dai collection conveys a message to young Vietnamese people to be proud and love traditional cultural values.